This is just to let people know that suspension changes can affect your alignment. I make a lot of changes to my suspension and noticed recently that my rear end was less stable after swapping in my new Progress rear sway bar.

Previously my car was aligned after installing my CompTech sway bar, Ingalls rear camber kit and Eibach ProKit. Since that alignment I had removed the Comptech, reinstalled OEM, then uninstalled OEM and installed the Progress bar.

I took it for alignment again and like I expected the rear was off, both rear wheels were toe'd out 0.8-1.0 degrees, which if you've driven on will make your rear want to "wiggle" a lot.

I don't think that everyone needs to jump out and get an alignment after swapping out the rear sway, but just be aware in case you feel anything weird. I'm not sure if my Progress bar was the cause, but I didn't touch the springs or camber kit, so I'm guessing just unbolting things and being under the car had some effect.

 

Good info

 

I don't really think the swaybar installation causes the alignment to go out, unless the person who did the last alignment didn't tighten down the adjustments. In which case, the swaybar can put stress on the the control arms causing the adjustment to shift. Keep in mind poly bushings put more stress on the mounting points. Another possibility could be the ride height has changed due to the springs being settled.

 

I agree, I wouldn't say definatively it would cause the need for an alignment, it doesn't make logical sense either. But my toe was out almost the same amount on both sides, and only in the rear, so I'm just passing along my experience.

 

ouch. i need an alignment and some new tires.

 

I just installed the Neuspeed Upper Strut Tie bar...During the install I did have to unbolt the strut towers bolts under the hood and also push them down and move them a little to get the bar to fit.

I now feel like my car might be pulling a little to the left sometimes. It doesn't always happen though, and it seems to be fine on some roads, but not all?

Do you think it's my alignment or do you think it's just uneven roads causing the slight pull to the left?

 

I sort've found the same thing when I first put my strut bar on. Unless you unbolted all 5 nuts from the front strut, I don't think that would affect the alignment. My suggestion is to make sure you put the bar when you car is on a flat road. And tighten the bolts in a X pattern. This seemed to fix my problems.

 

Thanks X. I'll do that.

I'm wondering if it's just all in my head. I'm gonna drive some more and see if I notice any issues.