Pretty easy if you have a friend, the right tools, and some jack stands. You should be able to install the Autotech or Neuspeed sways yourself. I have an SRS rear sway bar, which I had professional installed by SRS.

 

If you are with FWD car it is not big PITA
but if you are AWD than be prepared for litle bit of pain.

 

i just have a gls 1.8t
that is all so it isnt bad then???

 

No, you are front wheel drive.

 

I know from experience that the rear 28mm ABD rear sway bar is tricky to install becuase you have to drill two holes through the chassis. Other than that, if you have the tools and the know how you can do it yourself (i didn't, i got a buddy to install it)

best/most effective mod i've ever done to date.

-merk20vt-

 

ok thanks for the help i wont be drilling anything myself

 

Go for Autotech or Neuspeed they are without drilling. Neuspeed is more interesting because you have possibility to adjust it (2 positions)

 

what would be a good sway bar to go with and if they dont drill, then how do you attach them??? and what would the difficulty level be of installing it and are there directions??? thanks

 

Just did mine today. It's pretty simple. Just follow the instructions that come with the bar.

 

what type did you get??? and how long did the install take???

 

I got the neuspeed 28mm adjustable bar. It took about 3 hours. You could probably do it in less. I did my fuel filter while I was under there. It took me about 45 min just to get the stupid VW clamps of the fuel lines . My car has been in SoCal and AZ all it's life, so I didn't have any problems with rusted bolts. If you have any specific questions, let me know. BTW, before joining this site, the only automotive work I have done is an oil change. In other words, I am a mechanical idiot and I had no problems with this mod. :lol:

 

BTW, before joining this site, the only automotive work I have done is an oil change. In other words, I am a mechanical idiot and I had no problems with this mod. :lol:

:lol:

 

alright that makes me feel better, cuz i haven't done too much either. :lol:

 

What is the advantage of a sway bar? I am not into racing or high performance, I just want a comfortable, controlled ride. I had VW Sport Springs installed and went to 16" wheels and this combo really helped a lot. I plan to do shock (Bilsteins prolly) next and while it's up in the air thought about the sway bar mod. And what's the diff between front and rear?? Are both necessary? What are the advatnages and trade offs?

TIA,
Phil

 

From what I understand, the rear is the choice if doing 1 or the other. I definately notice more control (less lean) in the twisties. There seems to be some debate about the front. IIR the LTB is more effective than the front sway bar.

 

What is the advantage of a sway bar? I am not into racing or high performance, I just want a comfortable, controlled ride. I had VW Sport Springs installed and went to 16" wheels and this combo really helped a lot. I plan to do shock (Bilsteins prolly) next and while it's up in the air thought about the sway bar mod. And what's the diff between front and rear?? Are both necessary? What are the advatnages and trade offs?

TIA,
Phil

Check out this sway bar thread. It may help.

 

check this one
http://www.autotech.com/susptung.htm#roll
Generally: if your car is Front wheel drive than you should opt for REAR sway bar in order to compensate understeer (when car tends to slip out of curve first with front end) If the car is Rear wheel drive you should do FRONT sway bar in order to compensate oversteer (when car tends to slip out of curve first with rear end). In same time sway bar is reducing leaning (roll or sway) of car during turning in bend.
If car is All wheel drive good choice is to put both front and rear sway bars in order to keep balanced sliding (when AWD car tends to slip from curve with all 4 wheels) or one of them if you preffer under or over steer..
LTB is not same as sway bar and is fulfilling different duties...stiffening chasis, altough does improve cornering ability and feel. It should be complementary to sways. Neuspeed sway is adjustable i.e. you can choose between close to stock set up, or more "sporty". This is main advantage to Autotech. Both of them are "bolt on" mods.

 

Thanks!

 

Yes, the rear sway bar does make a big difference but only will be noticeable when you are doing hard cornering. It makes the car feel flatter in the turn and the sterring does not feel as much like you are turning and not biting enough.

I have the ABD 28mm rear swaybar, which I got used and it is a bit noisy, but feels great. Besides gresing and silicone, does anyone have any recommendations for these things with the noise?

 

The Autotech bar does require drilling. I have this bar which I had installed along with Koni shocks and H&R springs. It is a great mod.
Hope this helps.

 

I just don't get the fuss about drilling a few holes into metal. I installed my own SRS bar and easily drilled eight holes in the twist beam with a very unspecial drill bit (just carbon steel, no titanium or cobalt or anything recommended for high-speed drilling). That's because I bought a 12"-long bit to make it easy to drill through the whole beam from one side, and I was only willing to pay a few bucks for one. Anyway, each hole only took a minute or so, with a 2-3 stops to spray a little WD40 for lube/cooling along the way. It's just not a big deal.

 

I installed my Autotech swaybar in about an hour (including two runs to Orchard for stuff I forgot). Drilling into the rear crossbeam was a no-brainer. Just measure and mark right, and drill true. You'll be fine. It was a very, very, very simple job. 2 Hammers at the most. :thumbup:

 

i think i will just get eh neuspeed non drill one and keep it simple

 

i think i will just get eh neuspeed non drill one and keep it simple

I ordered mine last week, it should be here any day!!!

 

well drop me a reply then and let me know how it feels and if it is worth it. that would be great