So is the rear sway bar worth it? I noticed a similar post from back in 03 saying that the stock struts couldn't handle a beefier sway bar and would break off. ThanksAWR make a really nice rear sway bar kit, highly recommended!
Sway Bar - Rear 1999 - 2003 Protege / Protege 5 - AWR Store (awrracing.com)
Front swaybar is a drop-the-subframe pain in the backside for marginal gains and apparently much more understeer, definitely not recommended!
The AWR 21.5mm rear swaybar makes a huge difference if you're planning on tracking the car. It will definitely take care of the understeer. It will also lift a rear wheel every time you go up a driveway at an angle, clunk endlessly, and burn through swaybar brackets about once a year.So is the rear sway bar worth it? I noticed a similar post from back in 03 saying that the stock struts couldn't handle a beefier sway bar and would break off. Thanks
So just to confirm, you're saying that it's possible to avoid a majority of additional noise and/or clunking with proper care and maintenance?+1 on the progress bar. Properly lubed on install and relubed every couple years and it has been noise free. Also love the ability to use factory end links.
Good to know. I think it'll definitely be the next mod on my list, once I get my clutch and flywheel replaced.This bar makes a huge improvement in cornering. I installed it using the supplied lube and it was noise free for like 4 or 5 years. I had a clunking endlink around that time and replaced those with the beefier moogs (K80868) that also have a zerk fitting and at that time re lubbed the bushing with white lithium grease. That lasts a year or 2 out here and then needs to be reapplied as a rubbing sound is heard when going over bumps. Im sure some of the energy suspension grease would last much longer but i dont have any of that just sitting around.
I took a look today and the rubber bushings in the rear are totally dried out and shot. When I upgrade the rear bar, I'll probably also grab some beefier stock-length Moog endlinks too.Stock sway bushing are rubber and can dry out. But usually they dont require regular lubrication. The progress bushings are urethane and require a lube as they do dry up and will make noise. The enviromnent in which you live will determine how often they need lube.
Also, using stock endlinks should allow you to use the progress bar with stock suspension and be noise free. Im using it with eibachs and the gt spec subframe reinforcement and no banging or clunks.