034 End Links

[aaronz]

Have been installing all my parts in stages so I can provide individual feedback. Here are the install notes for my particular situation for the end links:

The 034 instructions are good but I found a few extra tools that were needed (or make it substantially easier) and outside of my bad luck bolt, this install takes less than 30 minutes. I had all ready installed my rear sway but if you were going to do these with the rear sway it would add on 20 minutes max, tools are nearly identical.

Tools needed in addition to the 034 instructions:
13mm Deep socket
Two 13mm wrenches (ratcheting makes the job go stupid fast)
Extension bar for trq wrench
Different 8mm Allen wrench options

Jacked up and put the stands at the subframe (don't worry it's not actually on the crack)


This allows the end links to sit center for both hole options when reinstalling to the sway bar making it much easier.









When installing the factory bolt and torquing to spec you need to use a deeper socket since the bolt pokes out quite a bit. Directions didn't cover this, just said to torque to 35nM.




Now in my case the driver side factory end link decided to be made from glass and the head of the triple square broke off....it was a PITA to say the least. Not a lot of room to work in there so couldn't drill it out. I ended up looking at the passenger side one to see what I could do. Took it apart and found a section I could clamp onto...after swearing a lot and then asking my wife to come help crank the wrench while I used the power of Thor to clamp down on the opened section.

Here are the internals of the stock unit:





After getting the devil bolt and stock unit out it was back to business. Use an extension to be able to torque the bolt to 45nM



If you are installing the rear sway the only additional tool is a grease gun :)



Enjoy once I have more seat time I will follow this post up.

-AZ



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[Nathing32]

Same thing happened to me when I tried to remove the factory bolt - the thing fractures way too easily. They must have used improper heat treating (or none at all). I got lucky because I was replacing both the sway bar and the end links with the 034 units at the same time so I just removed the old sway bar with the end link still attached. In fact it's still attached to the old sway bar in a box in my garage. Anyone else who does their own sway bar upgrade should be really careful with that triple square bolt.

[aaronz]

Yeah I got lucky the first time around when I just installed the sway....this time not so much!


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[saxon]

thanks for the write up, was it a worthwhile upgrade?

[aaronz]

thanks for the write up, was it a worthwhile upgrade?

TBD track day next weekend

[A20V200]

Just wondering why you went with these non adjustable end links vs and adjustable like the Emmanuel Designs set up? That way you could dial in your sway bar preload.....?

http://www.emmanueledesign.com/colle...r-end-link-set

[aaronz]

Just wondering why you went with these non adjustable end links vs and adjustable like the Emmanuel Designs set up? That way you could dial in your sway bar preload.....?

http://www.emmanueledesign.com/colle...r-end-link-set

Good catch, first issue is I didn't know they existed but I didn't really research product lines and companies outside of the ones I know of and have done business with in the past...

The preload, as it stands now is near non-existent, minus me sitting in the car the stock wheel gap (I want to say like 5.2" from Rim edge to fender, would have to double check) was done when connecting the end link to the sway so that the bolt just slid right in (just put your car on stands and then use the jack to raise that sides tire). 034 directions said you may have to fight it to get the bolt through if the wheel was hanging but I found getting it back to stock ride hight'ish made that step super easy.

I don't think that I'll get to a point where my ride height will add so much preload that it'll have a negative impact (nor am I that good that I'll notice small changes), but who knows will wait and see and then can make a decision that that point if I need the adjustability. Eibach springs are on their way (TTS w/ mag ride so a pita to find the right ones. They were not the same as the golf r or s3 springs) from Germany. Then as soon as MSS releases a kit or let's me test a kit I'll switch to those.

Another reason, and not necessarily car performance based is that 034/Laszlo has taken good care of me any time I ordered anything or had questions / warranty stuff (V2 dogbone mount) and that makes doing business with them easier and a logical choice.

So long story short, if I find I am at a point where I need to adjust the end links due to preload impacting me negatively on the road or track it's super easy to switch these out and takes no more than 30 min. I'll buy adjustable end links, or maybe 034 will have them made, and go to that setup if/and when that happens.

[will13k7]

Over on 034's endlink thread on VwVortex, Laszlo had this to say:

Adjustable end links are useful for corner-weighted cars which sit at an uneven ride height, and benefit from having the resulting preload removed from the rear sway bar. Hope that helps!

thoughts anyone?

[aaronz]

Over on 034's endlink thread on VwVortex, Laszlo had this to say:



thoughts anyone?

Stock ride height there is no preload. Once I get springs installed I'll check again, not sure how different the TTS vs Golf R vs S3 will be impacted due to weight/ride height / etc

[Nathing32]

I've got a track day Friday. First time really Putting the 034 rear sway and end links through their paces. Will report back.