Newbie question - sway bar install

I may be purchasing a 20mm rear bar tomorrow as an upgrade to my stock 17mm. What tools will I definitely need for the install? ...and is it really as easy as getting under the car with ramps, taking off some bolts, replacing the bar, and putting them back on? :hsugh:

 

Yep it is, make sure you have weight on the wheels, aka on ramps. Probably need a 14mm ratchet and box end wrench. Also a can of rust penetrant could help.

 

I think you'll need 14mm socket and wrench for the links and stuff. Possibly 12mm for the mounts. Be sure to have some suspension grease and thoroughly grease the bushings inside and out. A torque wrench will be handy as I believe the torque specs for the endlink bolts is around 35-37ft lbs. If your car isn't lowered you can do it without ramps, though ramps are nice because when you put the new bar on the endlinks, you want the suspension to be under load. Maybe add some pb blaster to the list in case the bolts are stubborn.

 

Yea I did the rear on my RS by having the back end in a garage and the front end going down a driveway..... enough for me to crawl under. You are right I think the mounts for the bushings are 12mm. The biggest fight I had was with the emissions canister in the back for the gas tank.

 

Are you replacing the mounts? what year?

 

Ill take the old bar if you wanna sell it

 

I probably won't replace the mounts -- my understanding is the threshold for that is when you go bigger than 20mm...

My WRX wagon is a 2004. 94k miles, but I bought it from the first owner with 90k and they babied it.

 

Sure. If the new bar fits and works like I want it to, then it's yours for a reduced price.

It's only a 17mm, though. Is that what you want?

 

If you don't grease the bushings what happens? I don't think mine were when they were installed. They make some noise in the mornings when they're cold but not later once it warms up.

 

...they make noise.

 

Its better then my buddies 13mm :biggrin:

 

Cool. I'll probably be installing my new bar in the next couple weeks or so. Don't let me forget.

 

I have the old 17mm bar off the car now, with 20mm installed. PM me if you still want it.

Did the install today -- love the difference!

Yeah, WD-40 + Silicone Lubricant, 14 + 12mm wrenches & sockets, some extensions... pretty easy. The worst part was loosening the bolts. Then there was weaseling the old bar around the exhaust, but overall really, really easy.

:laugh: