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Baxter
MINI Motorer
Joined: October/15/07
Location: Everett
Status: Offline
Points: 246
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Topic: Rear Sway bar install... Check... Posted: November/04/08 at 12:29am |
Ok... So after having it sit in my garage for a couple of months... And great thanks to Sanaye, I have a rear sway to install. I am going to attempt to tackle it Sunday. I have read several how tos and it doesnt seem like I need any special tools. I will have an extra set of hands under there with me, which should help... Its an H&R 19mm.
Anybody have any last words of advice, tips, tricks etc etc etc...
Edited by Baxter - November/09/08 at 10:11am
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Formerly known as a MINI owner... But no longer... Now I am just a lurker
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Wildfamily
PSMINI Expert Advisor
PSMINI Member
Joined: March/11/06
Location: United States
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Points: 4559
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Posted: November/04/08 at 1:07am |
I haven't installed a sway bar, but I've taken every other part of my suspension apart including shocks, springs, end-links, etc. You are correct, no special tools needed. Just take your time and make sure the car is SECURELY situated on the jack stands. Also, make sure you get all of your torque specs correct. You will love it when you are done! Good luck.
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'15 F55 Cooper Volcanic Orange '80 Mini English White
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johnf36
PSMINI Expert Advisor
PSMINI Member
Joined: August/30/07
Location: Ephrata, Wa.
Status: Offline
Points: 8612
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Posted: November/04/08 at 1:46am |
I think Tristan has the record on this item John
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If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.
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Baxter
MINI Motorer
Joined: October/15/07
Location: Everett
Status: Offline
Points: 246
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Posted: November/04/08 at 6:08am |
Unfortunately Tristan is in Yakima... and I am not...
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Formerly known as a MINI owner... But no longer... Now I am just a lurker
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MINI-Rolls
MINI Motorer
Joined: August/12/04
Location: Olympia
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Points: 2386
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Posted: November/04/08 at 6:23am |
It is pretty easy, I did mine on the Cabrio in about 45 minutes. You just need to drop the rear frame assembly and then unbolt the stock bar. It sort of slides out just take it slow, and move it around as you slide it out. Then just slide the new one back in. The worst part was jacking up the car and removing the tire.
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Baxter
MINI Motorer
Joined: October/15/07
Location: Everett
Status: Offline
Points: 246
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Posted: November/04/08 at 9:14am |
Anything else I should do while I am down there and the car is apart? Lube anything? Replace anything???
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Formerly known as a MINI owner... But no longer... Now I am just a lurker
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MINI-Rolls
MINI Motorer
Joined: August/12/04
Location: Olympia
Status: Offline
Points: 2386
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Posted: November/04/08 at 9:24am |
The sway bar you have comes with teflon bushing so no need to lube. I did not lube mine and no noise at all. Two years installed now. You may want to clean / paint your calipers and wipe down the wheel wells.
Edited by MINI-Rolls - November/04/08 at 9:40am
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Baxter
MINI Motorer
Joined: October/15/07
Location: Everett
Status: Offline
Points: 246
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Posted: November/09/08 at 10:16am |
Well, it took about 4 hours. (But that was with a beer/pizza break in the middle) Mainly because of 2 problematic bolts. The first one was the front swaybar bolt on the right side. Not enough clearance to get a socket over it or a wrench around it... Had to use needlenose pliers and turn it about 1/100 of a turn at a time... The other one was the right side, sub-frame bolt. The one on the inside of the car, that one was in there pretty good. Once we got the subframe down and the struts out, it was no problem.
Now I can do coilovers with no problem... (well the wife me have a problem with me buying them)
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Formerly known as a MINI owner... But no longer... Now I am just a lurker
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onramp
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Posted: November/09/08 at 12:24pm |
I've learned the hard way - bolt all the attachment hardware down while the subframe is loose. A LOT more room to work.
No problem with this method unless the new hardware doesn't clear some inner bodywork. Right, Mitch?
Pat
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2006 Hyper Blue JCW
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johnf36
PSMINI Expert Advisor
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Joined: August/30/07
Location: Ephrata, Wa.
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Posted: November/09/08 at 4:57pm |
Those are some strong needlenose pliers.
John
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If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.
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Baxter
MINI Motorer
Joined: October/15/07
Location: Everett
Status: Offline
Points: 246
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Posted: November/10/08 at 12:48am |
johnf36 wrote:
Those are some strong needlenose pliers.
John
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And today, its a really tired hand...
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Formerly known as a MINI owner... But no longer... Now I am just a lurker
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