Cyberpunky

I have my front sway bar off and have new rubber ready to put on. Anyone got any tips on getting the rubber out of the holders ? Do you cut it out, or can you put a lubricant on it to aid in getting them out ? Also do I just try and open up the clamp holders to get that rubber off(from the bigger rubber on hangers) ?
TIA
peace
Cyberpunky

Darwantae951

I spread the bracket slightly and cut the old ones out. I used soapy water on the new ones to get them installed. Didn't take that long.

AScholtes

I did the same... slightly spread the bracket to remove and install then new ones. I like to use plumbers grease on rubber as it is designed to lubricate and not damage rubber seals. You can find it at lowes or home depot in the plumbers section.... but soapy water does the trick as well..

Cyberpunky

Thanks guys. Used soapy water and cut the old rubber out. Getting the clamps over the new rubber was a bit of struggle but after widening the clamps a bit, and afew taps with a soft tipped hammer, I got them on. The holders at the end were a challenge too. I ended up running hot tap water over them for a few minutes, and then covered them in dish washing liquid. With a bit of effort, I got them to push in.

The next issue was getting the clamps done up. I had no idea, and was struggling but luckily my neighbour was there to help. It is much easier with 2 ppl, but his winning idea, that saved the day, was to use a trolley jack to lift sway bar. The car was on ramps, so we slid in the trolley jack and lifted the sway bar and the bolts went in a treat. We used a big set of adjustable grips(?) to compress the clamp to get them done up.

The car feels a lot tighter/smoother, and the clunking sound, when turning, I got after I fitted the sway bar braces, is now gone. Best bang for buck thing I have done to the car so far
peace
Cyberpunky

Paulyy

Fintro11

How long did it take you? This is next on my things to do

mytrplseven

This should be a one hour project if you have the parts and tools. It's not that difficult

J1NX3D

i used soapy water and similar to you, i used the jack from my car to line up the holes on the bracket.

Cyberpunky

it took a couple of hours but I could do it a lot quicker now I have done it once. I wish someone had told me about using the jack, as I was getting very frustated before we did that, as it is incredibly hard to get bolts in without it, and not made any easier with just one set of hands. We used multi grips but you could use vice grips. It's a task that can be done by yourself but it is a lot easier with help. I am sure it's a piece of cake for experienced ppl but for those of us without the experience, being told how easy it is, doesn't really help when you are under the car struggling to get the bolts in
peace
Cyberpunky

Paulyy

Just a note, i took my swaybar off with the car on stands and the wheels hanging, This let the sway bar come out and get put in a lot easer.

Cyberpunky

I have stands I could have used and that no doubt makes it a lot easier, but to be honest, I feel a lot safer under the car when it's on ramps. The other thing is I had no idea stands would make it easier
peace
Cyberpunky

nasty9er

when you start getting frustrated stop. walk away, smoke a cig or swig your beer and think about what was going wrong and how to get around it..................... rinse and repeat

Hollywood D

Using a jack to lift the sway bar into the drop brackets it a must. That's the only way I've been able to get the holes to line up easily.

Cyberpunky

Tried that several times and the right solution never came. When I fitted the sway bar braces, only solution I came to, was using thinner bolts(not ideal obviously). Didn't matter how many times I walked away, would never have thought of using trolly jack. Oh well you live and learn

peace
Cyberpunky

VaSteve

I use WD-40 when putting the bushings back on. When I want to line up the two halves of the clamp, I put a vicegrip on it to hold it closed while I try and put a bolt through.