How do I install OEM style sway bar bushings on an axel beam

[ebennett]

The bushings on my stock sway bar went bad on the axel beam of my 1976 beetle. I have an OEM style kit with rubber bushings and new metal fasteners.

When I try and wrap the fastener strap around the control arm, bushing and sway bar – the fastener strap pinches the rubber the bushing and I can’t slide the fastening clip onto the fastener strap.

I haven’t consulted my Bentley manual yet, but is there a special VW tool or trick to installing these sway bar bushings and fasteners?

I want to keep it stock and I do not want to install a polyurethane kit with the screw clamps.
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GDTRFB

[Matt Wilson]

The arm has a little nub in the middle, and the bigger bushing fits over the inside, and the smaller goes to the outside, the bump seperates the two. The clips go on the bottom, and the smaller clip is captured by the bigger clip assembly. You have to wrap the strap around so that it exactly conforms around the metal arm, and the rubber bushing, and squeeze it together with some channel-locks to get the clip started, and then you can squeeze the clip on or tap it onto the strap.
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1972 Standard Beetle
1969 Baja Beetle

[ebennett]

I know how everything is oriented on the car, I just can't get the strap to wrap around the a-arm and bushing with the sway bar in it.

Is there special technique to putting these on or just channel -lock manipulation?
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GDTRFB

[Matt Wilson]

I have found that they just take muscle.
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1972 Standard Beetle
1969 Baja Beetle

[ach60]

Yes this is just one of those pain in the ass jobs.
Vicegrips & clamps to squeez the bracket together to get started, and also clean off the burrs & grease the grooves.
Once you get it started, hammer it the rest of the way,
stopping occasionally to be sure the whole bar is not moving down the arm.
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Good Luck
Al

[ScottK]

Yes, it's just a pain in the ass to get them started. I invented some new words when I did mine.

[gus111]

I used a 2 handle wood workers clamp to squeeze mine on.
Still a PITA

[airic]

Empi makes a very nice swear reducer, and makes it a 10 minute job.

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C13%2D9692

[ebennett]

I figured it was just a PITA, but I was hoping to here that there was some crazy German VW tool that made the job quick and easy.

I've seen those EMPI clamp ones come loose so I don't think I want them on my car

Thanks for the input

Eric
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GDTRFB

[airic]

they come loose if you mount them so the wheel hits the clamp, if you are worried about the self locking nut coming off just saftey wire the clamp in place, and inspect every time you adjust your brakes.

There is no easy way to put the oem ones on.