Hotchkis Sway Bar INSTALLATION

[Bobbyru]

How hard are these to install on a 2011? DIY?

[Ciscokidz]

Watched your thread for a bit, figuring others would chime in, but since they haven't....

Swaybar installation is pretty much a 3-4 on a scale of 1-10 in terms of difficulty: It's pretty much a DIY, though I would say if you've never changed your own brake pads, then get a friend who has to help you. I always think getting to know your car is better, so if you've got a garage, a floor jack and some stands and patience, this is pretty easy.

I bought the group buy of Hotchkis as I've done them on other cars for various reasons and like their performance, I'm kinda on the fence as the whether or when to install them on the B8, I'm still sorting suspension/tires/adhesion limits so will save these for last most likely. Here's a link to a B7 DIY, gives you an idea..... http://www.audiworld.com/tech/misc3.shtml

Here's my favorite link to suspension/swaybar pro/cons in general, another astute audi driver put it best (go to post #7) as long as you understand that the grip he is referring to is at the absolute limit: street cars benefit from sways quite a bit, track cars maybe dependent on many other factors.... http://www.a5oc.com/forums/s5-performance-mods/15978-sway-bar-recommendations.html

[UmIsThisThingOn]

There's a Hotchkis DIY and a few others floating around here and the A4/A5 forums.
Did they not come with instructions?

[Bobbyru]

Wow, that was a great link and informative write up on sway bars for street and/or track.
I purchased Hotchkis bars in the Group-Buy for my stock suspension "street only" application......whew!.....the write up confirms what I had thought.....but wasn't aware I would actually loose traction @ the limits.
They just got delivered yesterday and Yes, there are directions which do look easy to install.
This forum is an awesome communication tool.
There is always someone willing to share information....thanks Ciscokidz

[snoroller]

Hi,

I haven't posted much lately but will try to participate more in the future. I did an h-sport install half a year ago and am still really happy with the results (street driving it only). You can search for my post giving an overview of the install. I recommend to do the rear first, as that's the pain end. If you have the right tools for the job, it will go much easier. Think swivel gear wrenches! The two end bolts on the rear are far and away the toughest to get tightened, so do it right the first time and use threadloc.

A good self-install project for the noviceish and u will save $ and learn about your car!

ps, love the thread linked above in the s5 forum. Good stuff!

-Tim [s4]

[Bobbyru]

Anyone have a recommendation and reason for how to install ADJUSTABLE FRONT BAR?
Should I install on the soft or stiff setting for "street only" use?

[Leor604]

Depends what you are after.

If you are looking to decrease understeer use the softer setting. If you are looking for less lean use the stiff setting

[Mike@PureMS]

Install on these is pretty straight forward. If you can change your oil, this is doable for most. Ramps would be recommended, as it's more difficult if you're using jack stands. Ideally the suspension should be compressed and loaded when you're installing them. Makes for an easier installation.

Feel free to email if you have any questions. We've been one of Hotchkis' first Audi/VW Distributor and are intimately familiar with all their applications.

[simplicity]

Are you planning to use the supplied grease from Hotchkis or use something else? I'm tempted to try this (http://www.polybushings.com/pages/bushinglube.html)