Sway bar preload
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,216
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
Sway bar preload
When connecting my front anti sway bar, I've noticed that the end link bolts would be different lengths when everything is in a neutral position. I'm not sure if something has been tweaked or what ever--doesn't matter because I'm not going get too involved with it.
I'm thinking that the bar should not be put under tension at normal stance and that I may need different length bolts and spacers to compensate for the differences in my suspension to get 0 preload.
Any thoughts??
I'm thinking that the bar should not be put under tension at normal stance and that I may need different length bolts and spacers to compensate for the differences in my suspension to get 0 preload.
Any thoughts??
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,351
Likes: 1,579
From: los altos hills california
Assuming your car is actually sitting on the ground (i.e. "normal stance") and not jacked up, your thinking is correct, you'll be preloading your suspension.
One way to accommodate the different lengths required is to cut the tubing that separates the bushings to the length difference you need.
One way to accommodate the different lengths required is to cut the tubing that separates the bushings to the length difference you need.
Last edited by ignatz; Dec 20, 2020 at 02:12 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,930
Likes: 4,497
From: Virginia
I'd examine the cause of the issue. Perhaps one of your front springs is not in the pocket. Perhaps one of your rear spring bolts is adjusted longer than the other. Or the swaybar itself isn't square anymore.
Otherwise, the suggestions of altering the endlinks are sound, but will confuse the issue further if you try to fix it properly.
Otherwise, the suggestions of altering the endlinks are sound, but will confuse the issue further if you try to fix it properly.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 121
From: Kernersville NC
It was actually the position of the sway bar mount on the lower control arm on mine. They were about 1/4" difference in the height of the mount measured from the ground. The frame mounting points were identical. I cut the tube spacer as mentioned above. I could have just adjusted the bolts with more threads showing on one than the other but that would have driven me crazy. The benefit of finding this was that removing the slight preload on the front corner cured the slight squat on the left rear corner.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Ignatz, is correct, but could you send a picture? Is the bar flat if placed on the ground? I know that you said that you didn't want to get too involved. But personally I would want to know what might be out.
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 8,037
Likes: 4,393
From: Marlton NJ
If you suspect something might be bent, or a spring is weak, you could tackle it this way.
Find someone who has a set of race car scales and corner weigh the car. This must be done with all sway bars disconnected.
Then find a flat floor (level it with a 6 foot aluminum I-Beam from Home Depot and with 1/16" flooring tiles)
Measure frame height, and sway bar pad mounting heights at a few spots. Near the springs is a good spot to look for spring issues.
If your frame is bent you can find it pretty easily. If it's not at least you will know and feel better.
Mine was 1" high in the left front, probably from a ditch landing at some point according to my frame guy.
I also found a broken coil this way once.
Find someone who has a set of race car scales and corner weigh the car. This must be done with all sway bars disconnected.
Then find a flat floor (level it with a 6 foot aluminum I-Beam from Home Depot and with 1/16" flooring tiles)
Measure frame height, and sway bar pad mounting heights at a few spots. Near the springs is a good spot to look for spring issues.
If your frame is bent you can find it pretty easily. If it's not at least you will know and feel better.
Mine was 1" high in the left front, probably from a ditch landing at some point according to my frame guy.
I also found a broken coil this way once.
Last edited by leigh1322; Dec 20, 2020 at 09:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,216
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
Thanks everyone.
I think I'll just cut the tube to the matching length to get 0 preload.
I really don't have the time or inclination to find out why or where the difference is. I'll just adjust to compensate for the difference.
I think I'll just cut the tube to the matching length to get 0 preload.
I really don't have the time or inclination to find out why or where the difference is. I'll just adjust to compensate for the difference.
