"rod end" sway bar link FYI
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,298
Likes: 1,580
From: Western NY
"rod end" sway bar link FYI
I installed the "rod end" style sway bar links on my C-5 coupe 3-4 years ago. A couple of years later, I took them off to clean and lube them. I guess that I screwed up, and didn't get them all adjusted back to the SAME length. 2 were the same, 1 was a half-turn longer, the other was 1 turn longer. Naturally, those that were the same didn't wind up on the same end of the car, they wound up opposite each other (Murphy's Law).
No wonder the car hasn't felt right!! I realize that I've hit a couple of potholes, which kicked out the alignment. However, even after re-aligning the car, it still didn't feel "right". The sway bars were loading the suspension unevenly.
I stumbled on this mistake a few days ago, when I took them off again for a clean up. Just an FYI for anyone who has these links. Be VERY careful to get them all the same length, or at least have the front the same to each other, and the rear to each other.
No wonder the car hasn't felt right!! I realize that I've hit a couple of potholes, which kicked out the alignment. However, even after re-aligning the car, it still didn't feel "right". The sway bars were loading the suspension unevenly.
I stumbled on this mistake a few days ago, when I took them off again for a clean up. Just an FYI for anyone who has these links. Be VERY careful to get them all the same length, or at least have the front the same to each other, and the rear to each other.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Fresno CA
I'm confused . I just put in Z06 bars on my 97 and also added new aluminum end links. I didn't notice any adjustments on either the old or new end links. They seem like a bolt and go kinda thing. Is there another type that has adjustments? If so, why would you want to use that kind of end link?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,298
Likes: 1,580
From: Western NY
The rod end style of end link is adjustable for length. This is helpful in getting the sway bars parallel to the chassis after a car has been lowered. Also, they don't flex like the OE plastic parts do.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Originally Posted by sogysailor
I'm confused . I just put in Z06 bars on my 97 and also added new aluminum end links. I didn't notice any adjustments on either the old or new end links. They seem like a bolt and go kinda thing. Is there another type that has adjustments? If so, why would you want to use that kind of end link?
Besides the standard metal end links there are metal adjustable endlinks. Many of us that track the car use adjustable endlinks to help with getting corner weighting correct.
I am not sure if it is needed for a daily driver or even a car that goes to the track here and there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 89
From: Indy IN
Some of us have been saying that if you lower the car incorrectly or don't get the corner weights right, you can end up with some weird handling.
I have personally experienced this on the track, and after that could notice it on the street since I knew what I was looking for... It doesn't take much to screw up the corner weights on these cars, as you have clearly found out. Sounds like you have it under control, so that's a good thing....
I have personally experienced this on the track, and after that could notice it on the street since I knew what I was looking for... It doesn't take much to screw up the corner weights on these cars, as you have clearly found out. Sounds like you have it under control, so that's a good thing....
