Hey guys, I just got my rear sway bar this afternoon and I was wondering how long it took to install, and if there were any tips you had for installing it, or what kind of problems you ran into that I should watch out for. Thanks in advance

 

See the second thread in this forum.

 

I did mine one Sunday afternoon only about a month ago. I'd say it took 2-3 hours. If I would have been at a shop with a lift I could have done it in 30 minutes. Instead I did it in my driveway and backed the car up onto some ramps. It was pretty tight under there and worse was the tires really got in the way. Plus I took my time and was paranoid about the break lines (used the Stillen RSB).

My driveway is blacktop, uneven and slanted pretty good. I was a bit paranoid about the car rolling down on me while I was yanking away underneath it. I first tried my garage but I kept sliding the ramps across the floor instead rolling up on them.

After the FSTB and RSB were installed I was amazed at the difference in cornering and responsiveness. Ironcially only a week later the link between factory front sway and passenger side wheel broke. Under warranty I just had it fixed the other day and I'm back to solid handlng.

Basically I'm no mechanic and I figure if I could install the darn thing with the rear wheels still on and little room to work with anyone should be able to do it. Best of luck to you and I think you'll love the difference.

 

As long as you have your car up on jackstands and the rear wheels are off, it shouldn't take you more than about one-hour to do the installation.

It's all relatively straightforward and simple to do. The only thing is that one side usually requires a bit more muscle than the other side, but that's okay.

If you have the Cattman RSB, you might want to check out Olincoles' write-up at:

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....hlight=cattman

Good luck. You'll love it once it's on.

Peace.

 

I had Nissan put on my RSB, FSTB and RSTB with my Eibachs and Tokicos. After all of that went on....the max was like a totally different car. I think Nissan should put these on from the factory. Like my uncles 00 Altima came with a FSTB. Nissan cars in my opinion need the suspension.

 

You should only install the rear sway bar with the car on ramps, a drive on lift, or setting on the ground. The springs need to be compressed during the process.

With the car on the ground and me laying under it, the install only took about 45 minutes.

 

I have the Progress RSB from custommaxima and it says to have the car on jackstands and take the wheels off, but I don't have jackstands so hopefully ramps will work. Thanks for the input everybody.

 

30 minutes. Addco bar.

I backed the car into ramps so it was easier to get under there. I didn't have to take off the wheels either. As long as you install the trailing arm portion first it should be a lot easier as you go along.

 

wait a sec? Your uncles 00 Altima came with an FSTB? Did he buy it new out of the dealership or was it used? Reason I ask is cuz I bought and had an 01 SE alty and I didn't see no FSTB on that?

 

I'm not saying you're wrong, but why would the springs need to be compressed? The instructions that came with my Stillen RSB said for ease to take the back wheels off. I did just that and I've had no problems out of mine. Just my 2 cents though.

 

It took me about 50 minutes with the Cattman RSB, I had jack stands and took the wheels off, the springs do not need to be compressed

 

Forgive me! I was thinking more about my previous cars with real suspensions. I keep forgetting about the Maxima's rear beam setup. You can pretty much do it anyway you want. Still though, here is some info.

Here is what Addco and most all other bar manufactures recommend:

Because most suspensions travel in arc, the use of a lift or supporting the vehicle by the frame and allowing the wheels to hang can cause bar misalignment and installation difficulties. The use of ramps or other devices that support the vehicle by the wheels is highly recommended for proper bar alignment and installation. In most cases of "This bar does not fit my car!," the problem is that a lift was used and the wheels were allowed to hang. Remember, the suspension must be at static ride height.

 

The FSTB should be NOT be a factory option but a standard on 00-01 Altima SE when they upgraded the 2.4L I4 engine to 155-hp. You should call Nissan dealer and ask about it.

 

well, i don't have my alty anymore, but i'll have to look into that. strange, its just that i never paid attention about the fstb being on there? yet, i always said that lil car handled 100X better than my max now, even with my suspension mods. heh, go figure.

 

I have the Progress RASB and I used Jack Stands as well. Took about an hour and the car handles a lot better. Just make sure to check the RASB after a week or so and make sure everything is still tight.