Installing sway bar bushings

[ctown]

I just unpacked some BMW sway bar links and bushing (from Blunt) and they have the same issue (parts look identical as in pic).

I am going to go with the preload and clamps, genuine BMW parts new sent last week.

[mbaze]

The solution for me was jacking up the strut and clamping the sway bar and tension bar with a C-clamp. Then just tap the linkage bolt down with a hammer. The C-clamp is prone to slippage because of the rounded surfaces, so safety glasses are highly recommended when you put your face down there. Also, a little grease on the sway bar linkage bolt helps that final, bottom bushing go on.

Note that when jacking up the strut, put a piece of soft wood on the jack top so as to not damage the control arm.

And by the way, the Maximillian diagram clearly shows the cupped washers facing away from the bushings.

[BillWilliams]

Protect the threads of the bolt.

[mbaze]

Not a bad idea. Both my original bolts were bent and had to be cut off.