How to Install the TunerRack 24mm Rear Sway Bar

Firs off, I want to make it clear that by changing out your factory sway bar you are in fact modifying the vehicles suspension. Consequently, the vehicle's handling characteristics will vary, requiring some adjustment period. Please, consult your local laws in order to determine if these types of suspension modifications are permitted prior to ordering and installing your TunerRack 24mm rear sway bar.  You are accountable for ensuring the legality and safety compliance of your vehicle.

Today, I was tasked with installing the TunerRack 24mm rear sway bar on a 2019 Subaru WRX. Having previously installed this exact sway bar on my personal car, in my opinion this is one of the best handling related mods you can do to a Subaru or to almost any car for that matter. The TunerRack rear sway bar is about 5mm thicker and much stronger than the OEM unit and adds a lot of stiffness to the rear end reducing roll and allowing for flatter cornering. Also, by installing a stronger rear sway bar you are reducing the cars natural tendency to understeer. While understeer isn't necessarily negative—many factory vehicles are designed to understeer rather than oversteer during sharp cornering, which is deemed safer, particularly for novice drivers. So, please keep that in mind when you are installing any suspension mods meant to stiffen the rear suspension or modify its original characteristics.

Before getting started on the install I needed to source some new polyurethane bushings to accommodate the wider 24mm diameter of the TunerRack sway bar. Depending on your Subaru's year and model, if you're considering this upgrade you might be switching from the factory 16mm sway bar to the much thicker 24mm TunerRack version. As a result, the factory bushings will not be compatible with the larger performance sway bar. However, the 24mm polyurethane bushings are relatively easy to source of the internet. I purchased mine from a reputable seller on ebay for about $25.

I did not do this on camera however, one other thing I would suggest upgrading is the sway bar links. I personally prefer using the Whiteline KLC182, they are adjustable, very strong and just like the TunerRack sway bar they fit a wide variety of Subaru models. I have installed the TunerRack TPEL sway bar links in the past however, I think they are better suited for track use and as far as I am aware they are no longer available in the TunerRack store.

Professional installation is recommended however, the installation process is fairly straight forward. To make it easier I have broken it up in just a few simple steps:

1. Lift the car on a smooth and level surface. Be sure to use wheel chocks on the front wheels when lifting just the rear end of the vehicle. If you are using a floor jack to lift the vehicle, be sure to also use jack stands. Don’t be stupid, don’t ever crawl under a vehicle solely supported by a floor jack.
2. Whenever possible clean the suspension and undercarriage. The job is much more pleasant and goes by much easier when all of the suspension components are not covered in dirt, grease and grime.
3. Unbolt the sway bar links. If you are planning to replace the sway bar end links then you can unbolt them directly from the lower control arm however, if you plan to reuse the factory links you can unbolt them from the sway bar directly.
4. Unbolt and remove the sway bar mounts and remove the stock sway bar.
5. Prepare the TunerRack sway bar by placing the 24mm polyurethane bushings over the sway bar. Be sure to use the lubricant that is provided with your bushing kit.
6. Install the TunerRack sway bar using the original sway bar mounts. Tighten the mounting bolts and nuts to 19 ft-lbs.
7. Before connecting the sway bar to the sway bar links, please take note of the three separate mounting holes on the TunerRack sway bar. These holes allow for various stiffness adjustability. The bolts closest to the front of the vehicle represent the softest setting, while the adjustment becomes stiffer as they move forward, with the mounting hole furthest away from the front of the car being the stiffest setting. If you do not know what option to choose, I suggest starting off with the softest setting first, you can always change this setting afterword.
8. Connect the sway bar links to the stock hardware and tighten the 14mm nuts to 35 ft-lbs. If you are using an aftermarket sway bar links consult with the manufacturer for proper torque specs.
9. Double check that all hardware is properly installed and tightened to the specified specs.
10. Lower the vehicle, remove the wheel chocks and take your ride for a spin.

Get Yours at: 

https://www.tunerrack.com/products/tunerrack-24mm-rear-sway-bar-for-08-14-wrx-09-13-forester