DIY - rear sway bar [pics]

[cali yaris]

Today we installed an Ultra Racing rear sway (anti-roll) bar on Babie Y's Yaris. I took a few pics, hope this is helpful.

First, jack up the back of the car (from the sides) and remove the rear wheels. This makes it easier to get to the bolts later.

Then, get out your sway bar. A friend, helper, bodyguard or whatever helps.

http://www.microimageonline.com/images/magazine/DIY/swaybar-Yaris/1.jpg


Look under the car. There is one large bolt holding the bottom of the rear shock. You can re-use this bolt. There is also a hole that isn't being used just in front of it, like this:


http://www.microimageonline.com/images/magazine/DIY/swaybar-Yaris/2.jpg


Here is the same two holes, shown from the inside angle instead:

http://www.microimageonline.com/images/magazine/DIY/swaybar-Yaris/3.jpg

Remove the bolt holding the shock. Place the swaybar with the bar at the bottom and so the holes line up. Re-install the bolt through the shock, then the sway bar, then a washer and nut. ***It is easier to do both shock bolts first, leaving the sway bar hanging -- then do the two front bolts.

That should look like this:

http://www.microimageonline.com/images/magazine/DIY/swaybar-Yaris/4.jpg

And like this:

http://www.microimageonline.com/images/magazine/DIY/swaybar-Yaris/5.jpg

Tighten and/or torque the nuts and you're done. In another thread there was consensus that "making them tight, but not crazy tight" was good enough for this.

thanks to supmet:
For the TRD bar, the torque specs are 36 ft/lbs on the bolt at the bottom of the suspension, and 44 ft/lbs for the other bolt.

Go drive the car, high-five your bodyguard... and have a nice day.

* (check and re-tighten, if needed after driving for a few days).
* the Ultra Racing sway bar comes with hardware -- I'm sure the TRD one does, too.
* Yes, that is a Tokico shock. :smile:

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Sweet. Thanks for the write up, Garm. I might be working (no, not the work I'm doing now, but actually be getting paid for working) this summer in addition to my summer classes. This will be one of the things I'll be getting if I get the position at the hospital.

[Nexus1155]

Question though, does it really make a compareable difference over stock, and i don't know if you sell both of them would you recommend the Ultra or the TRD one? They are both at a competitive price..

The yaris is lowered on 17's, and she likes to take corners hard...

I'm going to do some research on it, just wanted to hear it out of the mans mouth first hand

[1NZYaris1]

It looks :rolleyes: just like the TRD one except it's WHITE :drool:
so if you want RED you have to pay more :eek:
dam i should have waited a couple of months
and just paint it RED :evil:

[cali yaris]

does it really make a compareable difference over stock,

There is no stock sway bar included with the car!

Yes, this bar makes a big difference in cornering. Out of all the "bracing" and "bars" this is the one to get first and the one you will feel.

I think TRD is overpriced, but as a customer, it is good to have choices in the marketplace.

[eTiMaGo]

argh i gotta get one of these someday :biggrin: nice writeup!

[supmet]

Tighten and/or torque the nuts and you're done. In another thread there was consensus that "making them tight, but not crazy tight" was good enough for this, but if someone wants to post the torque spec for these bolts, that would be great.


For the TRD bar, the torque specs are 36 ft/lbs on the bolt at the bottom of the suspension, and 44 ft/lbs for the other bolt.

[custom Lftback]

what is the price for the ultra racing sway bar?

[custom Lftback]

nevermind, found an older thread. $129 shipped.

[cali yaris]

thanks for the torque specs, added to first post

[tk-421]

@cali: can you source unpainted (maybe just primered) bars?
Also, how thick is this bar compared with TRD?

[cali yaris]

Ultra Racing 19mm, TRD 22mm (I'm told) -- I've tried both, can't really feel much of a difference.

Thinking about having them make a 23mm bar to play with.

Why would you want an unpainted bar? You can always re-paint it anyway?

[westgl]

I bought my UR Rear Sway Bar from Cali Yaris, it shipped fast, received it very quick. It is easiest to put it on the way Cali Yaris describes. A small Pry bar will help to spread the bar and get it into place.

Driving: I noticed that the suspension felt Firmer and not bouncy as it was before, it remove the wander that this car has. Iam not constantly stearing to stay straight. The Wander is mostly gone. The car feel's more solid.

Handling: The handling is much improved, I feel that acident avoidance is greatly improved.

The car still has a slight amount of wander, maybe it's in the front end??

My Car has the Electric upgraded package that includes the upgraded Goodyear tires, not the Bridestones. The GoodYear tires hold the road better, and are allot quieter with less road noise coming into the car through the tires.

G

[Shroomster]

meh.... when I installed the wife's TRD bar I just left the shock bolts facing the installed way and placed the new bolts facing the opposite way....

good write up GARM!

[auxmike]

meh.... when I installed the wife's TRD bar I just left the shock bolts facing the installed way and placed the new bolts facing the opposite way....

good write up GARM!

I did the same thing!
I think that's what it showed in the diagrams in the instruction sheet.

[Inspector14]

Installed my Ultra sway bar a couple of weeks ago. man the handling is improved. i can really toss that little car around. (not too much still a bit of ice, and i have my snow tires on)

install was a snap. though i didn't tighten the shock bolt on the left side down all the way (got distracted) and was getting a horrible thunk sound. easy fix.

[blacksandiegovitz]

Very nice , I still need to get one of these sway bars off you Garm .

[yarisugi]

Sorry for noob question.
Don't know much about rear sways bars, but how does this improve handling?
Being that it's a FF car (Front engine, Front wheel drive) and this is my first FF car.
Up until now, I've only driven FR or MR cars with front sway bars that make a huge difference.
Shed some light on grasshopper please.

[cali yaris]

when you turn, weight is transferred to the outside wheel. A sway bar (or in this case because we have a beam rear axle, a "torsion" bar), resists this by transferring weight back to the inside wheel.

Roll is reduced, traction is increased and the car feels much more "secure" and flat in the turns.

How'd I do? :smile:

[PHXDEMON]

Just bought one of these from you Garm. Couldn't save all my tax return money :laugh: Can't wait to install it.

[cali yaris]

cool man, you will like the result!

[CtrlAltDefeat]

mine is on it's way now... can't wait to install it :biggrin:

[PHXDEMON]

Just got the bar in today and installed it :bow: to fast shipping. What suprised me is more than handling it actually improved the ride quality. Rear end is much more stable now and the car feels much less "bouncy" dropped on DF 210s. it also decreased a lot of body roll on hard turns and I no longer rub on hard turns which is awesome. Overall worth every penny :grin:

[cali yaris]

I will be getting more, too -- they are now posted into the store.

[chongopants]

hey guys I am a newb in modding small cars, and its been a while since I have done anything. I think this is a good start. I have an 07 yaris, and I wanna know some cheap newb mods if you guys have any suggestions.
Thanks

[1NZYaris1]

hey guys I am a newb in modding small cars, and its been a while since I have done anything. I think this is a good start. I have an 07 yaris, and I wanna know some cheap newb mods if you guys have any suggestions.
Thanks

Handling wise , Shocks , springs ,and sway bars
engine wise Afe intake ,Nst Pullies , and up grade your excuast
+ aheap load of other things , Check out www.MicroImageOnline.com (http://www.MicroImageOnline.com)
Great place to visit , for ideas and products . :thumbsup:

[CtrlAltDefeat]

well when I first started modding my Yaris I came on here to ask which parts I should get. Here's that thread (http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13102). I ended up getting a NST underdrive pulley, a NST Short Shift Kit and a set of Tanabe DF210 lowering springs. With the DIYs here on YW I installed all of them by myself (and then an Ultra Racing rear sway bar later) I wrote down my experiences here (http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13270) Including the sway bar I spent around $550 and completely changed my car. It made a world of difference, and I love every minute of it :biggrin:

[MUSKOKA800]

My Car has the Electric upgraded package that includes the upgraded Goodyear tires, not the Bridestones. The GoodYear tires hold the road better, and are allot quieter with less road noise coming into the car through the tires.

If the Goodyear LS rubber is an upgrade I feel sorry for those with B-stones.
I've never experieced rubber with less braking grip than these LS. They actually feel better in wet roads than dry???????? The ABS is singing! :thumbdown:

[tk-421]

Just got the bar installed... Just came back from a drive and I can totally feel the car being more solid all around... It's much more fun to take twisties now. :burnrubber:

Thanks for all the great goodies, Garm! My car thanks you (my wallet... not so much :laugh:)

[Kioshi]

stupid question w/ having a one car garage only.... Is it required to take off the rear wheels, or can i squeeze on by through? Going to do install Monday evening when it comes by UPS.....

[CtrlAltDefeat]

stupid question w/ having a one car garage only.... Is it required to take off the rear wheels, or can i squeeze on by through? Going to do install Monday evening when it comes by UPS.....

Well I took them off to do it (put both sides on jack stands so i could jack up the suspension with my jack to lessen the sheer on the bolts and get them out easier) but someone else on here said they didn't have to take the wheels off...

[Kioshi]

Well I took them off to do it (put both sides on jack stands so i could jack up the suspension with my jack to lessen the sheer on the bolts and get them out easier) but someone else on here said they didn't have to take the wheels off...

I'll be raising the car w/ jack stand for sure, if i can squeeze my ratchet in between the wheels and the (2) bolts, I'll be good. Yeah, I just skimmed through the pages, but thats good to know someone did it w/o removing wheels.

Thanks for the response :smile:

[CtrlAltDefeat]

I think my ratchet was too thick to use without taking the wheels off...

[Kioshi]

Mines a 3/8 husky ratchet.... its going to suck for me if thats the same size you have...

[CTScott]

I had to pull my rear wheels off to install mine. My wheels are 16x7's and I couldn't get the bar into place with them on.

I definitely agree with the huge handling improvement with the bar. I also installed the Ultra Racing strut tower bar, but I waited a couple of days between the two to see if I could notice a difference. For me, there's not a noticeable difference with the strut tower bar on, but maybe if I installed it before the sway bar it would have been more obvious.

[CtrlAltDefeat]

not sure. I did mine ghetto style with what ever tools lying around the dusty garage. I think i had to use a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter...

[CtrlAltDefeat]

I had to pull my rear wheels off to install mine. My wheels are 16x7's and I couldn't get the bar into place with them on.

I definitely agree with the huge handling improvement with the bar. I also installed the Ultra Racing strut tower bar, but I waited a couple of days between the two to see if I could notice a difference. For me, there's not a noticeable difference with the strut tower bar on, but maybe if I installed it before the sway bar it would have been more obvious.

was that the front or rear strut bar?

[Kioshi]

I'm on H&R lowering springs and 17's 42mm offset.....no torque wrench here either...
I'll see how it goes, required to torque it or no?

[cali yaris]

It can be done without removing the wheels, but it's not as much fun. Have a Band-Aid ready for the knuckle that suffers the injury. :biggrin:

[CTScott]

was that the front or rear strut bar?

Rear for having to pull the wheels. I probably could have slid it into one wheel and then got it into place, but I didn't want to ding up the wheels with the bar or the wrench. My wheels are 16x7 +45 by the way.

I installed the front UR strut tower bar without removing the front wheels and without removing the wiper cowling. I jacked the front up and put it on jack stands and that gave me enough clearance to see to get the bolts up. On top, I found that I could get the socket on the passenger side with no problem and on the driver side I just had to flex the cowling up about 1/4" to get the socket on.

[Kioshi]

Garm - no pain no gain :P

CTScott - Glad to know that, did you torque to specs or just tighten as much? I really dont want to spend 60+ for a torque wrench :(

[cali yaris]

medium tight should be ok. 44 shock bolt, 36 front bolt if you torque them.

[CTScott]

Garm - no pain no gain :P

CTScott - Glad to know that, did you torque to specs or just tighten as much? I really dont want to spend 60+ for a torque wrench :(

I'm one of those people who only breaks out the torque wrench for engine work.

[YAR1S]

Im in a bit of a pickle.
I want this rear sway bar

But

do i have to lift it up to get the bar on? Im running stock wheels....

could I use two lift stands on either side?? I only have one but one from another car would be fine would it not?

Hmmm...
I would ask my mechanic but he's pretty old school and may have a fit about adding it on to my yaris... he doesnt even think the trim rings and dust caps are safe enough to have on there (he worries a lot about me, the old geezer :p ).

any thoughts?

[Shroomster]

if you mean vehicle roadside jacks, I would say if you're in a real dill pickle then it'd be fine just find the lift points on the underside of the car.

[CtrlAltDefeat]

You should never get under a car with just the roadside flat tire jacks, they are too unstable... you really need jack stands... I'm pretty sure you have to lift the car to put it on.. the weight of the car will not let you remove the bolt you need to remove to install it (I would imagine the shock might pop out and possibly hurt you)

[Shroomster]

You should never get under a car with just the roadside flat tire jacks, they are too unstable... you really need jack stands... I'm pretty sure you have to lift the car to put it on.. the weight of the car will not let you remove the bolt you need to remove to install it (I would imagine the shock might pop out and possibly hurt you)

yeah you're right. why use something that's meant to hold the vehicle up in the first place. especially two of said item.

/sarcasm.

^^ctrlaltdefeat - don't take it like I'm dogging you or anything, just my horrible brand of humor

in all honesty though if you have the money to, invest in a nice jack and stands like mentioned.

also the shock will not pop out unless you give it enough clearance, and it will not come flying out either, merely fall out as there is no force applied to it. although they are somewhat hard metal

[CtrlAltDefeat]

well jack stands aren't that expensive (the cheapest ones will work, our cars are so light weight) and I'm saying that if you did remove the bolt holding the bottom without the car lifted up at the back the weight of the car will be compressing the shocks and 1. will be nearly impossible to move the bolt, and 2. if you did get the bolt removed, the end of the shock with the weight of the car on it will pop out of place suddenly... The flat tire jacks have small bases and are designed to be subjected mostly vertical force. You start wrenching on the car underneath it and it's likely to slip sideways and fall off of the stands.

[cali yaris]

If you're on stock springs, I'm willing to bet it's possible to put this on without even jacking up the car. :thumbsup:

[CtrlAltDefeat]

If you're on stock springs, I'm willing to bet it's possible to put this on without even jacking up the car. :thumbsup:

ahh true... forgot that I had lowering springs on when I installed mine. Well on my install the weight of the car was compressing the shocks, and seemed like it would be a bit dangerous, so on stock springs you're right it might be ok, however I wouldn't risk it :biggrin:

[kac]

Suweet thread. definitely ordering a UR rear sway bar from you just for posting this!

[Revsson]

Maybe sway bars would have prevented this?? :tongue:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130321463775&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNARL:MOTORS:1123

[RedRide]

UPS just delivered Garm's sway bay (23mm) to me yesterday. :biggrin:

[YAR1S]

well damn..... now im nervous.... maybe I wont be putting this on after all unless someone helps me out.... :/

[CTScott]

well damn..... now im nervous.... maybe I wont be putting this on after all unless someone helps me out.... :/

You really should be able to do it yourself, especially since you still have stock wheels.

[CtrlAltDefeat]

no don't be nervous, if I could do it, you can do it :thumbup:

[Kioshi]

Just an update w/ my situation...i got the sway bar today and put it on without removal of tires...barely squeezed it in, hell yes~

All that remains is to torque the two bolts above the shock bolts... :( if its possible
Can't believe how little room is below this car, ughh

Sway bar review will be done by tomorrow :)

EDIT: no band aid needed Garm haha.

And YAR1S, its easy to install, trust me...i'm lame at diy stuff...if i can do it, it'll be piece of cake for you :)

[RedRide]

OK..... got my 23mm sway bar installed today! :biggrin:

I didn't do it myself though. A new auto repair shop (performance oriented) recently opened up right accross the road from my apt complex.
When I went to to them yesterday to get a price for rebuilding the brakes on my Celica , I liked what the owner told me. I then mentioned the Yaris sway bar and he said he could install it in a few minutes.
So I let him install it. He charged me $30 which is cheap in this area.
He now is working on my Celica. It looks like I got a new repair shop/mechanic. :smile:

Anyway.........How do I like the sway bar? It's great! It makes a very noticeable improvement in the the Yaris' cornering/handeling and much of the understeer is gone. I haven't noticed any down side yet and don't expect any.

If anyone is still on the fence about wether to get one or not...... just get it! :smile:

[Kioshi]

you didnt do it yourself?! WHYYYYYY...... i did my install at like 8pm w/ no light what so ever lol... it was fun installing it with tires on the car...

[RedRide]

I was going to do it myself as it seemed very easy.

However, at 62 years old I though I would let someone else have some fun for a change. :wink:
It's also been hot and very humid around here lately and that just saps my ambition.

Also, good/ mechanics/repair shops are had to find and I sort of wanted to feel the "new" shop out before I gave them my Celica to work on.

So, how do you like your sway bar?

[markitect]

Went to my first Open Track Day with my 23mm UR bar installed. The car handles extremely well for that being my only mod (and some azenis 615 tires).

[cali yaris]

redride, that is a great inexpensive way to "test" a shop. Did they torque the bolts correctly, doing the job "to spec", so to speak?

[Kioshi]

I was going to do it myself as it seemed very easy.

However, at 62 years old I though I would let someone else have some fun for a change. :wink:
It's also been hot and very humid around here lately and that just saps my ambition.

Also, good/ mechanics/repair shops are had to find and I sort of wanted to feel the "new" shop out before I gave them my Celica to work on.

So, how do you like your sway bar?

Oh i see, understood.
I tested it out on the on ramp, but didn't notice much (couldn't push the speed of the car)....too many cops lurking around California nowadays because of budget crisis~~
I did some hard lane changes on the freeway and the car feels stiff a LOT, I LOVE IT. Best bang for the buck, i swear...

[RedRide]

redride, that is a great inexpensive way to "test" a shop. Did they torque the bolts correctly, doing the job "to spec", so to speak?

I doubt that they torqued the bolts.
To be honest, if I installed it, I wouldn't have torqued them either (even though I have a torque wrench) due to the limted room when installing it on the ground with the wheels still on.
Ater a while one gets a feel just just by looking at a bolt and its application to determine how much to tighten it.

So far, eveything seems tight as it should be.
I will check them is a couple of weeks to be shure they are still properly tight.

I really like my sway bar. :smile:

[cali yaris]

^ I might not torque this kind of part either -- but I think a professional shop would, just because if it falls off later, they know they did it do spec. Did they ask what the torque spec should be?

[DerFlosser]

Most good mechanics can come within a few ft-lbs by feel.

[omendt]

Can anyone recommend/give advice upon buying the 19mm sway bar vs. the 23mm sway bar? Any advice and recommendations are greatly appreciated!

[tk-421]

Other than price, I don't see why one would choose the 19mm over the 23mm.

[RedRide]

If there is any downside to the sway bar it is that it does reveal the limitations of the crap OEM tires. (I got the aweful Goodyear LS tires) This is due to the fact that you can now take corners faster., etc.

I got my eye on a set of "Michelin Harmonys" eventually.

[Henry G.]

If there is any downside to the sway bar it is that it does reveal the limitations of the crap OEM tires. (I got the aweful Goodyear LS tires) This is due to the fact that you can now take corners faster., etc.

I got my eye on a set of "Michelin Harmonys" eventually.
Try putting 40 psi in them they work a lot better.

[RedRide]

Yeah, I might increase the air pressue a bit for now. It wont be before this spring that I will get new tires. That's assuming I make through the winter with the Good Years.

[Inspector14]

I have a question about my bar that i installed a few months ago.

i am now seriously looking at installing the TRD suspension pack (no springs, not going to lower and drive alaskan icy/snowy roads)

will the UR bar i have void the suspension warranty? guess i could just take it off (rather not)

[Kioshi]

It won't void warranty unless it IS the cause of the damaged area to your car. But you can always take the bar off before going into dealers to check if something near the rear was damaged....

Seriously, all in all, TRD bar is the same as the UR that Garm sells.....lol
I didnt notice a difference w/ my TRD vs Garm's UR bar...i just wanted ONE TRD part on my car :P

[tk-421]

i just wanted ONE TRD part on my car :P
Same reason why I bought a TRD radiator cap. :laugh:

[Kioshi]

Same reason why I bought a TRD radiator cap. :laugh:

Damn, should've gone w/ that instead, would've cost me less:tongue:

[Inspector14]

well, i have no damage to the area.

i just dont want to order the TRD suspension stuff, and have kendall jack my car up and see that i have added a component, or modified from factory spec. and void the warranty that would be otherwise kept intact installing TRD components by a toyota dealer.

[Kioshi]

Well, most mechanics dont care what you have inside/outside the car....its those stupid service people that get you setup for a check-up that whine like little girls about non Toyota aftermarket parts...

I mean....there is a front sway bar on the Yaris, would a rear sway bar cause so much damage/ void warranty? Nope, not at all....

Usually adding components to engine bay or modifying movable suspension parts voids warranty ie.... aftermarket lowering springs, coilovers, struts/shocks, etc.... a simply 19mm bar? They're b.s you if they say anything, honestly..

[DOMAV]

how will this effect the ride??

forget how well the road holding is (its hard but try) how will the car drive in normal driving speeds in the city, and over bump roads??

is there a front sway bar too?

[cali yaris]

^ I don't notice any difference in a straight line, only in turns and against crosswinds.

There is a front sway bar available in a 24mm size, made by AOE.

[Kioshi]

Our cars already have a front sway bar...its 22mm or 23mm last i read somewhere when they measured it.

My experience SO FAR, driving/owning it for 7 days straight......it doesnt make a difference on bumps, only your tire psi will make a difference w/ that~ Mine are at 42 psi so i feel everything :P

Like cali yaris has said, only differences noticed during turns and big SUVs passing you up on freeway.....

[YAR1S]

Just an update w/ my situation...i got the sway bar today and put it on without removal of tires...barely squeezed it in, hell yes~

All that remains is to torque the two bolts above the shock bolts... :( if its possible
Can't believe how little room is below this car, ughh

Sway bar review will be done by tomorrow :)

EDIT: no band aid needed Garm haha.

And YAR1S, its easy to install, trust me...i'm lame at diy stuff...if i can do it, it'll be piece of cake for you :)

awww thanks... I will try this out soon ... I hope.

[RedRide]

how will this effect the ride??

forget how well the road holding is (its hard but try) how will the car drive in normal driving speeds in the city, and over bump roads??

is there a front sway bar too?

It wiil make the rear suspension seem slightly stiffer at times but in a good way.
IMO without the sway bar, the rear suspension seems much too soft.
With the sway bar, it no longer seems like you are driving a boat. :wink:

To me, it simply makes the car more fun to drive. :burnrubber:

[DOMAV]

and what does the upper front strut do?

in event of an accident the rear sway bar can cause more damage IMO cause if you get hit on one on the wheel the other side is effected, Am i right or not?

cheers

[RedRide]

and what does the upper front strut do?

in event of an accident the rear sway bar can cause more damage IMO cause if you get hit on one on the wheel the other side is effected, Am i right or not?

cheers

Not really. Since we have a beam axle, both sides of the rear suspension are already conected.

It can be argued that a rear sway bar can possibly prevent some damage as it strengthens the whole rear axle/suspension assembly.

[DOMAV]

Not really. Since we have a beam axle, both sides of the rear suspension are already conected.

It can be argued that a rear sway bar can possibly prevent some damage as it strengthens the whole rear axle/suspension assembly.

thanks a lot i'm new to yaris i had it only for 2 weeks and i find the handling very good maybe cause its lowered on the tte, still i say my alfaromeo 156 handles better but for what i paid for its very good

[2+2]

Same reason why I bought a TRD radiator cap. :laugh:

Shrewd, very shrewd. I like your thinking. :thumbup:

[Revsson]

Shrewd, very shrewd. I like your thinking. :thumbup:

Or are they frugal?

[tk-421]

Or are they frugal?
Not really... I just like spending the big bucks where it counts. Spending 300% extra on a part that says "TRD" and that won't even be visible most of the time is not my idea of a good investment.

Sorry for the :offtopic:

Getting back to the UR sway bar, I have been using it for a couple of months now, and I must say it is one of the best handling mods you can make, along with lowering springs.

[sternz]

Thanks cali yaris, just installed my 23mm sway bar.

[omendt]

Thanks garm, just installed my 19mm sway bar and it makes a HUGE difference. I can't believe what a difference this makes! 19mm is just perfect for my driving style, and you cant' beat the price.

Thanks to everyone that left their opinions and recommended this upgrade!

[wiliker]

Just received my 23mm sway bar from Garm. Will install this coming weekend, can't wait :biggrin:

[chongopants]

yeah send pics I am gonna get a 23mm this weekend

[wiliker]

Sway bar installed today :biggrin: Even more fun to drive.

[chongopants]

lucky... its my next purchase

[fmicle]

19 mm sway bar ordered from Garm, installed this weekend. Beautiful piece, perfect fit, easy install, the car handles much better! :headbang:

Now I'm wondering if I should give up the hitch or the spare wheel and the jack to compensate for the added weight :biggrin:

I'll probably try without the spare for a week and see if I feel any difference :cool:

[cali yaris]

^ Thanks, glad you like it. Plenty of both sizes in stock at this time. :thumbsup:

[Cvc9216]

I'm a little confused about the rear sway bar. Granted I haven't done anything to my yaris or even looked at the suspension. But since the rear is a solid beam type and this just bolts to the two sides, wouldn't this be more of a "brace" than a real "sway bar"? Is the rear suspension beam that flexy?

[ddongbap]

Yes, it is.

[cali yaris]

No, it's not merely a brace. Technically it is a torsion bar.

Your beam axle does nothing to transfer weight in cornering -- that's why this bar is effective.

[Lazerdot]

The 23mm Ultra Racing bar is noticably stiffer. I have to believe I'll see a difference at the AX.

[Kioshi]

let us know for those that have a 19mm sway bar.....

[Red Horse]

I installed mine today and it feels like the front of the car is a little higher than the back, I hope thats normal.

[Kioshi]

I dont understand what you just said....??

[cali yaris]

I installed mine today and it feels like the front of the car is a little higher than the back, I hope thats normal.

The sway bar does not change the ride height of the car - the part simply can't do that.

[tomato]

Sway bar installed today :biggrin: Even more fun to drive.

19 mm sway bar ordered from Garm, installed this weekend. Beautiful piece, perfect fit, easy install, the car handles much better! :headbang:


In what way?

also, bigger bar = stiffer ride? Can you even tell the difference (only 4 mm ?)

I see everybody on the thread says "better handling" "great handling" and other types of positive adjectives but all I get is that they're happy, I still don't understand how the rear bar improves handling in straight lines, with cross-winds. Does it make the car feel like it "sticks" better to the rd or am I looking at the wrong mod? :confused: Thanks.

I dread the winter coming, and crosswinds on the bridge :eek::barf:

[CtrlAltDefeat]

In what way?

also, bigger bar = stiffer ride? Can you even tell the difference (only 4 mm ?)

I see everybody on the thread says "better handling" "great handling" and other types of positive adjectives but all I get is that they're happy, I still don't understand how the rear bar improves handling in straight lines, with cross-winds. Does it make the car feel like it "sticks" better to the rd or am I looking at the wrong mod? :confused: Thanks.

I dread the winter coming, and crosswinds on the bridge :eek::barf:

From my rear sway bar thread:

Automotive design and engineering is all about compromises. The general public, especially the "commuter car" market, wants a car that is comfortable and handles predictably. Basically, they want an appliance. A couch that they can drive to work.

For these reasons, cars like the Yaris are designed with fairly soft suspension that handles most road conditions "comfortably" and the car is designed to handle predictably and safely. Predictable and safe handling for the average idiot driver means understeer.

Enter the rear swaybar. A rear swaybar's purpose is to increase rear roll stiffness. Increasing rear roll stiffness has a lot of effects, but the most obvious is a reduction in body roll and an improvement in steering response, which the "performance-minded" driver likes... but the general public might actually prefer the car to be less "twitchy" and prefer a little body roll that allows the suspension to lean in a turn instead of making THEM lean in a turn.

Increasing rear roll stiffness also changes the handling bias of the car and makes it less prone to understeer, or more prone to oversteer. The stiffer the rear of the car is made, the more likely it is to oversteer in an emergency maneuver. Toyota doesn't want the liability of putting the average idiot in a car that could oversteer unexpectedly, so they design their cars to understeer predictably.

Now, if Toyota wanted the rear roll stiffness to be greater on the Yaris... they wouldn't have fit a swaybar to it, anyway. It adds weight, complexity and expense, things that are considered greatly in the design of such a car. Even if they used the TRD/Ultra Racing design (a beam axle reinforcement rather than a true anti-sway bar), it would still add at least 7 parts to the car, one of them being a bar that requires complex forming and welding and heat-treating, the others being a pair of bolts, nuts and washers. (if they put a REAL swaybar on the car, the part count would be at least 3 times as many with brackets, end links, bushings, etc.) No, if Toyota wanted to add more stiffness to the back of the Yaris, they would simply have designed a stiffer beam axle assembly that allowed less twist or they would have fitted stiffer rear springs... either of which would create a compromise to the level of comfort that the car was designed for.

Um... what was the question again?

[YarisSedan]

I think loren is the god when it comes to anything suspention related in the form of questions.

[minired5stby]

I think I might get me one just in time to be installed with my new Tokico shocks.

[tomato]

@ ControlAltDefeat: Thank you for reposting that. Great help!

As to Loren: :bow::bow::bow: as usual!

[fmicle]

Okay, so I'm going to try to write a more detailed review of the sway bar, more than "handles better" :confused:

Sometimes you may have to make a sudden maneuver as to avoid something, a pothole, glass on the road, you name it. Usually when that happens, the car rolls in a way that feels quite unsafe. Usually the inner rear wheel (with respect to the direction you're turning) loses traction and you start to hear screeching.

With the sway bar, when you make a sudden turn, the body roll is greatly reduced and since the weight is redistributed to the rear inner wheel, the speed at which you start to hear screeching increases. The car simply feels like it's more under control in these situations. So, theoretically, if you don't change your driving patterns, you're less likely to lose control with this mod.

I have a few turns that I like to "push" on my way to work and the improvement is obvious to me. I can take those turns faster, without screeching and without the car rolling so much that you think the wheel is going to come off the ground.

I don't know if my explanation is good enough, the article that CtrlAltDefeat posted says is so much better and that's all there is to it.

[Liu997]

So the TRD sway bar is exactly the same thing but in red?

[tomato]

Okay, so I'm going to try to write a more detailed review of the sway bar, more than "handles better" :confused: ...

... I don't know if my explanation is good enough, the article that CtrlAltDefeat posted says is so much better and that's all there is to it.

Thanks, appreciate it very much. You know some stuff gets lost in translation with me sometimes :wink:

Sounds like an inexpensive but effective mod (not that I'm complaining about the way my car takes turns)

Has anyone realized NOTICEABLE improvement in handling in cross-winds after installing the rear bar?

[minired5stby]

I just bought the 19mm one today from Garm @ the Micro meet and waiting for my Tokico's to come in so I can put them both on at the same time. Hopefully I will have that done by next weekend and I will let you know. I will definately do some serious road testing, oh yeah.

[minired5stby]

I finally installed the sway bar yesterday with my Tokico Blues and all I can say is damn. I mean wean I road tested, it was way more stable than it was before on the handling and the sway bar itself man it felt like I was on rails when I would take turns real hard. But the wheels stayed planted to the ground and squeeled just a little bit but it was awsome.

[cali yaris]

Yes!

[chongopants]

I just got the 23mm, I love it, also got DF210, all pics up on yarishouston.com soon!

[Hershey]

Thinking about having a rear sway bar installed. How much does it weigh?

[minired5stby]

Its not that heavy maybe between 10-15lbs

[Hershey]

we can order a rear sway bar at TOYO dealer and have it installed for $212 . This includes part and labor . We also have a coupon from dealer to make it less than $200 total . THANKS .

[fmicle]

Garm's 19 mm Ultra Racing sway bar goes for $135 and the install is trivial... You shouldn't be paying more than $150 for this... or even more than $135 if you ask me :smile:

[CtrlAltDefeat]

The install of my sway bar (http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17087) was the easiest mod I've done...

[r3b3l]

I wanted to add a few things I came across while installing the ultra 19mm on my '10 yaris.

Tools needed

1) 14mm socket and 14mm wrench
The factory nut has grooves on the flat side to grip the metal on which it will hold so when you place your sway bar on do not tighten from the nut side, tighten the bolt side while holding the nut with a 14 mm wrench as shown.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/umrebel77/internet%20pics/Photo283.jpg

The supplied hardware is 11/16in nuts and bolts there may be a metric wrench that fits tighter but I did not have one and I had zero slippage with an 11/32in wrench and socket.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/umrebel77/internet%20pics/Photo284.jpg

2) Im not sure if it is the same on all models but on the '10 model there is a curved piece on the shock mount (shown in red).

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/umrebel77/internet%20pics/Photo285.jpg

When you install the front bolts on the sway bar youll need to use a jack to flush the sway bar into place so the back bolts will lign up

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/umrebel77/internet%20pics/Photo287.jpg

I hope this is what its supposed to look like when done as I didnt see any other way it could fit.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/umrebel77/internet%20pics/Photo286.jpg

[lowsushi]

A bit off topic but, would i need to completly remove the sway bar to install new springs or just loosen the front nuts and remove the rear?

[cali yaris]

r3b3l, thanks for the notes.

That's a 17mm bolt and nut that comes with it. All Yaris have that curve at the bottom of the shock perch/bracket. The sway bar is shaped to match.

If you do the front bolts first, you can leverage the bar into place to line up the shock bolts. I have also found that you only need to undo the shock bolts until they are just flush, not all the way out.

[cali yaris]

lowsushi, that sounds reasonable, although it's another few minutes to just take it off so it's not in your way at all.

[lowsushi]

yeah I know, just wanted to make it easier. dont think I will get around to installing my lowered shocks this week anyway with this rain. My garage just soaks up the water. I can hardly keep it up with out putting weights on the otherside to balance it out. Up to 40lbs now. I would hate for a weight to fall on the Yaris.

[CtrlAltDefeat]

yeah I know, just wanted to make it easier. dont think I will get around to installing my lowered shocks this week anyway with this rain. My garage just soaks up the water. I can hardly keep it up with out putting weights on the otherside to balance it out. Up to 40lbs now. I would hate for a weight to fall on the Yaris.

You have to weigh down your garage when it rains?:iono:

[lowsushi]

To keep the garage door open I need to counter-balance the weight of the rain soaked bottem portion with weights on the top part of the garage door when opened.

[advocate]

Just finished this install!

Great product, great price, great DIY!

Thanks MicroImage! (www.microimageonline.com)

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/7570/sway1q.jpg
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3398/sway2.jpg
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/4816/sway3.jpg
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/9688/sway4.jpg

I really need to get a torque wrench...

Now to install the Tanabe strut bar!

[Teledan71]

Hi i'm writing from Italy and i'd want to buy one rear sway bar for my yaris. I read many posts in forum toyotaclubitalia and one member who's named Suiller, has posted your photo how to installate sway bar; this member has writed that is possible to buy the bar from other member named Garm ??? Can you help me. Thanks a lot

[Klink10]

Hi i'm writing from Italy and i'd want to buy one rear sway bar for my yaris. I read many posts in forum toyotaclubitalia and one member who's named Suiller, has posted your photo how to installate sway bar; this member has writed that is possible to buy the bar from other member named Garm ??? Can you help me. Thanks a lot

Forum vendor this site name is Garm and owns/represents Micro Image. Look for posts by him and or google Micro Image.

[pjh]

Hey guys, just got a (stock) 2006 Yaris HB and thinking of doing this mod. How much does this mod (for both 19mm and 23mm) affect the understeer/oversteer balance? I'm looking to reduce the understeer and improve turning response, but I don't want it so extreme as to be losing the back end regularly. I don't want my wife to drive it and end up backwards in a ditch. My gut feel is that this won't be a problem, but does anybody have a comment from experience on how extreme the two sizes are with respect to terminal understeer/oversteer?

Also, anybody have experience ordering to Canada from MI?

[ddongbap]

Hey guys, just got a (stock) 2006 Yaris HB and thinking of doing this mod. How much does this mod (for both 19mm and 23mm) affect the understeer/oversteer balance? I'm looking to reduce the understeer and improve turning response, but I don't want it so extreme as to be losing the back end regularly. I don't want my wife to drive it and end up backwards in a ditch. My gut feel is that this won't be a problem, but does anybody have a comment from experience on how extreme the two sizes are with respect to terminal understeer/oversteer?

Also, anybody have experience ordering to Canada from MI?

Yes. Garm will get it done for you. He ships worldwide.

[matthewai]

i know this prob was answered but can some one refresh me...does the UR 19mm fit on 2010 sedan ?

[RedRide]

i know this prob was answered but can some one refresh me...does the UR 19mm fit on 2010 sedan ?

Yes it will fit as the suspensions are identical for all sedans and HBs

[cali yaris]

^ correct, and thanks!

[matthewai]

if i were installing an exhaust should i put the sway bar on after or before or does it not matter cuz im waiting for an exhaust now and also the mounting hardware for the bar just want to know what i should do first when i get both these...thanks

[cali yaris]

^ doesn't matter. an axle-back exhaust is two bolts and installs in 10 minutes or less. :thumbsup:

[matthewai]

yeah didnt think so, awesome :smoking:

[PumpkinSteve]

How long does it take to fit the TRD sway bar? Do you need to take the rear wheels off? I want to do it myself but I don't have ramps/ axle stand so I'll probably have to pay someone else to :(

[cali yaris]

^ Takes about 30 minutes max. You can do it with the car on the ground if you're not lowered. It helps to jack up the the rear a little though to take the weight off the shock bolt (one of the two bolts that hold on the sway bar.

[sickpuppy1]

Hey guys, just got a (stock) 2006 Yaris HB and thinking of doing this mod. How much does this mod (for both 19mm and 23mm) affect the understeer/oversteer balance? I'm looking to reduce the understeer and improve turning response, but I don't want it so extreme as to be losing the back end regularly. I don't want my wife to drive it and end up backwards in a ditch. My gut feel is that this won't be a problem, but does anybody have a comment from experience on how extreme the two sizes are with respect to terminal understeer/oversteer?

Also, anybody have experience ordering to Canada from MI?

They are both good bars. if your wanting to just get rid of some understeer (and as a side benefit, make it less susceptible to cross winds, or big trucks and such) I would go with the 19MM if its a 3/5 door. If you want to really"go for it" then MAYBE the 23. I have a sedan and the 19mm by ultimate racing (microimage) It is definitely a vast improvement, worth every penny. That being said, if I did it all over again, with a sedan, I would go with the 23mm in a heartbeat. More overhang off the back end (sedan) would benefit more from the 23 than a 3/5 door would, without worrying about oversteer. Like I said, I love the difference over stock with my 19 but feel I could have gotten even better without sacrificing any ride or stability. I have wood plank ramps I use for oil changes. I just put them under the back end and drove it up on them. Basically a four inch rise. Didnt have to take offs wheels at all.

[auxmike]

Sway bar is a must have item. I love my TRD one...

[matthewai]

wait where did the original pictures go ?

[PumpkinSteve]

I'm glad someone mentioned that the sway bar will reduce understeer because that's one of my main complaints.

[matthewai]

seriously i need those orig pics i wanted to check this before i get under there damn they are still gone?

[tk1971]

Just installed the UR bar from MicroImage this weekend. It literally took one day to get to me (also in SoCal).

I installed it without jacking up the car and removing the wheels at around 11pm on Friday night, so I didn't get a real good look at how it fit. All I needed were racheting box wrenches (14mm & 17mm) and a torque wrench with 14mm / 17mm sockets.

Anyway, just want to mention 2 things that may or may not have been mentioned before regarding the swaybar:

1) It took longer to peel that saran wrap off the bar (the bar is completely wrapped in it) than it did to install it.

2) I had to loosen up the bolts and pull the bar down further after a test drive (there's at least 20mm of adjustment available). I initially had one end of the bar almost touching the rear torsion beam. During the test drive, it would touch and clank. Loosened, pulled the bar way down, then re-tightened. All is well.

[cali yaris]

^ good to know about the range of position.

I'm not responsible for the saran wrap. :smile: I guess it helps prevent scratching, they come all the way from Malaysia!

[racerb]

One quick question for you guys, I've raced several different brands of front drive racecars, all that I've removed the front swaybar completely. Will the Yaris handle better with this setup, or has anyone tried this on their cars. I'm wanting to buy a Yaris very soon, but would kinda like to know up front what mods work best!!

My previous racecar was a Nissan Pulsar, that when in race trim had a 7/8" rear sway and Carrera inverted shocks set at max and a set of SSS Blue-Coil 295 ft.lb. springs. The front was a set of custom struts with coil-over 350 ft.lb. springs and Koni Sports inserts, with the front swaybar removed, the car handled like a go-cart. Any advice on what works best would be great!!

[marcus]

cant see photos


Today we installed an Ultra Racing rear sway (anti-roll) bar on Babie Y's Yaris. I took a few pics, hope this is helpful.

First, jack up the back of the car (from the sides) and remove the rear wheels. This makes it easier to get to the bolts later.

Then, get out your sway bar. A friend, helper, bodyguard or whatever helps.

http://www.microimageonline.com/images/magazine/DIY/swaybar-Yaris/1.jpg


Look under the car. There is one large bolt holding the bottom of the rear shock. You can re-use this bolt. There is also a hole that isn't being used just in front of it, like this:


http://www.microimageonline.com/images/magazine/DIY/swaybar-Yaris/2.jpg


Here is the same two holes, shown from the inside angle instead:

http://www.microimageonline.com/images/magazine/DIY/swaybar-Yaris/3.jpg

Remove the bolt holding the shock. Place the swaybar with the bar at the bottom and so the holes line up. Re-install the bolt through the shock, then the sway bar, then a washer and nut. ***It is easier to do both shock bolts first, leaving the sway bar hanging -- then do the two front bolts.

That should look like this:

http://www.microimageonline.com/images/magazine/DIY/swaybar-Yaris/4.jpg

And like this:

http://www.microimageonline.com/images/magazine/DIY/swaybar-Yaris/5.jpg

Tighten and/or torque the nuts and you're done. In another thread there was consensus that "making them tight, but not crazy tight" was good enough for this.

thanks to supmet:


Go drive the car, high-five your bodyguard... and have a nice day.

* (check and re-tighten, if needed after driving for a few days).
* the Ultra Racing sway bar comes with hardware -- I'm sure the TRD one does, too.
* Yes, that is a Tokico shock. :smile:

[bB2NER]

1) It took longer to peel that saran wrap off the bar (the bar is completely wrapped in it) than it did to install it.

2) I had to loosen up the bolts and pull the bar down further after a test drive (there's at least 20mm of adjustment available). I initially had one end of the bar almost touching the rear torsion beam. During the test drive, it would touch and clank. Loosened, pulled the bar way down, then re-tightened. All is well.Tell me about it! That wrap had no rhime or reason to the way it was wrapped. Took almost 15 minutes.:eyebulge:
I'm heading out now to bolt it on. Thanks for the info. on positioning.
I'm wondering why it comes with 4 bolts and only needs 2?:iono:

[Imagine]

Ordered mine yesterday, I can't wait to get it installed!

[marcus]

ordered mine 2 days ago...wonder how long it takes to get here in T.O.

[cali yaris]

it's being picked up today, figure 6-10 days, maybe a little faster

[bB2NER]

Mine took almost a week to get UPS.

Got it mounted last night and all I can say is WOW! Major difference and huge bang for the bucks. The car is tight now, tracks straight and corners almost flat even with the stock springs/struts.
I highly recommend this mod!:thumbup::headbang:

[marcus]

it's being picked up today, figure 6-10 days, maybe a little faster

lol.. no rush garm as long as i get it before april...thanks.

[aucorium]

any pics from the back of the car with it installed ? im looking at getting one now as my next suspension mod.

[Yaross]

Installed mine last night (UR 19mm)! 10 days shipment from California to KSA, not bad! Thanks Micro Image!

Haven't tested it fully, but yes, I got more response from the steering.

I am already expecting that my driving habit will change in coming days.:w00t:

[kiel12]

Installed mine last night (UR 19mm)! 10 days shipment from California to KSA, not bad! Thanks Micro Image!

Haven't tested it fully, but yes, I got more response from the steering.

I am already expecting that my driving habit will change in coming days.:w00t:

yaross..picture pls..:thumbup:

[Yaross]

as requested...

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u274/junecrab73/post/rsb1.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u274/junecrab73/post/rsb3.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u274/junecrab73/post/rsb2.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u274/junecrab73/post/rsb4.jpg

[Hamster]

I enjoyed looking at the pics that show how to install the sway bar. Ultimately, I couldn't do it myself, thought, since I'm a girl, and I just don't have the strength to lift the sway bar. I had to pay a shop $100 to installed it. So, if you're capable of doing it yourself, do it, since it'll save you a lot of money.

[ocs811]

Just installed my UR 19mm sway bar, shipping was fast and reasonable to Canada. Thanks Garm for giving us Yaris owner alternatives to TRD.

[cali yaris]

@ hamster -- I think that's a pretty stiff fee for a 20 minute job. Glad you got it installed ok!

[Hamster]

Cali Yaris, I completely agree that it was a lot of money for a small, quick job, and I really wish I were physically able to do it myself. However, the dealership wanted $150, so hey, it could be worse.

[cali yaris]

^ No kidding! That is a lot better than the dealer.

[Hamster]

Yeah, I don't know how it is across the country, but the dealerships here are insane. Just out of curiosity, I inquired how much it would cost to install the splashguards. All the dealerships in my city wanted $90. I mean, WTF? I'm sorry, but it doesn't cost $90 of labor to turn a few screws.

[CrankyOldMan]

As far as I know, all the Yarii have identical front/rear suspension parts, so all of the sway bars and bracing (except roll bar/harness mounts) are interchangeable.

[cali yaris]

^ Correct. Yaris suspension is the same on the liftback and the sedan. And it seems, so far, on the 2012 as well.

[baseballfan416]

Two hours of my life WASTED, taking this advice... You can get the damn bar on without jacking car up and removing tires? Must have been the 19mm bar because the 23mm is a pita. No clue how I'm going to get this thing on without getting jackstands back from friend. 20 minutes my ass!

Working on a yaris has to be the most ungratifying car ever...




Just installed the UR bar from MicroImage this weekend. It literally took one day to get to me (also in SoCal).

I installed it without jacking up the car and removing the wheels at around 11pm on Friday night, so I didn't get a real good look at how it fit. All I needed were racheting box wrenches (14mm & 17mm) and a torque wrench with 14mm / 17mm sockets.

Anyway, just want to mention 2 things that may or may not have been mentioned before regarding the swaybar:

1) It took longer to peel that saran wrap off the bar (the bar is completely wrapped in it) than it did to install it.

2) I had to loosen up the bolts and pull the bar down further after a test drive (there's at least 20mm of adjustment available). I initially had one end of the bar almost touching the rear torsion beam. During the test drive, it would touch and clank. Loosened, pulled the bar way down, then re-tightened. All is well.

[auxmike]

I recall jacking up the car and pulling the wheels. I wouldn't remove a lower shock bolt while laying under the car! I suppose if you had a lift it would be a 20min job....
Realistic , I'd allow an hour for a safe , careful install.

[Mz3oh5]

Do you have to really take off your rims & tires for the install !?

[WeeYari]

Do you have to really take off your rims & tires for the install !?

No, but it does make it a tad bit easier. You need to be less of a contortionist with the wheels off. I did mine wheels on, and it quickly becomes apparent exactly what it is about the job that leads to the recommendation to remove them.

[cali yaris]

^Yes, this.

You don't really have to take off the wheels, but it makes the job easier and safer.

The comment about two hours is just silly, and so what if it does take that long? You only do this mod once and it's on there forever. Modding is supposed to be FUN guys. :smile:

[Mz3oh5]

Ya I did that with my Tanabe Front Strut Tower Bar & it took forever (never again). Thank you for writing back! Working on cars is FUN until a dummie loses a bolt lol :)

[albee213]

I do not understand how this can improve the handling unless A the rear is independant suspension and B it attaches the the body somehow.

"The 2007 Toyota Yaris' suspension system includes an independent MacPherson strut for the front and a torsion beam rear suspension with front stabilizer bar."

How does a sway bar make a difference when its not attached to anything? I want to upgrade my suspension someday but just cant think of how this would help.

[derickveliz2]

When body roll occurs one side of the suspension goes up mechanically pulls up the other side, it's very cool and simple!
use a pair of glasses and try to simulate what happens in your car.

D.

[cali yaris]

How does a sway bar make a difference when its not attached to anything?

How can it be on the car but not attached to anything? Technically the rear "sway" bar is a torsion bar. If you want details on how it works exactly, there are a couple of animations on the internet that make visualizing it easy.

Further, there are at least fifty customers on here (and hundreds more from my store) that ALL (and I actually mean every one) agree the rear "sway" bar on the Yaris reduces body roll, increases stability, and reduces wind buffeting and freeway wander.

Hopefully that mountain of real life evidence and testimonial is worth something.

[tk-421]

I've done quite a few mods to my Yaris, but very few have made as big a difference as a rear sway bar. The car used to feel like I was riding on jelly; now turns are way more solid and precise.

You can't go wrong with a sway bar on this car. As caliyaris said, lots of members have bought them and I doubt you'll find one unhappy sway bar customer on here.

[bairjo]

This is a link from when I did my 2010 a while back...hope this helps when you decide to do it.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RKn7vV4fIo

[albee213]

Sway bars usualy attach to the frame of the car or to non moving parts so that they can make both wheels work together to help keep the car level, I understand how one works but these just attach the bottom of one strut to the other strut and the bar is not attached to anything, I do not see how it can make the car stiffer.

The rear axle is solid in a U shape and adding a bar between them just doesnt make sence to me, I am going to try one and not going to argue wether it imporves handling or not. I am just skeptical.

[CTScott]

Sway bars usualy attach to the frame of the car or to non moving parts so that they can make both wheels work together to help keep the car level, I understand how one works but these just attach the bottom of one strut to the other strut and the bar is not attached to anything, I do not see how it can make the car stiffer.

The rear axle is solid in a U shape and adding a bar between them just doesnt make sence to me, I am going to try one and not going to argue wether it imporves handling or not. I am just skeptical.

The brackets that mount the bottom of the shocks to the rear axle are pretty flimsy in comparison to the axle itself. I believe that what the rear sway bar really does is to stiffen up those mounting points.

[albee213]

Thank you for that, finally someone who is making some sense!
I might be picking up some Tien Springs and then try one of these sway bars. I just hope it doesn’t lower the car too much, I drive in Seattle a lot and the roads are some of the worst in the country due to pot holes and other obstacles.
I am also dying to get cruise control for my car but have not put to much time into getting the parts, I wish there was just a kit I could by all-in-one.

[CTScott]

Thank you for that, finally someone who is making some sense!
I might be picking up some Tien Springs and then try one of these sway bars. I just hope it doesn’t lower the car too much, I drive in Seattle a lot and the roads are some of the worst in the country due to pot holes and other obstacles.
I am also dying to get cruise control for my car but have not put to much time into getting the parts, I wish there was just a kit I could by all-in-one.

I can help you with that. I shot you a PM with the cruise control kit details.

[cali yaris]

The Tein springs are the lowest off the shelf springs. Expect a 2" drop if not slightly more.

[Kar98]

Well that was quick and easy, and comparably painless.

[spookybathtub]

Where does one buy the Ultra Racing 19mm sway bar? The Micro Image website lists it at $280 (way too high?!) and it's out of stock.

[sheekeebut]

I'd sell you mine, if you weren't practically on the other end of the continent.

[derickveliz2]

Where does one buy the Ultra Racing 19mm sway bar? The Micro Image website lists it at $280 (way too high?!) and it's out of stock.

I got mine at www.MicroImageOnline.com

D.

[Hard_Yaris]

Does anyone know if they still make the rear sway bar 22mm for a 2005 echo hatchback?

[Sottile]

Thanks to everyone who contributes to this forum!
As a new Yaris owner, it is quickly becoming a top resource to learn more about my vehicle.
From the info provided here, I decided my first modification will be the sway bar.
It is scheduled to arrives this afternoon! Can't wait to feel the difference.

Thanks

[toyotavios_11]

Thanks to everyone who contributes to this forum!
As a new Yaris owner, it is quickly becoming a top resource to learn more about my vehicle.
From the info provided here, I decided my first modification will be the sway bar.
It is scheduled to arrives this afternoon! Can't wait to feel the difference.

Thanks

get a front struct bar instead of rear torsion beam bar

[ElMagnifico]

get a front struct bar instead of rear torsion beam bar

why is that? What makes this better?

[komichal]

In theory your car is stiffer and some of the forces that one strut tower normally handles are transferred to the other strut tower. More rigidity.
I can imagine this can make a difference for big cars that are driven aggresively on bad roads. I am not sure if that makes sense for my 64kW Yaris but never tried to drive with and without to get any feel of it. Anyway, with almost 200 thousand kilometers it would be a lot better just to replace original shocks. :D

[Leegamer]

In theory your car is stiffer and some of the forces that one strut tower normally handles are transferred to the other strut tower. More rigidity.
I can imagine this can make a difference for big cars that are driven aggresively on bad roads. I am not sure if that makes sense for my 64kW Yaris but never tried to drive with and without to get any feel of it. Anyway, with almost 200 thousand kilometers it would be a lot better just to replace original shocks. :D

If you want to reduce understeer a rear sway bar is effective. Adding stiffness to the front will likely increase understeer

[kobe52]

Bit late to the party but living in a rust prone area, will 44 ft lbs torque be enough with pretty weathered shock bolt and nut or should I loctite the shock nut on? Took quite a bit of work to get it off.

[sh0rtlife]

replace the bolt dont locktight

[WeeYari]

Bit late to the party but living in a rust prone area, will 44 ft lbs torque be enough with pretty weathered shock bolt and nut or should I loctite the shock nut on? Took quite a bit of work to get it off.

We are probably in the same rust belt. Looking at pics is tough but I think those threads are fine. Wire brush them a bit to get the gunk off, apply a little grease and spin the nut up and down the bolt a few times. Degrease the bolt and torque down the nut. 44 ft lbs is not really a great deal of torque and bolt will handle it just fine.

[kobe52]

We are probably in the same rust belt. Looking at pics is tough but I think those threads are fine. Wire brush them a bit to get the gunk off, apply a little grease and spin the nut up and down the bolt a few times. Degrease the bolt and torque down the nut. 44 ft lbs is not really a great deal of torque and bolt will handle it just fine.

Yep, GTA guy here. Was a little rough getting em off and on on the threads with rust but hasnt seemed to cross thread, atleast that time.