Installing rear sway Bar
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CL Community Team
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,915
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From: Alabama
Installing rear sway Bar
I just ordered the sports version of the rear sway bar from Sewell - apprx $125 delivered with Lexus discount. Is replacing sway bar a relatively easy diy job or do I need to take it to Lexus or a shop to do the work? I don't mind getting dirty, I have basic tools and a good floor jack, but if it requires anything like spring compression or other heavy duty stuff or special tools, then I'd rather have it done by a pro with a lift.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,810
Likes: 15
From: MI
I had mine installed by my local Belle Tire store when I had my winter / summer tires swapped. They are also an ASE certified repair shop in addition to selling / installing tires. I had the Lexus dealer check the install when I took the car in for regular service.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NY
What are the benefits of the bar? What does it do? Seems relatively cheap enough. Is it something I can feel during normal driving or do I have to be squealing the tires to have it's benefit?
Last edited by Lust4Lexus; Jun 21, 2011 at 12:10 PM.
Thread Starter
CL Community Team
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,915
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From: Alabama
Not sure on exact performance difference, probaly varies based on tires, wheels, options etc. It does have slightly heavier specs that the OEM standard non "sports" sway bar. Seemed like a reasonable bet since its pretty cheap. I will report back once I have it installed and do some driving on it.
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Pole Position
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I just ordered the sports version of the rear sway bar from Sewell - apprx $125 delivered with Lexus discount. Is replacing sway bar a relatively easy diy job or do I need to take it to Lexus or a shop to do the work? I don't mind getting dirty, I have basic tools and a good floor jack, but if it requires anything like spring compression or other heavy duty stuff or special tools, then I'd rather have it done by a pro with a lift.
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Thread Starter
CL Community Team
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,915
Likes: 227
From: Alabama
Had the sports option sway-bar installed on Thursday. $148 labor at Sewell Lexus - took apprx 90 minutes. The shop at Sewell Dallas is well run and very well organized. Nice high volume facility.
In 2 days of driving I am pleased I had the mod done - total cost was apprx $270 so relatively minor investment. I can report that the car feels like it sits a little flatter and higher around curves and it is a little more stable at speed. Maybe a bit quicker to take a set after a lane change but hard to tell as it was very solid to begin with. Its not a huge effect by any means, but I was actually hoping it wasn't a huge effect because I did not want to change the basic character of the car. Anyway for under $270, as a minor mod, I'd likely recommend it. If you can diy and save the labor I'd definitely recommend it. I would have done the install myself except that its 100 degrees here everyday and we have been super busy with work and family stuff.
In 2 days of driving I am pleased I had the mod done - total cost was apprx $270 so relatively minor investment. I can report that the car feels like it sits a little flatter and higher around curves and it is a little more stable at speed. Maybe a bit quicker to take a set after a lane change but hard to tell as it was very solid to begin with. Its not a huge effect by any means, but I was actually hoping it wasn't a huge effect because I did not want to change the basic character of the car. Anyway for under $270, as a minor mod, I'd likely recommend it. If you can diy and save the labor I'd definitely recommend it. I would have done the install myself except that its 100 degrees here everyday and we have been super busy with work and family stuff.
Last edited by Jabberwock; Jun 24, 2011 at 08:50 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,810
Likes: 15
From: MI
Glad to hear you like it. Wait till you feel the difference in crosswinds. I drove through a very nasty storm this week with strong crosswinds and only really felt the wind pushing the front of the car. That storm had some of the strongest crosswinds I've ever driven through. Driving rain, too, but I've driven in harder rain before.
any other options to replace the stock bushings for polyurethanes?
*edit*
i found this, its universal, dont know if thats a bad or good thing.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Energy-Suspens...5153G/10002/-1
*edit*
i found this, its universal, dont know if thats a bad or good thing.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Energy-Suspens...5153G/10002/-1
Last edited by sr20mofo; Aug 20, 2013 at 10:53 AM.