Advice on re-installing rear sway bar?

slotcar · 07-26-2006, 09:42 PM

I removed my rear stabilizer/sway bar to drop my engine and trans. What's the best way to re-install it? Is there a specific angle that needs to be achieved? Should the wheels be on the ground (weight on the suspension)? Any tips would be appreciated...

...this is for an 86' Carerra.

bell · bell's Garage

i just did this on my 85'.
i had the rear in the air then i mounted the bar to the body first, then i used a second jack to load the suspension until the end of the bar was near the drop link.
a little pressure on the drop link to line up the holes and the bolt slid right in. it would propbably be a little simpler with the car on the ground.

jevvy · 07-27-2006, 06:05 AM

My understanding is for most suspension components you can assemble them with the car in the air but you shouldnt tighten everything fully until the weight is back on the wheels.

I think this is so you dont tighten down things that are in an unatural(hanging as opposed to bearing weight) orientation.

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

As long as both sides are at the same height/plane, there is no pre-load on the bar and it can be easily installed.
As soon as one side is higher or lower, there is a load on the bar making it harder to match the holes.

Miguel Antonett · 07-27-2006, 07:29 AM

To intially install the sway bar in the air is OK; however, you will have to re-adjust the drop link to neutral after the suspension has settled. If not you could be preloading it, and you don't want that.

stlrj · 07-27-2006, 07:34 AM

Quote:

What's the best way to re-install it?

Don't install it just yet but drive without it until you get the feel and then install it so you can tell the difference.

You might discover as I did that it handles much better leaving it off.

Cheers,

Joe

DW SD · 07-27-2006, 07:37 AM

Mount the bar and make sure it spins without any drag then attach one drop link. When you have it on the ground, attach the second drop link. If there is preload, you may need to have your suspension corner balance checked. (The factory drop links are not adjustable, right?) If the lengths are adjustable, make sure there is no pre-load with the adjustment. If they the drop links are adjustable, you want to minimize preload (set at zero). You also want to maximize ground clearance. Usually, you don't have to compromise one for the other.

Doug