PSA - Lube Your EC Sway Bar Bushings - Low Speed Suspension Clunk Gone

[drob23]

This is probably well known, but just like some good sex, lubrication plays a CRITICAL role in things friction. I had a "clunk" every time the car went over a bump or even took a turn at slow speed. Was told numerous times it was probably the bushings but I didn't want to believe...

Well today I took them off and wow, the lube from EC felt like tree sap in there, ugh, can't even imagine the sexual equivalent. Spent some time cleaning them out with simple green along with the bar itself. Went with what Jeff recommended (via Ray) and applied pretty liberally. Here's the stuff



Here's how much I put in there



Stuff was pretty nasty (got everywhere, but I cleaned afterwards)...after getting them back on, I did a quick drive up and down the block and couldn't hear any noise, extremely stoked at this point. Hopefully not jumping the gun, but my setup was clunky pretty much every time the car was driven. Might try and do the same to the front, it seems like the stock lube that EC provided was possibly not up to the task. Time will tell

[AKPS4]

Good info. Thanks. I wonder if the spray lubricants can work with application more often to avoid removal and reinstallation.

It's too cold here and with more snow coming I'll have to wait to try this out but seems like doing this once a year at minimum is a good idea.

How long have you had your sway bars? Did you notice wear on the inside of the bushings due to loss of lubrication?

[drob23]

Good info. Thanks. I wonder if the spray lubricants can work with application more often to avoid removal and reinstallation.

It's too cold here and with more snow coming I'll have to wait to try this out but seems like doing this once a year at minimum is a good idea.

How long have you had your sway bars? Did you notice wear on the inside of the bushings due to loss of lubrication?

Ha, yea I did it in an unheated garage (to be fair it's attached). Had the car on ramps since I was fixing the exhaust install I did. I'm not sure how you can properly get lube in there without removing the bracket + bushing. At the very least you'd need to slide the bracket off a bit.

The sway bars have been on for about 8-10 months, somewhere in that range. Bushings seemed in good shape from what I could tell, there was a small crack forming, but it was maybe .5mm deep. What was more concerning was the rust forming inside the EC end-links. I'll grab a shot next time I have the opportunity to peek under there.

[AudiS4TW]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing this. I know I'll eventually have to do this, too. Good to know there's a solution. :). Let us know for sure if the noise comes back.


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[b8audis4]

Thanks for the info!

[MrFunk]

Yup! Thanks for the write up!

[AKPS4]

I'll do a follow up this spring with photos and status of any damage. The rust may or may not be an issue if it's surface only. I'll check mine as well.

[BzzzBom]

Any update

[drob23]

Any update

Runs great, no noise whatsoever. I have since also had the front sway bar bushings lubed, along with the links. Car was on a lift getting some other work done.

[millerrh]

Drob, did you have to remove the whole front bar to lube the bushings? Or can you get to the by just removing the brackets that hold them to the car.

[drob23]

Drob, did you have to remove the whole front bar to lube the bushings? Or can you get to the by just removing the brackets that hold them to the car.

Rear ones you can do without removing bars, just brackets as you say, I did one at a time.

Fronts seemed to be preloaded while on ramps, so I wasn't able to spin the bushing to take it off (after bracket removal). I didn't spend too much time trying to figure it out, was when I was doing the pulley install.

[millerrh]

Rear ones you can do without removing bars, just brackets as you say, I did one at a time.

Fronts seemed to be preloaded while on ramps, so I wasn't able to spin the bushing to take it off (after bracket removal). I didn't spend too much time trying to figure it out, was when I was doing the pulley install.

So how did you end up lubing the fronts? Did you remove the whole bar? I take it ramps are fine to use for this per the instruction manual.

[drob23]

So how did you end up lubing the fronts? Did you remove the whole bar? I take it ramps are fine to use for this per the instruction manual.

I didn't do it personally, had it done by my shop while some other work was done. Would probably be no issue on jack stands.

My noise issue was way worse in the back, front didn't change much. Just did it preemptively.

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[Gotchaa]

Why would these parts be rusting after 10 months? Is this expected wear and tear?

[SwankPeRFection]

Why would these parts be rusting after 10 months? Is this expected wear and tear?

You mean EuroCode parts rusting? Like their end links (bushings), etc.?

(The old sway bar design they had used to have some rust issues too and also hand a clank that used to happen. Supposedly the new design no longer had those problems, but it's hard to say because some people aren't aware that there are two designs out and some that might have had the old design certainly don't say which version they have.)

[Gotchaa]

You mean EuroCode parts rusting? Like their end links (bushings), etc.?

(The old sway bar design they had used to have some rust issues too and also hand a clank that used to happen. Supposedly the new design no longer had those problems, but it's hard to say because some people aren't aware that there are two designs out and some that might have had the old design certainly don't say which version they have.)

When you say old design, how long ago was the design changed on the sway bar and what would you see different? On the end links, aren't the bushings going to break down with wear and tear anyhow?

[Leor604]

When you say old design, how long ago was the design changed on the sway bar and what would you see different? On the end links, aren't the bushings going to break down with wear and tear anyhow?

There are no bushings to break down

[SwankPeRFection]

When you say old design, how long ago was the design changed on the sway bar and what would you see different? On the end links, aren't the bushings going to break down with wear and tear anyhow?

The old design had pinched ends on the bars where they get attached to the end links. The new design, they cut a slit out of the bar and slide in a solid end and weld it in place. It's easy to tell the difference and in my eyes, the new design is a bit better. They could have done the same with the old in terms of just pinching and welding the seams of the pinch, but they didn't and had rust and banging issues (but they'll tell you that had nothing to do with the design change... they'll say it was due to them not being able to get exact manufacturing results each and every time ).

As for the bushings, they're polyurethane or at least they should be. They won't tear or degrade easily if at all. The problem is, they need to be lubed as they will squeak after a while if not done so. Lithium grease is what I used on my previous cars and had no issues out of any poly bushings regardless of what suspension component they were on. Applied once and didn't have to repeat. On the sway bar bushings, you apply the grease in two places... on inside where the bar goes through and also on the outside where the bracket holds it in place... sometimes a bit on the flat side that sits against the frame is needed as well.

[Gotchaa]

The old design had pinched ends on the bars where they get attached to the end links. The new design, they cut a slit out of the bar and slide in a solid end and weld it in place. It's easy to tell the difference and in my eyes, the new design is a bit better. They could have done the same with the old in terms of just pinching and welding the seams of the pinch, but they didn't and had rust and banging issues (but they'll tell you that had nothing to do with the design change... they'll say it was due to them not being able to get exact manufacturing results each and every time ).

As for the bushings, they're polyurethane or at least they should be. They won't tear or degrade easily if at all. The problem is, they need to be lubed as they will squeak after a while if not done so. Lithium grease is what I used on my previous cars and had no issues out of any poly bushings regardless of what suspension component they were on. Applied once and didn't have to repeat. On the sway bar bushings, you apply the grease in two places... on inside where the bar goes through and also on the outside where the bracket holds it in place... sometimes a bit on the flat side that sits against the frame is needed as well.

Good info I will have to check this out, so far 15k miles on EC sways and end links and no issues, how long before you needed to do this?

[tba]

When I asked, Eurocode said to re-lube the bushings at least every 2 years. I had Hotchkis sways on my IS300 and even though their recommendation was to lube every 6 months, they made it really easy by having grease fittings in the brackets. Just pop the cover, give it a few pumps of grease and done. Didn't even have to put the car on ramps. I'm actually considering swapping out the EC sways for Hotchkis just for this convenience.

[SwankPeRFection]

Good info I will have to check this out, so far 15k miles on EC sways and end links and no issues, how long before you needed to do this?

On my old car, I lubed the bushings when I installed the sways and 130k miles and 9 years later, still no squeaks. Lol

I guess what I'm saying is, do as needed, but it may not be needed beyond the initial lube. YMMV

[F16HTON]

On my old car, I lubed the bushings when I installed the sways and 130k miles and 9 years later, still no squeaks. Lol

I guess what I'm saying is, do as needed, but it may not be needed beyond the initial lube. YMMV

Factory spec is inspect every 10K miles and do preventative maintenance as required. How this translates in the real world is look at the bushings while the car is in the air getting an oil change. Lubricate the bushings if they make noise. If they look worn, then replace.

[David@EuroCode]

The end links are not stainless steel they are zinc coated steel and Teflon coated steel inserts. Over time in harsh environments they will rust just like the rest of the bolts on your car. We don't manufacture the ends just the bodies, the ends are made by FK in the US and the part number is right on the end. You can contact the manufacturer and verify that over 30+ years they have not had rust issues other than what is considered normal due to exposure to the elements. Most of what you see is just surface rust.

The clanking of the rod ends have nothing to do with rust, and everything to do with wear and tear. Over time the Teflon coating will wear down creating a slight play which would produce this sound. I think its a great thing, as this alerts you of the rod end starting to reach the end of its life span. A simple rebuild kit will cure this rather quickly. The factory rubber end links on the other hand will be completely wasted and cracked and will not make a sound.

I have seen powder-coating start to peel and crack in harsh environments, this will happen to stock sway bars just the same.

To be absolutely clear, our design change to the bars had NOTHING to do with RUST and everything thing to do with consistency in manufacturing!

[BzzzBom]

I am getting bushings lubed tomorrow at EF1 Motorsports in Long Beach, CA. The front and rear sways were installed about two years ago. The rears are making more noise than the front. I'll report back after tomorrow.

[BzzzBom]

Front and rear bushings lubed with dielectric grease. The original grease was mostly gone and dried out. I've driven the car about 100 miles and the sway bar noises are gone.

[drob23]

Front and rear bushings lubed with dielectric grease. The original grease was mostly gone and dried out. I've driven the car about 100 miles and the sway bar noises are gone.

Nice man, glad to hear it's improved! Amazing how such a little bit of grease can have such an effect on that clunking noise. I didn't think it would work when I first tried.

Now, to try and remove all the interior cabin rattle...

[BzzzBom]

Still have slight rattle which I've had since I bought the car. It sounds like it's from rear but have never been able to find culprit - not endlinks or swaybar related.

[Info@EuroCode]

I am getting bushings lubed tomorrow at EF1 Motorsports in Long Beach, CA. The front and rear sways were installed about two years ago. The rears are making more noise than the front. I'll report back after tomorrow.

Front and rear bushings lubed with dielectric grease. The original grease was mostly gone and dried out. I've driven the car about 100 miles and the sway bar noises are gone.

Standard maintenance is to inspect and potentially lubricate the suspension components every six months or 10K miles, how this translates in the real world is that if you complain about it, the service technician will lubricate suspension components.

[drob23]

Still have slight rattle which I've had since I bought the car. It sounds like it's from rear but have never been able to find culprit - not endlinks or swaybar related.

The issue this thread was addressing was definitely of the "clunk" variety. Have you ever had the car aligned or body panels or exhaust stuff done? You ever change wheels? Hard to diagnose something as general as a rattle.

[Russtty]

Still have slight rattle which I've had since I bought the car. It sounds like it's from rear but have never been able to find culprit - not endlinks or swaybar related.

Something that is often overlooked is the spare and other items in the spare compartment. Maybe start there?

[BzzzBom]

The issue this thread was addressing was definitely of the "clunk" variety. Have you ever had the car aligned or body panels or exhaust stuff done? You ever change wheels? Hard to diagnose something as general as a rattle.

No to all

[BzzzBom]

Something that is often overlooked is the spare and other items in the spare compartment. Maybe start there?

Eurocode meticulously went through the spare compartment and even removed the sway bar and end links to ensure that they weren't the culprits. I think that the noise may be due to a loose part in an inaccessible area, sport differential noise, or something to do with the ADS system. I had a similar noise years ago in a E500 Mercedes and it was determined to be an improper chassis weld point. However, the rattle is fairly minor - my wife doesn't even hear it, and I am a bit too OCD regarding my cars. The car handles great and I am very pleased with the USS sways, end links and Alu Kreuz so maybe I'll just turn up the stereo a little and enjoy the car. Others on this forum have complained about various interior rattles. I am very pleased that my interior is dead silent. :)

[mpower3o2]

Sorry about bringing a thread from the past.

I've looked EVERYWHERE and this was the closest I could find relating to my problem.

Have a metallic sound along with squeaking. Removed the rear sway, bought new stretch bolts, lubed bushings with OP's product he mentioned, reinstalled, and problems still remains.

Loaded/unloaded suspension and think we found the culprit. If we hold the EC endlinks, the noise goes away.

Anyone have issues with their links? These have about 4-5k miles on them.

SOUND CLIP: http://vid694.photobucket.com/albums...pskq3hk9tp.mp4

[AnotherJake]

I have squeaks with mine while going over bumps and I've have been meaning to get it on a lift and lube all the EC parts. Think I might call EC first and ask about recommendations.

[Info@EuroCode]

Sorry about bringing a thread from the past.

I've looked EVERYWHERE and this was the closest I could find relating to my problem.

Have a metallic sound along with squeaking. Removed the rear sway, bought new stretch bolts, lubed bushings with OP's product he mentioned, reinstalled, and problems still remains.

Loaded/unloaded suspension and think we found the culprit. If we hold the EC endlinks, the noise goes away.

Anyone have issues with their links? These have about 4-5k miles on them.

SOUND CLIP: http://vid694.photobucket.com/albums...pskq3hk9tp.mp4

What suspension do you have on you car besides our parts?

[mpower3o2]

H&R Coilovers, and SPC Adjustable control arms.

When we had the car up on the 4-Post, the tech held the endlinks by hand and the noise was gone when pushing up and down on the car.


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[millerrh]

I have squeaks with mine while going over bumps and I've have been meaning to get it on a lift and lube all the EC parts. Think I might call EC first and ask about recommendations.

This is exactly the problem I had and the bushings had no lube in them. Adding lube completely solved the problem.

[Pilfer]

This is exactly the problem I had and the bushings had no lube in them. Adding lube completely solved the problem.

even with the noises I would still get all the same parts, how awesome does this car handle with them? Especially with the PSS10's.

[millerrh]

Love the way it handles. But the PSS10s also make noises! The springs bind when doing hard turns at low speed (like parking). Have to lube my springs and use spacers to keep it at bay, but it's still a little bit there.

[Info@EuroCode]

H&R Coilovers, and SPC Adjustable control arms.

When we had the car up on the 4-Post, the tech held the endlinks by hand and the noise was gone when pushing up and down on the car.


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Ho long have the bars/links been on the car, also have you tested the vehicle with the sway bar removed from the vehicle? Reason we ask, is that we have had customers with the same issue and it turned out to be the coils and in a few cases even the factory shocks.

Even if you held the link with your hands on a four post lift and attempted to move the suspension (which wont be enough movement) we recommend you disconnect and remove the bar and drive on it. Just food for thought, otherwise lubricating the bushings is something that is required and last but not least end links need to be rebuilt over time. Are you using the rubber dust boots we recommend and are you packing them with grease since you live in Oregon?