Sorry you contradict you, but it can be done. Jack up one side and just use the stand on that side. Then, with the wheel off, use the jack to raise that side of the rear suspension until all of the tension is off of the swaybar bolt. Undo it, move it to the desired setting, replace and retighten the bolt, lower the jack, replace the wheel, take the vehicle off of the jack stand. Repeat on the other side.

 

Could someone please update the links for the missing photos??

 

I have a 9/03 built 2004 MCS.
I followed these directions for installing the heavier rear bar.
I have2 comments that apply to my MCS 2004.

1) Remove BOTH rear struts.
2) The drop link does indeed use a 16 mm nut. That is not a standard size open end / box wrench (in several wrench sets I have), BUT 16 mm is 5/8 inch, which is a standard size. On the 2004 you can't hold the back of the link as it is flush, you have to use the 5mm hex internal and the 16 mm box.

Thanks for the directions. I did the job in about 2 hours. A friend who had not seen these directions used a different approach, and took 4 hours.

John

 

I am installing a REar sway on a Cabrio this weekend and will try to take some pictures, But I have not been able to find much specific advice about the diferences... if someone could help out a little I started a threead here

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...78#post1003078

thanks in advance.

 

does installing a rear sway bar on a MCS require any altercations to the heat shield?

 

Thank you for the install instructions. I found the install to be very easy but I did have a huge oh-***** moment. When I went to bolt the subframe back up I foun it to be torqued about 1/2 an inch. I could not move it on my own and was home alone. i did find a quick fix. I supported the rear wheels (actually brakes) on jackstands (I have like 4 sets) which made it easy to realign the the subframe.

Hope this helps someone else.

 

Just installed my H&R 19"mm bar great write up no problems thanks very very much!, didn't need a second body, took about 1.5hrs!

Wow what a great mod! major increase in handling performance, does for handling what the 15% pulley does for the S engine performance mod!

 

so long as i am looking at this, and since i added a rear sway on friday, i will add this, you dont need to remove the shocks, just unbolt the tops of both, and you can swing them all the ay back, and with the sway tilted all the way up, they will clear each other.

Beecher

 

Piece of cake. Thank you, your instructions are great. It took me about 3 hrs at beers :-) pace. Thanks again, and BTW what a difference on the car after the 19 by 22mm swap.

 

Wow I just finished this today. It only took my father and I an hour! And this was our first rear sway bar install.

 

Great write-up. I did the entire swap in 1.5 hours. I used the three bolts out and one loose method for the sub-frame. I bolted the struts back up and pried between the strut spring and sub frame to shift it back into position on the all bolts out end. EASY! Thanks!!!!!

 

I used these instructions a year or so ago to re-install my stock bar after a bushing failed on the upgraded unit that was professionally installed for me.

After learning on my car, I helped my local club install 6 rear swaybars in one afternoon and we shot a very rough video how-to. We aren't perfect by any means and I botched several nit picky details (calling it a 16 inch socket instead of a 16mm socket), but it helps to see it all: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=71918

 

How do ya stop the squeaking when it get's cold? Seems to squeak when the chassis moves from side to side.

 

There are lots of ways to work on squeaking...

1. Disassemble and grease 'em (Energy Suspension PreLube recommended by several people on-line)

2. Buy bushings and brackets with Zerk fittings so you can lube them without disassembly (I pump a squeeze or so into each bushing every time I rotate the tires (every 3-4k miles)

3. Disassemble and wrap a few layers of teflon tape around the swaybar where the bushings fit it. Grease liberaly and reassemble.

4. Spray bushing with Breakfree (a gun cleaner with teflon). I haven't tried this, but have heard of good results on my local MINI board.

 

Randy,
I just had H&R Sport Springs and a new 19 mm Alta sway bar installed by a BMW garage on my 08 Cooper S. The bar is making noise at the bushings during suspension travel, so off came the bar today for more lube at the bushings. Called Alta, they couldn't offer any suggestions other than lube the bushings and drive it for awhile to see if it breaks in. Have you or anyone else experienced this noise? Thanks. Tuckaah

 

Fix the pictures please !

 

Try this link:

http://webbmotorsports.com/index.php...&id=14&catid=2

Most of them are there. The only missing ones you won't need for the install.
Jim

 

cool thx for the quick reply :-D

 

the pictures arent up anymore? can anyone put them back up for this, i just bought a mini madness 22mm rear sway

 

anyway we could get these photos again?

Cheers

 

Can't help with the pics, but a full video is here: http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...80665043683682#

 

thanks granger