Sway bars questions
09-28-2005, 01:59 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2000
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sway bars questions
It seems the general consensus on this forum is to get the Neuspeed 19mm rear sway bar and leave the stock front to have more neutral handling. With the heavier engine in the TT 3.2, would 19mm be sufficient to acheive the same goal? Has anyone upgraded the front sway bar as well? How does it change the behaviour of the car with an aftermarket front as well as a rear sway bars?
I am currently leaning towards the H&R rear sway bar (21mm) since they are adjustable and don't require periodic lubrication to prevent squeaks from bushings. Not sure if I need the front sway bar (25mm) though.
I am currently leaning towards the H&R rear sway bar (21mm) since they are adjustable and don't require periodic lubrication to prevent squeaks from bushings. Not sure if I need the front sway bar (25mm) though.
09-28-2005, 02:03 PM
#2
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 9,175
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From what I understand......
you should be okay with just the rear. The Neuspeed 19 or the HR 21 should be fine.
The front sway bar is a pain in the neck to get to. I believe you have to drop the subframe to get to it meaning you will also probably need an alignment when done. The front is definitely not a DIY job if you don't have that much mechanical know-how. The rear on the other hand is relativley simple install where you can either just drop the exhaust or take the whole thing off and it's right there.
I'd stick with just the rear. Also, I don't know if there's a sway bar out there that doesn't squeak.
The front sway bar is a pain in the neck to get to. I believe you have to drop the subframe to get to it meaning you will also probably need an alignment when done. The front is definitely not a DIY job if you don't have that much mechanical know-how. The rear on the other hand is relativley simple install where you can either just drop the exhaust or take the whole thing off and it's right there.
I'd stick with just the rear. Also, I don't know if there's a sway bar out there that doesn't squeak.
09-28-2005, 02:05 PM
#3
Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hummmm 10.5 % bigger on rear, I haven't driven a 3.2 but my "guess" is >>>
the understeer will be similar to the 225. The math says it will be even less understeer.... probablly to the 'oversteer' side of neutral. Unless someone can say they have done this install, I'll have to vote for 'too much' rear bar.
The "squeek" issue can be a pita, but if I were you, I would install the 19... THEN if YOU think you can handle more oversteer, then switch-up and you can sell the 19 mm bar - that's the safest way since you're the driver
The "squeek" issue can be a pita, but if I were you, I would install the 19... THEN if YOU think you can handle more oversteer, then switch-up and you can sell the 19 mm bar - that's the safest way since you're the driver
Trending Topics
09-28-2005, 02:12 PM
#8
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 13,257
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My opinion on sway bars.............
may or may not be necessary considering each individual setup and a persons driving skill. I would do them as the LAST suspension mod as well, after shocks/springs, tires and/or spacers.
In your situation you have the ability to control the front and rear stiffness of the car - as well as rear camber through adjustments to both the spring height and rebound and low speed compression dampening. Each of these adjustment can affect how the car handles in terms of oversteer and understeer. You can effectively stiffen the rear end of the car with rebound and compression dampening - although it could also affect ride quality. You can also increase rear camber as well.
I'd drive around a while with the V3's and adjust to where you feel the ride comfort vs handling is where you want. Then if you feel the car still understeers consider adding a rear bar. If you plan on doing spacers - do them BEFORE adding a rear bar to determine how much if any they affect understeer as well. At that point look into a rear bar if you are not satisfied. A 21mm rear bar will definitely be stiffer than a 19mm rear bar - but for your car with more front weight - it might be ok. Again -take some time to get used to the V3's and what they can do before jumping on the rear bar bandwagon.
In your situation you have the ability to control the front and rear stiffness of the car - as well as rear camber through adjustments to both the spring height and rebound and low speed compression dampening. Each of these adjustment can affect how the car handles in terms of oversteer and understeer. You can effectively stiffen the rear end of the car with rebound and compression dampening - although it could also affect ride quality. You can also increase rear camber as well.
I'd drive around a while with the V3's and adjust to where you feel the ride comfort vs handling is where you want. Then if you feel the car still understeers consider adding a rear bar. If you plan on doing spacers - do them BEFORE adding a rear bar to determine how much if any they affect understeer as well. At that point look into a rear bar if you are not satisfied. A 21mm rear bar will definitely be stiffer than a 19mm rear bar - but for your car with more front weight - it might be ok. Again -take some time to get used to the V3's and what they can do before jumping on the rear bar bandwagon.
09-28-2005, 02:37 PM
#9
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 13,257
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
However - the 3.2 and 225 have different suspensions to start with.....
and also have different spring rates (well some) when modified. I've driven pretty much all the TT's stock and modified - no modified 3.2 - but the 3.2 definitely is stiffer - but still understeers more than the 225.
