Broken sway bar end link
#1
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Car: 1987 Iroc-z
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Modified T-5 World class
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt borg-warner 3.45
Broken sway bar end link
I went on a road trip last weekend and did some heavy cornering. this week I would hear a clunk or the sound of two peices of metal hitting each other when the car went over a bump on the left side. I just pulled the rear whell and discouvered the sway-bar link was broken and the broken end was hitting the swaybar, thus creating the noise.
I have two links on order (may as well change both sides) Is there a specific way to set these up? do I just make them the same as the old ones or is there another way to install them properly?
I have two links on order (may as well change both sides) Is there a specific way to set these up? do I just make them the same as the old ones or is there another way to install them properly?
#2
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Re: Broken sway bar end link
on order
They have them hanging on cards in the "performance" aisle at VatoZone; just saw them there a few minutes ago; what did you have to order?
All you need to do is tighten them until the rubber parts are about the same diameter as the washers, or maybe just slightly larger.
#3
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Car: 1987 Iroc-z
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Modified T-5 World class
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt borg-warner 3.45
Re: Broken sway bar end link
Opps, you're right. I just called lordco (Western Canada's version of Autozone) and they're there for 1/2 of what the dealer's are and they have Polyurathane bushings to boot!
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Car: 1987 Iroc-z
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Modified T-5 World class
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt borg-warner 3.45
Re: Broken sway bar end link
I installed them this evening. Took me an houe to get the rusted remains of the broken one off the car using my dremel tool and a chisel to split the nut on the top. They seemed to be a little longer (1/2") but fit just fine.
Here's the price difference:
GM: 20$ each
Moog: 12.50 each
Energy suspension with Poly bushings: 18.00 for the pair.
Another thing I noticed are the Energy suspension pieces are slightly larger diameter and plated for corrosion portection. The old ones fatigued from corrosion. One was rusted right through and broke in half, the other was almost there so it was a good thing I decided to change both. I might be checking the fronts now too.
Here's the price difference:
GM: 20$ each
Moog: 12.50 each
Energy suspension with Poly bushings: 18.00 for the pair.
Another thing I noticed are the Energy suspension pieces are slightly larger diameter and plated for corrosion portection. The old ones fatigued from corrosion. One was rusted right through and broke in half, the other was almost there so it was a good thing I decided to change both. I might be checking the fronts now too.
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Car: 1987 Iroc-z
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Modified T-5 World class
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt borg-warner 3.45
Re: Broken sway bar end link
Actally the bushings thaty came off the old links were surpisingly in good shape. maybe they were changed before I bought the car but then again that was 13 years ago. Maybe it's the dry climate up here?
One interesting thing as well. The links that I bought were for the front sway bar and the spacer was just a tad longer (about an inch or so) but they fit right in. In retrospect should I have shortened the spacer or should I just leave it at that?
One interesting thing as well. The links that I bought were for the front sway bar and the spacer was just a tad longer (about an inch or so) but they fit right in. In retrospect should I have shortened the spacer or should I just leave it at that?
#7
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Car: 1987 Iroc-z
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Modified T-5 World class
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt borg-warner 3.45
Re: Broken sway bar end link
Another thought. I think the bushings on the links that I removed were poly bushings (yellow color) If those aren't the originals maybe the links aren't either. Could somebody tell me the proper height (length) of the stock GM link spacer? It's the tube that sits in beteen the bushing between the chassis bracket and the swaybar
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Car: '91 Camaro RS
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Re: Broken sway bar end link
I am experiencing the same type of noise that you are describing. Did the noise stop while you were applying the brakes (I dont mean at a full stop, but while slowing down)? The noise is driving me crazy, so Im hoping this is the problem. Thanks.
#10
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Car: 1987 Iroc-z
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Modified T-5 World class
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt borg-warner 3.45
Re: Broken sway bar end link
Quote:
Originally Posted by OkanaganIroc
I would hear a clunk or the sound of two peices of metal hitting each other when the car went over a bump on the left side.
I am experiencing the same type of noise that you are describing. Did the noise stop while you were applying the brakes (I dont mean at a full stop, but while slowing down)? The noise is driving me crazy, so Im hoping this is the problem. Thanks.
Originally Posted by OkanaganIroc
I would hear a clunk or the sound of two peices of metal hitting each other when the car went over a bump on the left side.
I am experiencing the same type of noise that you are describing. Did the noise stop while you were applying the brakes (I dont mean at a full stop, but while slowing down)? The noise is driving me crazy, so Im hoping this is the problem. Thanks.
Then again the only way to see if your link is broken it to pull the wheel and see for yourself,
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Re: Broken sway bar end link
I had to replace my endlinks not long ago. I don't remember any noise, I just happened to be looking under the car and noticed the driver's side endlink on the rear was no longer connected to the swaybar (most of it anyway) . Damn thing was so rusted I spent who-knows-how-long slowly cutting the rest off with a hacksaw blade in my gloved hands. It was damn hot, took forever and a buttload of WD-40, but at least it was cheap (about $10 I think) and the passenger side was easy. Looking back it was almost fun.
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Re: Broken sway bar end link
The noise isnt coming from the rear, its up front on the driver side. It sounds too light to be a brake pad....but Ill check that too. I hear the noise when Im driving on bumpy roads or when I hit a pot hole...as long as its a smooth ride, I dont hear it.
#13
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Re: Broken sway bar end link
I was wondering the same. I just replaced mine and they were longer than stock.
Actally the bushings thaty came off the old links were surpisingly in good shape. maybe they were changed before I bought the car but then again that was 13 years ago. Maybe it's the dry climate up here?
One interesting thing as well. The links that I bought were for the front sway bar and the spacer was just a tad longer (about an inch or so) but they fit right in. In retrospect should I have shortened the spacer or should I just leave it at that?
One interesting thing as well. The links that I bought were for the front sway bar and the spacer was just a tad longer (about an inch or so) but they fit right in. In retrospect should I have shortened the spacer or should I just leave it at that?
#15
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Car: 1987 Iroc-z
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Axle/Gears: 9 bolt borg-warner 3.45
Re: Broken sway bar end link
That's funny, The ones I took off where only 2 1/4" long. I'll measure the ones I put on the car, maybe they're not too long after all.
#16
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Re: Broken sway bar end link
In the grand scheme of things, that 3/8" is a little bit of nothing.
Think about it.... if you put some extra stereo equipment in your car, it would change the ride height by that much; and your "optimum" end link length would change right along with it. Hell it changes MORE THAN THAT just by filling it up with gas!!!
"Measure with micrometer, mark with spray paint, cut with dynamite"
I am SO ****, I even get **** about when to get ****. I carefully differentiate between the times that something DOES make a difference, and the times that it DOESN'T. The ultimate in ****-retentivity.
Think about it.... if you put some extra stereo equipment in your car, it would change the ride height by that much; and your "optimum" end link length would change right along with it. Hell it changes MORE THAN THAT just by filling it up with gas!!!
"Measure with micrometer, mark with spray paint, cut with dynamite"
I am SO ****, I even get **** about when to get ****. I carefully differentiate between the times that something DOES make a difference, and the times that it DOESN'T. The ultimate in ****-retentivity.
Last edited by sofakingdom; 08-10-2007 at 08:19 PM.
#17
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Car: 1987 Iroc-z
Engine: 305 TPI
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Axle/Gears: 9 bolt borg-warner 3.45
Re: Broken sway bar end link
Well I'm certainly not going to worry about that small of a descrepancy. I took the rear wheel off this morning and measured the new link and it is 2 5/8" long. I then took the front wheel off and checked the link there and it was 2 1/4" long.. I figure since the links that I put on are 1/4" longer than both of the sets that they were designed to replace I won't bother with altering then and just leave as is.
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Car: 87 Iroc Z28 Camaro
Engine: MPI 305
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Re: Broken sway bar end link
I went on a road trip last weekend and did some heavy cornering. this week I would hear a clunk or the sound of two peices of metal hitting each other when the car went over a bump on the left side. I just pulled the rear whell and discouvered the sway-bar link was broken and the broken end was hitting the swaybar, thus creating the noise.
I have two links on order (may as well change both sides) Is there a specific way to set these up? do I just make them the same as the old ones or is there another way to install them properly?
I have two links on order (may as well change both sides) Is there a specific way to set these up? do I just make them the same as the old ones or is there another way to install them properly?
#19
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Re: Broken sway bar end link
Check your shock upper connection behind the rear seat. Mine somehow came loose and would make that kind of sound.
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#21
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Re: Broken sway bar end link
There's not a whole lot left other than rust damage kind of stuff, not out of the question given your locale.
What did the upper shock mount look like, from INSIDE the car?
What did the upper shock mount look like, from INSIDE the car?
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Re: Broken sway bar end link
The Irocis in Excellent Condition, Always been garage kept since it was new. It has seen rain twice in 26 years and never a winter. Only has 70,000 original miles on it. Upper shock mount looked great. Maybe shocks are bad? Also, does anyone know of the 87 Iroc came with factory locking lugs for the wheels? one per wheel. Can't figure the noise out!
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Re: Broken sway bar end link
The Irocis in Excellent Condition, Always been garage kept since it was new. It has seen rain twice in 26 years and never a winter. Only has 70,000 original miles on it. Upper shock mount looked great. Maybe shocks are bad? Also, does anyone know of the 87 Iroc came with factory locking lugs for the wheels? one per wheel. Can't figure the noise out!
Hope that gets rid of the irritating noise.
#24
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Re: Broken sway bar end link
Upper shock mount looked great
If not, check them from INSIDE the car.
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