Is there a trick for coercing or beating the stabilizer/sway bar on a 1991 100Q into submission so that it fits into the lower control arm? I did one side and what a PITA it was, my butt still hurts.

 

I think you're going to find that you have to lower the front of the bar, 2 clamped mounts at the front.

What'd you do, take off the struts to rebuild them instead of making the cap removal tool and doing it from the top? From the top, there's no reason to remove the stabilizer bar from the control arm.

If you did, try popping the ball joint, get the stabilizer back in, and reconnecting the ball joint stud, at least you have something there easier to pry back into position. And you won't screw up the threads on the stabilizer bar.

Cheers,

George

 

I did drop the bar but it was still a major pain due to the awkward angle of the threaded ends. To complicate the matter ALL the rubber bushings are shot to $H!T and I have to replace them. Surprisingly the ball joints are still nice and tight. The rear bushings are really bad but with 179K on the clock what can one expect.

 

I feel your pain.

First Audi I had had "torque steer". Stood on a persuader to loose the wheel bolts, the wheel rolled forward , said "Aha", looked under, saw the shot bushings, bought and replaced them. Royal PIA. Had to pop the balljoints to do it Then getting the balljoints back in, is another PIA, but easier than getting the sway bar in with them in place.

On the '90 100 I have now, same torque steer, had the bushings ( I "knew" what the problem was) and EVERY thing else replaced. Still got it, no freaking idea what the hell it is.

Good luck, pal.

Cheers,

George