NB Sway Bar Link Bolts - Tighten When Wheels Are Off Ground?

gussy · Postby **gussy** » Tue Feb 14, 2012 11:14 pm

Righto,

I'm making a few changes to my NB suspension and just need to confirm a few things if possible. I remember on my NA you had to tighten the sway bar end links with the wheels on the ground (or ramps) as the rubbers in the end links could tear otherwise when lowered from a car lift. I read somewhere that this doesn't apply to the NB model - i.e you can tighten the sway bars links with the car in the air on a lift?

Also - anyone know the torque to tighten the nuts on the end links to?

I'm also installing a set of coilovers - anyone have an idea what NB struts are torqued to when torquing the nuts?

Cheers in advance

deviant · Postby **deviant** » Tue Feb 14, 2012 11:20 pm

Cant help you with the others off the top of my head but I would suggest having the weight of the car on the wheels to install a sway bar.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Wed Feb 15, 2012 9:32 am

rather than put the wheels back on and then have to awkwardly find a way to reach the end links, just put a jack under the hub and jack it up until the load is off.

That way there's no wheel in the way, and you don't need to get under the car.

zossy1 · Postby **zossy1** » Wed Feb 15, 2012 1:09 pm

OEM NB endlinks utilise a universal ball-type joint at either end. This is why there is no rubber bush to destroy like the NA endlink, which is bushed at either end.

It is always easier to install endlinks when the car is on the ground, though if your endlinks aren't adjustable it probably doesn't make much of a difference as it will not affect the ultimate roll balance of the car (I am even skeptical that any damage could result to standard NA links under these circumstances - sounds like paranoia to me). However, note that without adjustable endlinks, the slightest difference in ride height right to left will make it difficult to bolt the links up, and when you do bolt them up, the car will not be roll-neutral (this will become painfully clear to you when you start messing with the sway bar after playing with ride heights).