A step by step guide to installing a rear sway bar on a Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S or Toyota GT86
This install guide will work for any sway bar on this platform including Whiteline’s 18 MM Rear Sway Bar, part number BSR53XZ and the 16MM Rear Sway Bar, part number BSR53Z.
How long will it take to replace the rear sway bar
The rear sway bar is very easy and takes little time compared to the front sway bar install. With the proper tools, you can remove the stock bar and install the new sway bar in less than 30 minutes.
Tools required for the job
To install the rear sway bar on your BRZ/FR-S/GT86, you’ll need these tools:
- Jack Stands
- Car Jack
- Lug wrench
- Socket Wrench – 12mm
- 14mm wrench
Step by Step
Step One
Once your BRZ/FR-S/GT86 is on jack-stands, remove the tires.
Step Two
Loosen the upper bolts on the stock endlinks using a 14mm socket wrench and detach them from the sway bar.
Step Three
Loosen the sway bar bushing mounts with a 12mm socket wrench. Hold the center of the bar with one hand to avoid getting smacked in the face.
Step Four
Take the sway bar off. First rotate the non-exhaust side until it is clear. Then rotate the exhaust side, and slide off over the exhaust.
Step Five
Put the sway bar bushings on the new sway bar with the slit facing the same way the original bushings were facing.
Step Six
Put the new sway bar on. Slide it back over the exhaust and wrap the driver side over the control arm. Then slide the passenger side between the control arm and the subframe.
Step Seven
Make sure the bar is evenly spaced laterally.
Step Eight
Make sure the sway bar mounts clip the tab on the subframe, then get the lower mount bolts started.
Step Nine
Place the supplied lateral locks about an 1/8 of an inch on the inside of the sway bar mounts. Use the supplied Allen wrench to tighten.
Step Ten
Start the upper mount bolts, and fully tighten the upper and lower bolts.
Step Eleven
Attach sway bar to the stock endlinks. Set vehicle back at ride height, then fully tighten endlinks and wipe away excess grease..
Adjust the softness of the bar
To switch settings, just remove the bottom attachment on the endlink and switch to the desired setting.
Sam Fisher
November 9, 2015 at 4:01 pmA buddy of mine just bought one of these about a week ago and he is already wanting to modify it. He plans to take it on autocross courses so I know he’ll be changing up the suspension. I’ll have to show him this guide since it is very well written out and the pictures help a lot. However, I know it’ll take us a bit longer since we don’t have a big car jack like you do.
Drew Taylor
November 16, 2015 at 8:22 amYeah the jack sure did help things. What size sway bar are you installing?
MikeDoesTech (@mike_does_tech)
July 16, 2016 at 10:53 amyou need to add the TORQUE settings to this DIY for the sway bar to end link bolts and the bracket to frame bolts (44#ft). other than that, good job!
Edwin Lingle
December 9, 2016 at 1:24 pmWhy was the lateral lock installed to the inside of the sway bar bushing.