Eibach Rear Sway Bar Impressions

[Ruturaj]

This upgrade hasn’t affected my ride quality it has only enhanced it.

I’ve driven this car now with stock & Eibach sways fitted & all I can tell you it IS a vast improvement, everyone has their own opinions & driving style....for me this is now perfect & I can only report my actual experience.

In Comfort mode the car runs smooth & comfortable on the highways but in Sport mode on windy, undulating & twisty roads it becomes a beast taking on the corners it is firmly planted & precise under spirited acceleration which makes it a joy to drive, it puts a smile on my face, it is a true GT which will meet most drivers needs & road conditions with confidence.

For a car that has a wheelbase of 2,910mm (114.4”) it a pretty good result considering it’s size.
Some have been comparing this cars handling with other vehicles with vastly smaller wheelbases which is apples vs oranges & totally irrelevant.

In the end I think a lot of people here are trying to over analyse the pro’s & cons of upgrading swaybars all I can say is if your looking to upgrade your sways, just do it, if it doesn’t suit, make adjustments or remove them it’s a personal thing, nothing more nothing less.

Man, where are you taking the discussion? I get it, you like the sway upgrades.

But I am talking about stock sways not freely moveable (I used word locked) then you reply me back with a wiki link, like I am new to internet. To which in reply I explained what I meant. And this is what you reply.

I have the car, still I keep reading about new ones.
I have a job, still I keep studying.
I bought the sways, I am still researching.

I am trying to understand what and why kia did it? Not everyone needs and preferences are same, neither everyone has money to burn (try it out, pay for sways installation then if you don't like it pay to uninstall).

 

[Stinger GT SS]

Man, where are you taking the discussion? I get it, you like the sway upgrades.

But I am talking about stock sways not freely moveable (I used word locked) then you reply me back with a wiki link, like I am new to internet. To which in reply I explained what I meant. And this is what you reply.

I have the car, still I keep reading about new ones.
I have a job, still I keep studying.
I bought the sways, I am still researching.

I am trying to understand what and why kia did it? Not everyone needs and preferences are same, neither everyone has money to burn (try it out, pay for sways installation then if you don't like it pay to uninstall).

Man, you’ve been going on & on about sway bars for months & asking loads of questions of which those of us who have them fitted or who are experienced in this area are trying to pass on our experiences, me being one...I’m moving on, good luck with whatever your trying to do & achieve.

 

[Ruturaj]

Man, you’ve been going on & on about sway bars for months & asking loads of questions of which those of us who have them fitted & experienced in this area are trying to pass on our experiences, me being one...I’m moving on, good luck with whatever your trying to do & achieve.

Thanks. But just go back few posts and check what my discussion was about and what your replies were. I didn't ask opinions about sways in those ones. I bought the car, I bought the sway set, it's on backorder. What should I do leave the discussion or just reply get the bar they are awesome to everyone who comes here to ask. Fyi, I posted few threads on rear vs set for awd, deals on sways. Was my discussion has been only subjective? Do you see me asking everyone if they like it?

I don't wanna go in circles. But few people mentioned bars were locked/non moveable. I got curious and started talking. Then you barge in and give me wiki link. Do you understand a conversation that moves on vs going in circles are different ones, irrespective of number of posts?

 

[Ruturaj]

Fyi, this is how the discussion went on this thread

Stock front is hollow and rear is solid (but they still double in stiffness).



That's my concern. Once we swap eibach bars for stock bars which were locked we are kind of decreasing spring stifness, which result in completely different behavior. As we have less spring stiffness and whole new sway which is also stiff.

Sway bars have nothing to do with springs or ride quality they only negate body roll when cornering.
The below link will give a good overview of functionality.
Anti-roll bar - Wikipedia

I know how sways work. Normal sway kind of acts as a spring when only one wheel moves up or down, or both move in opposite directions. I am trying to say is they have overlapping properties (few common and few different). Anyway they do affect ride quality when it comes to motions like above, as they resist in only that case. Ex. One wheel is going in pot hole, sways will affect ride quality. Car going over a bump (both wheels over and off bump at same time), sways won't have affect on ride.

Anyway I was talking about a locked sway (where both sides move independently), it's a completely different thing.

This upgrade hasn’t affected my ride quality it has only enhanced it.

I’ve driven this car now with stock & Eibach sways fitted & all I can tell you it IS a vast improvement, everyone has their own opinions & driving style....for me this is now perfect & I can only report my actual experience.

In Comfort mode the car runs smooth & comfortable on the highways but in Sport mode on windy, undulating & twisty roads it becomes a beast taking on the corners it is firmly planted & precise under spirited acceleration which makes it a joy to drive, it puts a smile on my face, it is a true GT which will meet most drivers needs & road conditions with confidence.

For a car that has a wheelbase of 2,910mm (114.4”) it a pretty good result considering it’s size.
Some have been comparing this cars handling with other vehicles with vastly smaller wheelbases which is apples vs oranges & totally irrelevant.

In the end I think a lot of people here are trying to over analyse the pro’s & cons of upgrading swaybars all I can say is if your looking to upgrade your sways, just do it, if it doesn’t suit, make adjustments or remove them it’s a personal thing, nothing more nothing less.

 

[AV8R]

Ok, I’m butting in here.
Do not start attacking each other in this thread.
We have had 184 posts about the same thing and conversations are going in circles.
Unfortunately threads can get stuck like this and there comes a time that they have to be locked.

I would suggest two things, start a poll to gather feedback if that’s what you are seeking or start a new thread specific to your queries.
Most have posted there experiences hoping to help others in their choice. I am one of them yet I find everyone seems to think my experiences are not valid. Those that have them fitted have given you honest feedback to help you make your decision.
We are here to help not criticise. Take on what you need, ask a question but please refrain from going over and over the same information.
If you really want to know the right answers ask a suspension specialist as I did.
Every car is different every sway bar maker has different diameter bars , fixed, rotating too many to describe.
If this goes on for much longer this thread will be locked. Be nice to each other.

 

[Ozstung]

 

[ScottM]

All I can say is that I have both front and rear and have had them for many many months. I first started them on stiff (front and rear), but felt very uneasy during normal driving. It seemed as if I was sliding all over the place when I cornered and put an gas to it. I then changed them to soft and I feel like a champ when cornering and maneuvering. BUT...to each their own because we all drive a little different. I will agree with several on this thread, they are worth it to tighten things up a bit on the turns and such. My two cents...

 

[itguy61]

All I can say is that I have both front and rear and have had them for many many months. I first started them on stiff (front and rear), but felt very uneasy during normal driving. It seemed as if I was sliding all over the place when I cornered and put an gas to it. I then changed them to soft and I feel like a champ when cornering and maneuvering. BUT...to each their own because we all drive a little different. I will agree with several on this thread, they are worth it to tighten things up a bit on the turns and such. My two cents...

Good to hear that feedback! I am glad we have these options for these sway bars.

 

[Ruturaj]

Ok, I’m butting in here.
Do not start attacking each other in this thread.
We have had 184 posts about the same thing and conversations are going in circles.
Unfortunately threads can get stuck like this and there comes a time that they have to be locked.

I would suggest two things, start a poll to gather feedback if that’s what you are seeking or start a new thread specific to your queries.
Most have posted there experiences hoping to help others in their choice. I am one of them yet I find everyone seems to think my experiences are not valid. Those that have them fitted have given you honest feedback to help you make your decision.
We are here to help not criticise. Take on what you need, ask a question but please refrain from going over and over the same information.
If you really want to know the right answers ask a suspension specialist as I did.
Every car is different every sway bar maker has different diameter bars , fixed, rotating too many to describe.
If this goes on for much longer this thread will be locked. Be nice to each other.

@Stinger GT SS I am sorry if you felt like I was attacking. I was just frustrated and was trying to clarify my point.

@AV8R I have seen conversation going in circles as lots of newbie jump in middle of the thread especially on lease and buyout thread.

But try to understand what I was trying to do here and how I thought it was relevant here than creating a new thread.

I know and I have talked about people's opinion about eibach sways. I bought those when I found a good deal and also shared it with everyone here. I haven't received those and I have a plan (rear only first on soft then if felt required put front one as well) how I am going to install those.

Recently I came across posts form @itguy61 and @Tonkabob where they shared their findings about stock sway being non moveable. So I started talking about it. @Stinger GT SS replied about how sways work and his review on eibach. I really do appreciate everyone's post where they shared their experience but this talk wasn't about that. I was explaining that.

About being relevancy in this thread, this thread basically is about discussion of eibach sways. The difference is measured by how they felt oppose to stock ones. And I have been curious about stock sways and why they lack beside the size. I take it as grey area, I had thought about creating a new thread but decided continuing discussion here is comparatively better.

 

[AV8R]

So the established fact is;
1. Eibach sway bars will improve handling.
2. There are other manufacturers with similar products that can do the same.
Ruturaj, you have bought them and have yet to fit, why not wait til you have driven with them before doing anymore research in case you are disappointed. Its a bit like closing the gate after the horse has bolted from our point of view hence the thread goes around in circles.

As i stated i went to a few suspension specialists to get there opinions and in the end the decision was a no brainer...better handling. This thread only confirms that, so I guess you can rest easy with all the research you have done in this thread that you have made the right decision. We would expect you to come back again after fitment to confirm what you have learnt from this forum. In the end its not about the numbers its how the car feels when you drive it.

 

[Ruturaj]

So the established fact is;
1. Eibach sway bars will improve handling.
2. There are other manufacturers with similar products that can do the same.
Ruturaj, you have bought them and have yet to fit, why not wait til you have driven with them before doing anymore research in case you are disappointed. Its a bit like closing the gate after the horse has bolted from our point of view hence the thread goes around in circles.

As i stated i went to a few suspension specialists to get there opinions and in the end the decision was a no brainer...better handling. This thread only confirms that, so I guess you can rest easy with all the research you have done in this thread that you have made the right decision. We would expect you to come back again after fitment to confirm what you have learnt from this forum.

I am not talking about eibach sway and their effect. Did you even went through the conversation?

Merlin and I have been talking, I don't know but I think my post towards him was not disrespectful. @MerlintheMad if you think it was then my apologies. @Manaz jumps in the middle clicks disagree without any explanation. Am I not supposed to talk anything?

I get it your an admin but did you even read what was going on?

 

[Manaz]

Of course you're entitled to talk.

But you're coming across as arrogant, dismissive and combative.

You've dropped into two threads on a similar topic, confused them for each other (I disagreed with you telling people to go away and learn how swaybars work IN THE OTHER THREAD - not because you're wrong from a technical standpoint, but because the way you said it comes across as being quite rude. BTW, I've explained this already...), have ignored or disregarded the advice and experience of people who've done what you're yet to do, and now people are getting their backs up - the common denominator is you.

I don't doubt your knowledge, nor your intent - but you may need to take a look at the way you are putting your message forward - it's not helping your case, and I think in the end that although nobody dislikes you or even disagrees with you too strongly, the threads are going off the rails (and round and round in circles) based on some language cues rather than the subjects being discussed.

 

[Ruturaj]

I mixed up two threads. But still @AV8R, I am not talking about eibach sways. Nor I am regretting my decision of buying them. I am not posting my opinion on them. I posted my opinion on others findings on stock sways.

Edit: When I posted this, I was on same page and next reply wasn't there.

 

[Kazz]

Re: squeaking. I've had sways installed on multiple cars and owned them for many years. When properly lubricated with the proper mounting hardware, they don't squeak. Nor do they start squeaking over time. Follow the instructions and you'll be fine.

 

[AV8R]

I am not talking about eibach sway and their effect. Did you even went through the conversation?

Merlin and I have been talking, I don't know but I think my post towards him was not disrespectful. @MerlintheMad if you think it was then my apologies. @Manaz jumps in the middle clicks disagree without any explanation. Am I not supposed to talk anything?

I get it your an admin but did you even read what was going on?

Yes I did, all 184 posts. We have told you are thoughts given you advice, clearly the words and tone in your posts have upset other members. You can talk but its how you have written your posts that have upset others. I read everything on this forum and usually its my task to remind others to be civil to one another and stick to the forum rules which i am sure you have read. I think enough discussion about this has been said. Apology accepted. Please lets move on from here thankyou , no further comment is needed. As i said i will lock the thread if we keep going on about this.

 

[Ruturaj]

Yes I did, all 184 posts. We have told you are thoughts given you advice, clearly the words and tone in your posts have upset other members. You can talk but its how you have written your posts that have upset others. I read everything on this forum and usually its my task to remind others to be civil to one another and stick to the forum rules which i am sure you have read. I think enough discussion about this has been said. Apology accepted. Please lets move on from here thankyou , no further comment is needed. As i said i will lock the thread if we keep going on about this.

I just got frustrated that I was talking about the stock sways and every reply was about how great Eibach sways were. It still doesn't justify how I said certain things and I am sorry about that. I should have kept quite (wouldn't have replied) if I was that frustrated.

I do feel that, conversation about kia locking sways (intentionally or unintentionally) being important. So I would like to keep that going (I am creating a new thread, so discussions won't mix up). And put a stop to this off topic rail. If you or anyone still have something to say in this regard they can start conversation (so that will be off thread and I assume, still public).

 

[AV8R]

I just got frustrated that I was talking about the stock sways and every reply was about how great Eibach sways were. It still doesn't justify how I said certain things and I am sorry about that. I should have kept quite (wouldn't have replied) if I was that frustrated.

I do feel that, conversation about kia locking sways (intentionally or unintentionally) being important. So I would like to keep that going (I am creating a new thread, so discussions won't mix up). And put a stop to this off topic rail. If you or anyone still have something to say in this regard they can start conversation (so that will be off thread and I assume, still public).

Thankyou

 

[ShannonC]

Thankyou

Just lock this one and be done with it! I can see the "new" thread getting locked too.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Merlin and I have been talking, I don't know but I think my post towards him was not disrespectful. @MerlintheMad if you think it was then my apologies.

Not in the least. And I didn't see the going in circles assertion; repeating is not going in circles. Maybe I missed something. Doesn't matter. It's a forum and anyone can skim or skip altogether. Just read it or not. Nobody was dissing anyone in the original conversation.

 

[Ruturaj]

Eibach sways has had some good reviews and it seems to be they are doing a good job. We are changing the cars characteristics (overall a major improvement) so we need to cosider what changes and there is a odd discrepancy with stock sways.

Few users (@itguy61 , @Tonkabob ) have found out that rear sway bar on Stinger was locked to the bushing. So sway bar doesn't transfer weight/motion from side to side but rather acts as an extra spring/clincher/brace.

I do not know if there is certain amount of force it would take for those sways to get moving or they bend but never move. I am going with assumption that they don't move at all.

There can be multiple reasons behind it
1. It's a manufacturing fault (all bushings are bad), Kia never intended it but it happened and there might be recall. But this seems highly unlikely at the movement.
2. Kia intentionally did it. There can be few reasons for that.
3. Some bushings are bad and that's what people found
4. I am imagining things (I am kidding here but few might completely disagree that sways feels locked)

Continuing assuming it is case 2

When we upgrade we thicker and better sway but we are taking the previous characteristics off. That might be one of the reasons for chassis flex, squeaks.

So one possible solution is to use extra braces. Ultra racing's rear lower and rear mid, mostly.

I know there are multiple assumptions in this post, but I am creating one to get more opinions/inputs/findings/theories. I am waiting to get an parking garage and then explore the ones on my car when upgrading to eibach. I am open to positive criticism, if you don't think the same way/disagree, please share findings/theories etc not just hit disagree button.

Credit and references: @Tonkabob @Manaz @itguy61

Adding few those might be interested: @MerlintheMad, @Manaz