Trouble with stab links/bar after change..

[MidnightClub3]

So I upgraded the stab links to Moog K750012. Immediately something is off. First the front passenger side was making a rebounding, metal rattle as if the links are worn, but they're brand new. I went in today on the one side on a jackstand (mistake?) removed and tightened it. I felt on the actual link and I felt no slack.. but I think now both sides are making sounds

Can someone help me understand the correct way to judge how much tension should be on these things if at all?? Should both struts be in identical, perfect level positioning before installation? I can only do one side at a time because I only have one floor jack.

Would a Suspension Inspection at the dealership be covered under warranty even though I really caused this mess? How could I spin this? :blankface:

 

[Natesriv]

Hmmm. Link bolts not tight? Jack car up, then (do you have another jack?) jack up the lower front control arm a few inches to take out the tension on both bolts on the linkage (top and bottom) . make sure the linkage is tight! Does that end link have a torx bit slot on both ends? It'll only rattle if something's loose

 

[Natesriv]

What I'm trying to say is, with one jack raise the car, remove the wheel and then with the OEM car jack, position it under the front control arm. Then raise that up enough to remove the tension on the threads of the end links. Make sure you fully tightened the bolts and that the end links are fully flush against their positions. You could have tightened them down but not flush, so when the car was off the jack the end links were still loose. Just a little loose and they'll rattle!

 

[MidnightClub3]

When I tightened them I tried to get the end links with as much play as I could ie no tension. I thought I achieved that as if I could insert them and pull them out freely. Now you're post has me second guessing myself....

I do have some rhino ramps I could drive up on. Maybe it's possible to drive up on them and tighten the end links with full weight of the car. I'll try again tomorrow hopefully it doesn't rain. Thanks for the advice, Nate.

 

[MidnightClub3]

One more thing to consider. I was on stock links and lowered for awhile.... is it possible that the stabilizer bar became "accustomed" to the longer stock links and that's really the issue? Can the sway bar even move itself over time?

 

[Natesriv]

The sway bar has bushings which can be changedb. But I still suspect not fully tightened bolts.

 

[MidnightClub3]

I cranked those stab links TIGHT. Took of the plastic cowl and the upper struts mount bolts are loose. I need a deep 24mm socket and large Torx bit to hold the damper rod still while I tighten the 24mm nut. Off the autozone I go...

 

[MidnightClub3]

No one sells a 24mm offset wrench... local mechanics don't even have it. Curse you, Chevy!!

 

[Natesriv]

I had to buy an open-ended wrench. used it in conjunction with a Torx bit that I had

PITA!!

 

[Luv2xlr8]

When I did my stab links, I had only one side lifted and gave me a hard time. That's when I realized that both sides should be lifted, as well I used a monkey wrench with the torx bit as well to tighten it. Lower side was a bit harder for me.

 

[Natesriv]

When I put my lowering springs on and I was tightening it all back down, I had the car on jack stands, but I used a jack to push the lower control arm up enough that the strut threads on top were flush, so when I tightened it down it was tight.

When you go to tighten them back down, try to get a jack under the lower "a arm" or whatever term...you basically want to force the front suspension up enough that the strut is press firmly against the upper strut tower. Then the fun part of using that open ended wrench

that was fun getting that to bite...just barely enough grip

 

[MidnightClub3]

I got it tightened. Same method as you, offset wrench and torx. There are some taps and light noises still..... Alignment first thing tomorrow morning and I'll ask them to retorque everything. You running any negative camber? I'm thinking -2?