I just got done installing the TRD rear sway bar and now get this clunking sound in the back. I followed healthynine's DIY and can't see where I went wrong. I checked TRDSpark's PDF instructions, and I swear I did everything correctly.

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...highlight=sway

Is there something I missed? The only thing I could think of is if I installed the bushings wrong... Which way is the slit portion of the bushing supposed to face? Upside down facing the ground?

 

you either installed the sway bar upside-down or the sway bar is hitting the exhaust system.

 

We need pics to help you out!

 

This is interesting because I got the same thing on my tC. Check your bolts. The sound on my car recently went away after I found one of the bolts was loose.

 

Ignoring the DIY -- if you followed the supplied (downloadable) TRD instructions exactly, then the only way I can explain your problem is that you didn't tighten all the bolts correctly.

 

So basically, everyone is saying I'm an "idiot." And YES, I have to agree! I bought the sway bar used and didn't want to print out the directions. I'm going to tackle this after work and will take pics if I still can't figure it out.

D

 

Same thing happend to me on the rear passenger side. Check your bolt and nut where it mounts to the shock. If it is loose invest in some thread lock prior to torquing.

 

You're doing it wrong.

I'm sorry I couldn't resist. If you install it correctly, chances are it might be defective. My friend got a 25mm Perrin sway bar and it was warped, when one side was mounted the other was about 8 inches off.

 

Don't worry guys, I got her fixed. I didn't want you guys to have sleepless nights knowing my whip was in bad shape, so have a good night fellas... Thanks for the support. Apparently a moron was the last to work on my car before I fixed it....

From Zero to Hero... That's me!

 

So what's the verdict?

Loose bolts on the bottom of the shock where you have to mount the sway?

 

Evening All,
Same problem here - Passenger side "clunk" caused by the nut on the lower shock bolt loosening over time.
The basic problem is that when the passenger side of the swaybar twists, it is actually moving the swaybar in a direction that will loosen the nut. The driver side never comes loose because it moves in a direction that would tend to tighten the nut. Check it out and you'll realize what's happening when you see how the system operates.
Next time it comes loose (and it will!), I'm going to replace the lower shock bolts with longer ones (more threads) so I can add a jamb nut to lock it down mechanically. Thread lock compound would work also as someone here suggested, but it could be a problem getting everything loose when servicing the shocks later.

My $0.02 worth - Thanks.

 

Good idea on the jamb nut!!!

Somone else in CA I need to high five when I go out there...

 

If you fellows follow the instructions from TRD instead of the DIY, you'll see that the nut MUST remain on the wheel side of the rear shocks. It just so happens the instructions flatly tell you NOT to turn the nut, instead turn the bolt, and then to reassemble in the identical configuration (unlike the DIY and another supposed installer post/recommendation I read in another forum.) If you assemble it properly, you'll notice the underside of the nut has ridges that engage grooves in the mating surface that PREVENT the nut from turning.

As soon as you say the nut is coming loose due to the normal action of the suspension, you are demonstrating your failure to follow the TRD instructions! If you either disassemble or reassemble by turning the nut, you are destroying the built in locking mechanism.

 

You guys used instructions?!?!?!!?!??


My Hotchkis instructions were very vague...

 

Actually, I installed the bottom bracket upside down and also misaligned the bushing... In my defense, I did work at night in the dark, so apparently, I'm not as smart as I always think I am.

But seriously, I installed the bottom bracket upside down which forced me to awkwardly install rear bolt. The awkward bolt was causing the noise as it was rubbing against the frame of the car...

 

I see what you're talking about with the clamps. My Hotchkis' aren't like that... Hmmmm...

 

As long as the bolts are re-installed in the identical configuration as original and the bolt is rotated, not the nut -- there should be no problem. (I didn't receive any instructions with my Eibach springs either, downloading the TRD instructions made all the difference . I value instructions since they make it less likely I'll make a mess of it. DIY's can be useful, but not when they conflict with proper instructions.)

 

Thanks for the tip TrevorS.
Since the dealer did the swaybar install, I will take the matter up with them to correct it!
Carl

 

Defnitely -- if it's making noises after a dealer install, it's their problem to solve -- not yours!

 

Let me know when you're out here, you've got a place to hang out in Napa, and plenty of wine to lube you up.