I put a 25MM Sway on the JCW. I have heard two schools of thought on the end links. some say should be replace because not strong enough, others say not a problem. Thoughts?

 

I've installed so many of our WMW 25mm bars on the F56 and 90% of them have the stock links and I haven't seen any break yet so I'd just stock with the stock ones for now.

But when or if you do want to upgrade these are the ones we have been using
https://www.waymotorworks.com/nm-eng...5-f56-f57.html

 

I kept the stock end links on mine. I'm not convinced that just because they appear less substantial than the looks of the aftermarket ones, that the stock have any strength issues at all.

 

Great good to hear the way motor works sway is beefy so wanted to make sure thanks everyone

 

Personally, you are going through all that effort for the bars, just change them. It will add about 10 mins to your install

 

Change them, yes. But no need to spend big on aftermarket links when the OEM work just fine.

 

On the NM Engineering site, they specifically recommend using their adjustable end links (http://www.nm-eng.com/345/0/0/3224/n...-bar-25mm.html). They may be overkill, but at least I don't have to worry about them.

 

I have factory F/&R end links (eibachs sway's) for about 8k miles with no issue until recently it developed knocking (in front) only during "tight parking" maneuvers, steering wheel at both extremes .
The front bar contacts the lower control arms. As for the rear links I thought I read somewhere that the NM links contact the rear control arms?
Not trying to hijack your thread but I'm thinking of getting adjustable (shorter) front links if anyone has suggestions for model/brand etc.?

 

I got these. Solid quality, $70.

https://godspeedproject.com/front-sw...10mm-bolt.html

 

Just installed the Godspeed (BTW a character from The Flash) front swaybar end links. Set them to 310mm (10mm shorter than stock) we'll see how they work out tomorrow.

 

If you are running at stock right height, then they are not needed. If you have lowered the suspension, then yes get the adjustable end links so you can dial out any pre-load introduced by lowering.

 

My car is only lowered 10mm but after about a year of use the front sway bar made contact with the lower tie rod/control arms during tight turning (U-turns/parking). Tried it out yesterday and so far so good.

 

So GodSpeed sells adjustable front sway bar end links??? I need them!!!

 

J_L sent me the link, then I searched Ebay $58.

 

"preload" is NOT introduced by lowering.
Only if the aftermarket bar is not bent perfectly.

 

Thanks for all of the input very helpful. I will stick with stock for now since I would rather spend money somewhere else. Only "complaint" is the squeak, but just to lazy to fix so far.

 

Lowering the car loads up the sway bar. Adjustable end links help take that load off when the car is lowered allowing you to put it back in a neutral state and not affect the ride of the car.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-up-front.html

 

Nope, it only loads the sway bar if you lower each side a different amount. If you lower both sides of the car the same amount, the sway bar end relocate the same amount, and no preload. The only real reason for adjustable end links is to accommodate any clearance issues from lowering.

 

Yes and No...

You want to keep the sway bar in it's normal location for clearance reasons so adjustable end links are a good thing

If you lower your car based on corner weights, the end links can be adjusted individually to either keep the suspension as neutral as possible OR
You can preload the sway bar based on track condition/design

Remember, we drive "minis" and design space is of the essence

 

I agree with what you are saying, but also I’d be willing to bet 98% of the members on this forum that install coil overs are NOT adjusting corner weights on their Mini. I won’t even include the members just installing springs.

In this instance, the OP claims to have only installed a rear sway bar, and said nothing about installing coil overs or even springs. So, in his case, I would recommend staying with OEM end links.

 

I just ordered the NM rear links after confirming that the rear bar is not horizontal (sits slightly high). To my surprise Mini sells the JCW coilovers (10mm - 30mm drop) yet did not address this "weak" long link issue.There was guy here that had H&R sways he thought were to stiff, don't remember if his car was lowered. I think the shorter links would have helped?
IMO No harm in trying the stock links but apparently even with just a 10mm drop the shorter links are warranted.

 

I do have my Mini Lowered with HR springs.