Need help with sway bar install

[niz55]

I just installed my cobb sway bars. Front and back.

The back very easy and the front was easy also.


Here is the problem, Their are 4 Big Bolts that hold the sub frame, I can NOT get them in. I have the car up on jacks with the suspension loaded. . Everything went perfect except for the sub frame. Is their anyway to get the holes aligned so i can put the bolts in. I tried moving it around with a pry bar and i just can't.

Anyone?

 

[mhrebin]

try loosing up the swaybars . maybe that would create some play in the sub frame to get the bolts in? im not if that would help, but thats the only thing i can suggest since all you did was a simple swaybar install.

 

[niz55]

You mean where the endlinks are connected to the sway bar?

I forgot to mention that is a 2008 ms3.

 

[mhrebin]

yeah that too. where the endlinks connect and where the brackets bolt in. thats the only thing i can think of. unbolt the endlinks altogether where they connect to the bar. just to be sure.

you never know.

 

[niz55]

yeah that too. where the endlinks connect and where the brackets bolt in. thats the only thing i can think of. unbolt the endlinks altogether where they connect to the bar. just to be sure.

you never know.

I did it and it does not work. I am 100% sure i can get them in if i had a lift. I can't even drive the car now.

 

[Rotus8]

I had this problem too. You say the "suspension is loaded". If this means the springs are the least bit compressed, you will never move the sub frame. You need the car on stands and the jack under the subframe just a tiny bit loose so the sub-frame can be moved. Then put something like a large tapered punch into one hole and get it lined up, then just start the treads of a bolt in that hole. Then move to the other side of the car and do one there. Then you can loosly put the rest of the bolts in, then jack the crossmember into place. Good luck!

 

[niz55]

I had this problem too. You say the "suspension is loaded". If this means the springs are the least bit compressed, you will never move the sub frame. You need the car on stands and the jack under the subframe just a tiny bit loose so the sub-frame can be moved. Then put something like a large tapered punch into one hole and get it lined up, then just start the treads of a bolt in that hole. Then move to the other side of the car and do one there. Then you can loosly put the rest of the bolts in, then jack the crossmember into place. Good luck!

Thanks for the help. It worked perfect.

 

[DaleNixon]

I'm going to install a rear sway bar today. Does anyone know the torque specs for the endlink nuts, sway bar bushing bolts, and center plate bolts?

The Hotchkis install guide doesn't mention torque specs, but it says to use thread locker. I'll use blue locktite and get the bolts pretty tight on my own if I can't find torque specs.

 

[GoFast]

Thanks for the help. It worked perfect.

glad you got it!! i bet that was an ass puckering moment right there!