Suspension sound after diy install front sway bar and adjustable end links

[StinkyPete]

Title pretty much says it all. I’m sure we’ve all heard that awful grunty suspension sound on turns once or twice, but unfortunately it’s become apparent after my recent install of my white line front sway bar. Due to some complications and it being the first car I’ve really wrenched on it took most of the day for my install but everything looks right to me. I didn’t bother tuning the suspension yet via the end links, but starting the car and letting it roll forward/back a bit to settle the suspension everything seemed fine. Attached is recording of what it sounds like to turn the wheel, however... any ideas that might save me some time when I wake up and tackle this again?

 

[StinkyPete]

I guess videos aren’t allowed to upload, if anyone is interested in helping I’ll send link via dm, thanks for reading

 

[socalvn]

Most likely it's your end links you need to adjust zero preload and also there a bit problematic for making noise so make sure there tight were they mount
YouTube for zero preload
On mine I losen the locking nuts sit the car on the ground reach under and turn the end link until you find the soft spot center Ballance then retighten the locking nuts

 

[StinkyPete]

Most likely it's your end links you need to adjust zero preload and also there a bit problematic for making noise so make sure there tight.
YouTube for zero preload

Thank you for your response! They’re adjustable and we’re installed on jacks, I’ve retightened by hand on the ground but I’ll get back to you in the morning after I’ve tried that

 

[socalvn]

Thank you for your response! They’re adjustable and we’re installed on jacks, I’ve retightened by hand on the ground but I’ll get back to you in the morning after I’ve tried that

Also make sure the top and bottom bolts are really tight that's most likely your noise
You can just turn the wheel and reach under there to losen to locking nuts with two open end wrenches

 

[StinkyPete]

Does this look right for the Fitment of the sway bar? It seems pretty close to the cv, like they are basically touching I’m thinking I might need to extent the end links and rotate the sway bar down

 

[Hawk853]

Does this look right for the Fitment of the sway bar? It seems pretty close to the cv, like they are basically touching I’m thinking I might need to extent the end links and rotate the sway bar down
View attachment 79694View attachment 79695

I think your sway bar is upside down and you’re definitely damaging your rack boot and tie Rod.

 

[StinkyPete]

Oh wow I’ve realized my mistake from pictures. You’re absolutely right, I have installed the sway bars backwards I only have myself to blame, but I really wish these came with better illustrations rather than generalized advice. Thank you everyone I’m getting to this right now

I think your sway bar is upside down and you’re definitely damaging your rack boot and tie Rod.

 

[Hawk853]

Oh wow I’ve realized my mistake from pictures. You’re absolutely right, I have installed the sway bars backwards I only have myself to blame, but I really wish these came with better illustrations rather than generalized advice. Thank you everyone I’m getting to this right now

Get those boots clamped back down so no dirt or water gets in there when you flip the bar into the right direction.

 

[StinkyPete]

I think your sway bar is upside down and you’re definitely damaging your rack boot and tie

Get those boots clamped back down so no dirt or water gets in there when you flip the bar into the right direction.

Yes I’ll wipe them down and give another good coat of grease thank you again very glad I didn’t drive more than back out of driveway and back in.

 

[JSolo]

@OP, i just saw something like this on justrolledin! Wild!

Good way to damage a steering rack.

Advice: Since you've indicated you're new to "wrenching", before removing something, take pics from various angles. Compare when done.

 

[Hawk853]

Oh wow I’ve realized my mistake from pictures. You’re absolutely right, I have installed the sway bars backwards I only have myself to blame, but I really wish these came with better illustrations rather than generalized advice. Thank you everyone I’m getting to this right now

I tend to take pictures before I take things apart, especially jobs that will sit disassembled for lengths of time.

That and I label baggies with hardware so I don’t end up with any “extras”.

Lots of lessons working on your own stuff happen just like what you experienced.

 

[StinkyPete]

Thanks again for all your help guys! Gonna get the tires down and tighten these bad boys to normal ride load. I’ve learned a lot from this mistake and a few others and will continue to the pictures are a great idea I will definitely do that at every step in the future

 

[Snicklefritz]

that looks better. whew! glad you didn't drive on it the other way.

 

[StinkyPete]

that looks better. whew! glad you didn't drive on it the other way.

Yeah the sound turning wheels out of driveway just had me drive it right back in I knew something was wrong installing it but my helper thought it looked right the sound gave a bit of a clue. All tightened up and enjoying how straight it goes, rear probably gonna get done in a week using all the advice

 

[Snicklefritz]

Yeah the sound turning wheels out of driveway just had me drive it right back in I knew something was wrong installing it but my helper thought it looked right the sound gave a bit of a clue. All tightened up and enjoying how straight it goes, rear probably gonna get done in a week using all the advice

the soundest advice on installing the rear sway is get the tools for that bitch of a tight working space on the left side. it will kick your trash. glad I had the dealer put mine in, since I don't 'wrench' on cars at all. Ima sure I could have done it. but why? it's not like an hour of labor is going to break my wallet.

 

[Deviate]

the soundest advice on installing the rear sway is get the tools for that bitch of a tight working space on the left side. it will kick your trash. glad I had the dealer put mine in, since I don't 'wrench' on cars at all. Ima sure I could have done it. but why? it's not like an hour of labor is going to break my wallet.

100% pain no doubt! Solid advice too

 

[StinkyPete]

100% pain no doubt! Solid advice too

Yeah I looked at the install and I think I’m just gonna take it to a shop for the rear, I’d end up spending more and an entire afternoon (if not 2)

Anyways a little scared driving and a couple adjustments with an adjustable wrench i literally just picked up and I think I’m finally free but I will be overly conscious of every little bump and clunk for the next couple hundred miles