gregk

I have been running the racing beat sways for a while now with stock end links. Today, I attempted to install the mazdatrix end links and was having some trouble. I got the front passenger side together without too much trouble and then it seems like I couldn't get the other side together. When putting the spacers in the bottom of the link, on the drivers side, it seemed like there wasn't enough room in the bracket where they bolt to. I could get one spacer in, but can't seem to get the other to fit. I am having a hard time believing that the spacers are too big, and that the bracket is too small. Am I missing something? Could the angle of the sway bar be playing a role in it? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

lax-rotor

iTrader: (1)

a picture would probably go a long way. (i'm about to install both of those shortly)

silverbulletrt02

iTrader: (10)

is the front of the car lifted off the ground while you're trying to install? it could be preloading to one side if the car isn't level

Mankdrake 2661

iTrader: (8)

Get both wheels off the ground. Then try it.

gregk

The car is on ramps right now...I'll look to see if it is level. No camera, so no pics. Thanks for the replies.

silverbulletrt02

iTrader: (10)

put it on jackstands to get the weight off the wheels...

gregk

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the whole point was to have the weight of the car on the wheels so you can "zero the preload" on the sway bars.


The car wasn't level, I moved it to a better spot, gonna see if that helped. Thanks.

phoenix7

That's what preloading is. Using the ramps is a good idea.

So the Brackets that attach to the BOTTOM of the new sway bar link is TOO wide? or the bracket was too narrow?

remove the bracket and take a pic. Should be a 14mm right underneath the sway bar link bracket.

gregk

The bracket seems too narrow...I'm wondering if it could have become bent at some point. It's not going to upset anything if I remove it, is it? Looks like two bolts are holding it on as per the fsm. Also, could I drive the car with the endlinks removed temporarily, or would this be a bad idea? Just wondering...worst case scenario, I'm gonna put the stockers back on until I can figure out what needs to be done.

ilike2eatricers

what bracket are you talking about? the only brackets should be the u shaped ones. if you have the adjustable endlinks they should be turnbuckles with 4 spaces (2 on each side) and a long bolt. you can adjust the length of the endlinks by loosening the lock nut and turning the turnbuckle. also be sure to have the spacers facing the correct way like in the instructions.

phoenix7

Weird. I had this same problem. The new endlinks won't fit because the U bracket is narrower than the endlink. PMed.

Try widening them but don't over bend them. You can also go remove one from pick-n-pull to see if it's the bracket or endlinks.


The FSM doesn't say anything about the specs on that bracket, just specs on torquing them(at least I didn't see it as I scanned the PDF).

Go ask the suspension forum guys and see if they've experienced this.

silverbulletrt02

iTrader: (10)

i thought you were supposed to attach them with weight off, and then adjust them with weight on the wheels.
I guess the problem isn't what i was thinking. the parts are lining up, just not fitting together correctly. I was thinking that the endlink wasn't reaching the mounting point in the swaybar, but thats not the issue apparently

gregk

I am talking about the bracket on the lower arm. It is "U" shaped, yes. I'm not having a problem with adjusting the links themselves, but rather a problem fitting the driver's side with the link. There isn't enough physical space in the bracket to fit the link and two spacers. I think it must have gotten bent at some point. I'm either gonna bend it like Phoenix suggested, or get a new if they're cheap.

I think that you can do it that way too, but the instructions advised doing it on ramps was the most "ideal" way. It shouldn't matter how you assemble them, as long as you adjust the preload with the weight on the wheels.