View Full Version : RSB on Mk5 too wide?
Ryans Rebel
03-27-2026, 10:00 AM
Installing rear sway bar on MK5. The threads I searched and the pictures in the manual all show MK4. I have to wedge the sway bar in between the rod ends, as seen in the pictures. There is no way I will get the 1/8" tk spacers between the sway bar and the rod end - not without fear of bending something or breaking the aluminum tabs on the aluminum arm. I realize the suspension is unloaded. Even if I load it to install all, once lifted for service I will be in the same situation. What am I missing?
227367227368
michael everson
03-27-2026, 02:37 PM
I was able to get them to fit by lifting both sides closer to ride height.
mike
edwardb
03-27-2026, 03:29 PM
I was able to get them to fit by lifting both sides closer to ride height.
mike
Same here.
Jeff Kleiner
03-27-2026, 03:40 PM
X3
Jeff
rich grsc
03-27-2026, 06:20 PM
Zero chance you will break those tabs
CraigS
03-28-2026, 07:07 AM
But what happens next time you jack the car by the frame? That looks too tight to me.
Ryans Rebel
03-28-2026, 08:41 AM
But what happens next time you jack the car by the frame? That looks too tight to me.
That is what I am wondering. When completely unloaded I think there should be at least a little bit of play in the assembly.
The front went together without any problems. It looks like both front & rear use the same bar. I measured both of the bars and they are both the same width. I will try and adjust things a see if I can generate any more room for the spacers to slide in.
Ryan
Jeff Kleiner
03-28-2026, 10:32 AM
The only time the rear LCAs drop that far is when the car is jacked up. I'm calling it a non-issue.
Jeff
Mike.Bray
03-28-2026, 10:33 AM
One thing about working on suspension systems that has served me well, install the springs LAST.
CW_MI
03-28-2026, 10:56 AM
I'm about to go out in the garage and install the rear sway bar. Glad I saw this post....or I'd probably be scratching my head about this as well.
Ryans Rebel
03-28-2026, 01:59 PM
The only time the rear LCAs drop that far is when the car is jacked up. I'm calling it a non-issue.
Jeff
Your probably right. I may just leave it disconnected for now and install once I get to the roller stage.
CraigS
03-28-2026, 04:33 PM
The only time the rear LCAs drop that far is when the car is jacked up. I'm calling it a non-issue.
Jeff
Are you kidding me? So every time it's jacked up the swaybar link gets bound up. Yeah thats OK. NOT. You should always, under all conditions, be able to grab that link and rotate it just a little.
CW_MI
03-28-2026, 07:10 PM
Are you kidding me? So every time it's jacked up the swaybar link gets bound up. Yeah thats OK. NOT. You should always, under all conditions, be able to grab that link and rotate it just a little.
I really don't think there is that much tension on them at full droop. I installed my rear sway bar this morning, one side was no problem, when I got to the other, I took out the upper shock bolt , pulled the A arm assembly up with a ratchet strap, put the end link bolt in then unhooked the ratchet strap. I was able to put the upper bolt back in by just lifting the assembly with one arm, it didn't feel like I was putting any undue stress on the end link. Just my opinion.