Sway bar install question

[M43S7RO]

I've got a Dinan adjustable bar (front) coming and would like to know if it is okay to install an adjustable sway bar with the stock end links? I figure the stock end links will keep me from having to fiddle with the endlink adjustment and should provide ideal geometry (avoid preload). Please let me know if I am incorrect.

From what I can gather, it seems that the adjustable end links are useful when lowered where the geometry does not allow the stock links to work or in track situations when trying to pre-load one side vs the other for given track configurations, etc.

I am on stock, non-zcp suspension and at the moment do not plan to track her but certainly enjoy spirited drives on twisty roads.

I tried searching but surprisingly there is just about no info on the forum about installing swaybars.

Help is appreciated!

[VictorH]

Yes, just use the stock end links, you'll be fine. No advantage to the adjustable ones at this point.

[M43S7RO]

Awesome, thank you!

Originally Posted by VictorH

Yes, just use the stock end links, you'll be fine. No advantage to the adjustable ones at this point.

[CSBM5]

I have the original non-adjustable Dinan front bar, and using the stock endlinks is fine/recommended. However, on this new design adjustable bar, since it is hollow it has a larger diameter (32mm), and Dinan has a specific procedure you do during installation to ensure that the bar does not bind against the tie rods during full suspension movement. In fact, they state you should adjust the end link lengths each time you move to a different setting.

It comes with high quality adjustable end links, so I would strongly recommend following their installation procedure. Here is the link to the install instructions.

Regards,
Chuck

[M43S7RO]

Okay, thank you for the information. I had looked over the installation instructions previously and thought that maybe I could avoid the need for adjustment and inherently that I do it incorrectly.

Originally Posted by CSBM5

I have the original non-adjustable Dinan front bar, and using the stock endlinks is fine/recommended. However, on this new design adjustable bar, since it is hollow it has a larger diameter (32mm), and Dinan has a specific procedure you do during installation to ensure that the bar does not bind against the tie rods during full suspension movement. In fact, they state you should adjust the end link lengths each time you move to a different setting.

It comes with high quality adjustable end links, so I would strongly recommend following their installation procedure. Here is the link to the install instructions.

Regards,
Chuck

[roastbeef]

i'm no expert on this stuff, but get the adjustable links. you don't want to setup a swaybar with pre-load (leads to cracks). its a nominal cost, just do it right the first time.

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

i'm no expert on this stuff, but get the adjustable links. you don't want to setup a swaybar with pre-load (leads to cracks). its a nominal cost, just do it right the first time.

No need...nice quality adjustable endlinks come with the Dinan front sway bar.

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

No need...nice quality adjustable endlinks come with the Dinan front sway bar.

Perfect.

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

It comes with high quality adjustable end links, so I would strongly recommend following their installation procedure. Here is the link to the install instructions.

Originally Posted by CSBM5

No need...nice quality adjustable endlinks come with the Dinan front sway bar.

I had no idea this kit came with adjustable endlinks, in that case the price makes a LOT more sense. Definitely on my list of upgrades!

[M43S7RO]

10% off dinan products at bmwpartswarehouse.com with code "fall". Good through 10/17.

Originally Posted by ///Mobbin

I had no idea this kit came with adjustable endlinks, in that case the price makes a LOT more sense. Definitely on my list of upgrades!

[Datka]

Originally Posted by M43S7RO

10% off dinan products at bmwpartswarehouse.com with code "fall". Good through 10/17.

Thanks for the info. Do you know if they include adjustable links with the bar?
Their website does not mention adj. links

[roastbeef]

dinan used to have a 15% off october sale each year. they jacked up their prices a while back and haven't had the sale in a while.

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by Datka

Thanks for the info. Do you know if they include adjustable links with the bar?
Their website does not mention adj. links

Are you referring to the Dinan web site? It specifically states: "Includes: Lightweight Tubular Adjustable Front Anti-Roll Bar, Urethane Bushings, Heavy Duty Brackets, Adjustable Length End Links."

Here's the link.



..

[M43S7RO]

According to the description in the link below, it does come with adjustable links so is the same package as the Dinan website:

http://www.bmwpartswarehouse.com/Din...96185-1127.htm

Originally Posted by Datka

Thanks for the info. Do you know if they include adjustable links with the bar?
Their website does not mention adj. links

[Datka]

Originally Posted by M43S7RO

According to the description in the link below, it does come with adjustable links so is the same package as the Dinan website:

http://www.bmwpartswarehouse.com/Din...96185-1127.htm

You are right. I missed it probably because they didn't separate these words
This 3hole bar can be mountedin 5different positions with suppliedend links that are left and right hand threaded for easy length adjustment.

[Datka]

Just placed an order
They had 3 bars in stock now they have two left.
Letting you guys know in case you want to get it at 10% discount

[M43S7RO]

I got a chance to install the bar this weekend. Not supposed to take long and certainly was not difficult but it did take me a good chunk of the morning as I removed all of the felt covers in the front and wheels.

I sure some could probably do it by only removing the splash shield.

The supplied end links seem much sturdier than oem:


On stock suspension, I had to keep the end links as short as possible in order to clear the steering boots in full droop. I went with the middle setting for middle of the road stiffness. I do run wider wheels/tires up front which is when an upgraded front sway bar makes more sense from what I have read here.

Below are pics of the attachment points after the suspension was compressed again, they look good to me and I don't see anything that looks like what I understand to be binding.

For those familiar, please let me know if anything looks off as it is my first time installing adjustable end links:

Left:




Right:




No chance to take her for a good spin yet to get a feel for it but a quick shuffling around my cul-de-sac didn't reveal any unusual sounds so I think all is good!

[Datka]

To remove “preload” from the anti-roll bar dinan instructions suggest to set car on the ground (or alignment rack) with the steering pointed straight ahead, disconnect one end link from the anti-roll bar, loosen jam nuts and adjust the end link length as required to align the stud with your chosen hole, reattach end link to the anti-roll bar and tighten the jam nuts.
Did you follow these instructions?

[M43S7RO]

I have not done this portion, it doesn't seem to me that I would have any pre-load as the end-links are literally as short as they can be and so are the same length.

I will detach one side in the next few days though to check. I really hope I don't have to make one side shorter...

Originally Posted by Datka

To remove “preload” from the anti-roll bar dinan instructions suggest to set car on the ground (or alignment rack) with the steering pointed straight ahead, disconnect one end link from the anti-roll bar, loosen jam nuts and adjust the end link length as required to align the stud with your chosen hole, reattach end link to the anti-roll bar and tighten the jam nuts.
Did you follow these instructions?

[Datka]

Originally Posted by M43S7RO

I have not done this portion, it doesn't seem to me that I would have any pre-load as the end-links are literally as short as they can be and so are the same length.

I will detach one side in the next few days though to check. I really hope I don't have to make one side shorter...

Yeah. That step is done to check if there is any pre-load or not. You cant really tell if there is any pre-load or not otherwise.
I am about to install mine in a few days, but wont be able to test it on the track till the spring time

[M43S7RO]

I loosened one of the links this morning and it was fine, no pre-load. I re-attached the end link in the same position without any adjustment needed.

I took her out for a quick spin and did notice it flatter on sharper turns which I like. Road imperfections also seem to be communicated more through the steering.

Hope everything goes smooth during your install, enjoy!

Originally Posted by Datka

Yeah. That step is done to check if there is any pre-load or not. You cant really tell if there is any pre-load or not otherwise.
I am about to install mine in a few days, but wont be able to test it on the track till the spring time

[CSBM5]

Has anyone with the larger front bar added a stiffer rear sway bar, and adjustable one, to help balance out the car (when running staggered wheels/tires and still stock springs for example)? I've been looking at the Eibach adjustable rear bar and considering installing one. If I'm not going to autocross in stock class any longer, this might make sense to do.