Front swaybar mount question...

[Mike Self]

Has anyone had experience with fitting the urethane mount for a solid 22mm swaybar into the OEM brackets and successfully bolting 'em up using the original slots and bolt holes? Or are larger aftermarket brackets necessary.

I managed to fit the proper 22mm urethane bushings into some OEM brackets but only after spreading the bracket a few mm.

And will a 22mm bar clear the A/C compressor clutch and idler pulley?

TIA

mike

[DavidLMM]

Almost 100% sure I used the ST-supplied brackets and hardware when I mounted my bars many years ago. And yes, it does clear a Sanden compressor, just barely.

David

[Mike Self]

bright blue swaybars? Perhaps I can get the brackets from the original manufacturer....

mike

[dlhoovler]

Mike,

I believe my 22mm front bushings came from Ireland, and they were a direct swap into the factory brackets. I think my bar is an Addco, but I don't know the original color, and I don't have A/C.

-Dave

[williamggruff]

bright blue swaybars? Perhaps I can get the brackets from the original manufacturer....

mike

Mike,

Ireland Engineering makes bright blue sway bars. Things of beauty.

http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/2002-suspension-steering/02sbset.html

[bluedevils]

Long time ago I managed to replace one of the ST (22mm bar w/poly bushings) brackets with an OE bracket after it fell off during a spirited driving as I didn't have a replacement. It works, but not the ideal. I think I used slightly longer bolts ( there were two?) If you can figure out to fabricate a metal bushing (or two bushings) to fit over the bolt(s) to fill the gap you should be OK.

[AceAndrew]

OEM bracket with the proper 22mm urethane bushing works just fine. Just be sure that the bracket slots are perfectly squared (if not, hammer them between two aluminum blocks) and the brackets are not bent out of shape (if out of wack, place over proper sized tubing and hammer back into shape). Then use lots of good grease.