I know this should probably be in the Modifications sub-forum, but I feel like there's more traffic here:

I’m in need of some additional opinions. I recently (early January) had a WMW rear sway bar installed on my R60 by a local speed shop and even after my second visit to have the bar looked at, I still have significant squeaking. I seem to get a range of possibilities as to the cause (defective bar, etc), but mainly the increased stiffness is causing unintended consequences (squeaking) in the springs and struts. I know that many of you have upgraded your RSBs without any problems and others have had some problems that have quickly been resolved. Thoughts?

I really like the feel of the car with the 22mm RSB (more than the 17mm bar that came with the sport suspension). I’m due for my scheduled maintenance this week and will have the dealer take a look and offer some advice as well.

Edit: occurred to me that the noise might be better described as 'creaking'

 

Squeaking can be anything in the rear suspension but from my experience alone, I changed my OEM rear endlinks from the squeaking, but I also changed the bushings too. Might need to have your mechanic play with the suspension a bit to see what's your issue.

 

Thanks. Just the hate the idea of this 'simple' mod that hundreds of people perform without additional problems and I'm the 0.001%

 

Not that I know nothin', but that sounds like the bushings to me, too.

 

Aftermarket swaybar bushings are typically polyurethane, and a bit harder than OEM rubber bushings. They need a good bit of sticky, waterproof grease inside to keep from squeaking each time the bar moves (which is ALL THE TIME).

Looking at my yet-to-be-installed WMW brackets, they have a Zerk fitting for grease. Should be able to hit it with a grease gun every once in a while to keep it quiet.

 

Today's update:

Had MINI take a look at it and confirmed it was the RSB (or at least confirmed that it started there). They disconnected it at the end links (which attach to the struts, right?), and the noise disappeared. So, I think I'm going to track down some formula 5 grease and see if I can get under the car to remove the bushings, clean them and re-lube them. Anyone try this? I'm guessing the only way to do this would be to remove each wheel for access or is there enough room without removing them (I have zero automotive tools other than wrenches)?

 

I know this is an old thread, I had a WMW rear sway installed a few months ago and it's by far the best thing I've done to the car so far, however an issue came up yesterday, I started getting a loud clank coming from the rear passenger side whenever I hit a bump or rough road, it turns out the holes on the sway bar where the end links attach is a bit bigger than the end link bolt and over time it's chipped away the powder coat and the end link came loose. My mechanic has fixed it, I hope, but just a heads up to anyone thinking about doing the sway bar mod. If it comes back I may try to get some sort of insert or sleeve to insure there is no play between the end link bolt and the rear sway bar.