Hi,

What does it cost to install a rear sway bar at the dealer?

Rick

 

my dealer says two hours of labor and since I would get mine done at the MINI dealership that will run me close to $200 in labor alone.

 

Did it myself with no power tools, and no help from anyone. 3 hours.

 

I charge $80 to install a rear sway bar, and give discounts if your doing springs at the same time.

hope that helps.:smile:

 

Watch out, chances are it will be the dealership monkey's first time doing it.

You should to it yourself. But if you insist on getting someone else to do it, take it to a tuner. It's cheaper, and work is done better. Or get a club member to do it. Assuming that youre in a club.

 

Nothing like a Club Tech session on rear sway bars!!

Or better yet have it installed at the 4th annual MINIs On the Dragon!

 

There are pleanty of Mini owners in your area that should be able to hook you up. If not I know there is a shop in Long Beach that could do it a lot less than the dealer. Try Johnny's Auto Clinic in San Pedro if no one else comes thru for you.

 

The dealership refused to do mine (they only install Mini brand parts of course), so it looks like I may have to roll up my sleeves and tackle this one myself.... :impatient

 

its really not that hard. Did mine with one friend in his driveway, only took about 2 hours max. i think it was outmotoring that had a usefull pdf file on the install.

 

Outmotoring and Webbmotorsports both have real good instructions. Like I mentioned in my exhaust install thread I posted the other day. I don't usually do mechanical work on cars. I'm mechanically inclined but lack the confidence in doing things of this nature for the most part. With the help of these instructions, I put on an exhaust this past Friday and had two friends over to help me with adding a swaybar Sunday. Just take your time and it all works out good in the end. I was actually amazed at how easy it was once it was finished. The best thing I've got from it so far besides the handling is knowing, and being able to say, I did it. It makes you feel all warm fuzzy inside.....well, maybe that was the alcohol.

 

I live in San Diego and can help for free. I have installed 2 before its really easy. Plus we have a couple clubs in the area with a bunch of people more than willing to help. If you want info on the club or help with the install PM me and I will give you my number.

 

Grendel...thanks for the offer.

I just found out my mini is being built today.

Should be here in about 2 months.

Spec:

2006 CR/W w/JCW; English Leather; red interior; R99 polished Rims; Chrome int pck; Chrono pck; Upgraded Stereo....

Future mods:

Rear sway bar; maybe MTM software

 

Do they have dealers to do this at the Dragon? Do you have the website for the "minis on the dragon"?

Thanks

 

Holy crap! I just priced this car out and was blown away. You are well endowed.

 

I did mine for 1 hour labor (75).

If paying by the hour, it pays to get someone that has done it before because there are short cuts. Acually there shoud be a install thread some where around here. In sum, once the rear tires are removed, you actually loosen the entire rear suspension/frame and drop it a bit, you loosen gas taken as well and then the bar can actually be slide out one of the the wheel wells.

Someone with experience makes this look really easy.

 

Hey Bahamabart,

Who in miami did your for 1 hr labor. I need one installed

 

If you feel like cutting through your stock bar(we have about 200 stock ones if you want one), you dont have to take out either struts or drop the subframe. Our endlinks are removable, so the bar can be put in with ease. Here is a link to the Webb Motorsports Extreme Swaybar if you want to check it out. If you have any questions on installs or the bar, feel free to PM me or call the shop(303-683-4424).



-Brian

 

Swaybar installation costs:

1 floor jack ($20-100 depending on store/quality)
2 jack stands (~ $15)
1 mechanics tool set US & Metric (Anywhere between $40-100, depending on store/quality)
1 torque wrench to torque your wheels back on to 88 ft lbs. ($15-30)
1 How to install a swaybar guide (Webb Motorsport forums - free)

 

I used MYMINI (www.myminiparts.com) Peter coordinated w/ REDLINE next door. They know what they are doing 1 hour max.(75 bucks) and you get to hand w/ Peter, BS and look at a bunch of Mini parts. Worth the drive.

 

I mapquested it.
its only 30 minutes from my job.
15 in the mini
Thanks, Bahamabart.
Hope to see u out there!

 

Ive done 3 one on each of our Minis and 1 on a friends.$70-80 is reasonable if you dont have tools or confidence.

 

I was lucky enough to have a friend in my local group who autox's and was both knowledgeable and willing to install my rear sway bar (H-sport adjustable 19mm).. it took him maybe an hour, perhaps less.

But I have a front sway bar (H&R) though that I got as a freebee from my dealer that I have not had installed yet- I gather it's a much bigger deal because of the drivetrain. (well duh I guess) 3 hours+ and technical knowledge a must-?

 

Rick714,

You don't need your dealer to do a rear swaybar install.
It can take about 60 to 90 minutes so the $70-90 estimate is fine.

Your dealership rates for labor are much higher than any garage or tuning shop and they won't do a better job at the install although if you bought the rear swaybar from the dealer you might be able to get some sort of warranty from the dealer if they also did the install however rear swaybars generally are very solid performers and are trouble free.

The problem doing a rear swaybar install yourself is the hassle working on your back under the car with just jackstands. If you have a lift it is so much better and easier. This helps keep the install time closer to one hour and saves on labor costs.

 

BUMP for a great shop and great people! Detroit Tuned rocks !

 

I am going to ATTEMPT to install my H-Sports starting tomorrow. Wish me luck! :impatient