Flip-flop rear sway bar

[Tom03es]

I know this is a somewhat fairly common issue- where the rear sway bar starts out pointing rear and somehow rotates so it's facing forward. Well, it happened to me and I fixed it today. Interesting thing happened on the right side. The sway bar interferred with the fwd lateral link and wore a nice notch into it. I'm not sure how long it's been like this, but I have been hearing alot of noise while going through a rain gutter at work on the way into the parking garage. Check out the attached pics.

My set up includes MSP struts and springs with the MSP Racing Beat rear sway bar, the AXR Clunk Fix brackets and the factory ES end links.

 

[Magus]

Well from my understanding, your stock endlinks are too short and are what is causing the problem. I would suggest getting mazdaspeed protege endlinks for the rear. They are longer and will keep the bar from being able to rotate. I hope that helps.

Magus

 

[njaremka]

i'd replace that lateral link ASAP!!!! you don't want THAT breaking!!

 

[TheMAN]

Well from my understanding, your stock endlinks are too short and are what is causing the problem. I would suggest getting mazdaspeed protege endlinks for the rear. They are longer and will keep the bar from being able to rotate. I hope that helps.

Magus

the ES ones are too long... I don't know why he doesn't know that you HAVE to use the MSP end links with this sway bar when it's already common knowledge!

 

[Tom03es]

Thanks TheASS. (fuoops)

 

[njaremka]

the ES ones are too long... I don't know why he doesn't know that you HAVE to use the MSP end links with this sway bar when it's already common knowledge!

you mean, i know something you dont know? the mazdaspeed endlinks are actually a smidgen LONGER than the ES links.

 

[JoshP5]

Wow, I haven't seen the middle of the swaybar all farked up like that before. I feel bad for your "B".

 

[Magus]

I was going to question my knowledge, but then I thought about the suspension. If the endlink is too short, this will allow more travel of the sway bar. The purpose of the endlink is to hold the bar at a set distance as the struts expands and contracts. If the link is too short when the strut is extend it might allow the bar to rotate as it's pulling the bar up. A longer endlink would not move the rear sway bart as far and thus not rotate the bar as far. This would help keep the bar away from the lateral links. I am not saying theMan is not knowledgable, by the way.

Magus

 

[Magus]

Oh and I would take the suggestion to replace that damaged lateral link. That does not look too safe.

Magus