Front swaybar link issue (Melye)

[Chrisbike]

Hi R3V,

So I finally got around to installing my strut mounts etc, now I have the strut housings in the car i noticed that the stud on the Meyle end links are too long to fit. Weird. What are my options guys?
1) cut the stud to length (I don't know how to do this and will probably damage the threads).
2) return and buy oe or m3 adjustable endlinks?

Nothing else comes to mind..
Thanks

[Chrisbike]

Update: just realized that I can't cut the studs because they have a Allen key cutout to keep it from spinning, going to look into buying another set.

Question stands what's the Benifit of adjustable endlinks?

I have the good ole H&R/BillyHD setup. DD duties so probably not necessary..

[Kershaw]

So you can't angle the stud up so that it fits in the hole and push up and in at the same time? The studs should face towards the engine bay.

reference pic

[Chrisbike]

I'll try again but I doubt that it's possible

[95BMWIC]

I struggled with mine also. Meyle stud is longer and the ball joint is wider than stock - but I got mine to fit.

Like Kershaw stated - the studs point towards the engine bay.

I filed out (widened) the oval a bit more for the stud and then I grounded down the blue plastic a bit (maybe an 1/8 of an inch) and it was just enough to pivot and push them through..

Since I opened up the oval on the strut assembly a bit - I used a washer before the nut.

It will go - just try the different angles - its a lot easier if the strut is off the vehicle - but it can be done if it is attached.

[Chrisbike]

Looks like I'll be doing that tommorow.. Ill keep you updated..

[95BMWIC]

I went through the same battle (twice) - it will fit.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=361075

Drill the oval out with a drill bit - just a little (or use a file) Then use a washer to cinch. (you can see in my pic).

If I remember correctly I came in at an angle with the bolt held down and just got the head of the bolt through the hole and wiggled it around until it popped..

Its tough - but it can be done.

I've had good luck with them so far. Meyle HD..

[nando]

Are you sure those are for the ix?

Screw messing around with them. Send them back and get ones that fit right.

[Chrisbike]

Yeah they are iX specific. Won't buy them again. Ended up slotting the holes another 1/8 of a inch or so and used a 3/8 washer. I'm sick of sending shit back to FCP Euro, I already sent back two things that they stated were iX specific. I'm just complaining though. These are correct in length compared to the OE.

[95BMWIC]

Are you sure those are for the ix?

Screw messing around with them. Send them back and get ones that fit right.

Bought mine through Pelican Parts:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/0239/BMW_0239_SUSSHK_pg6.htm#item26

Meyle has it listed for the IX in their online catalog also.

http://www.meyle.com/nc/en/spare-parts/search.html (you have to look it up - its under "Axle Mounting Steering Wheel" then "Stabilizer" - 325IX

As far as durability - I recommend them. As far as installation - PITA..

[nando]

Yeah i would personally never use meyle, especially after seeing this. The lemforder links fit like a glove.

Think about it like this - do you really want to cut on two $900 strut housings to save $40 on swaybar links?

[Chrisbike]

Yeah i would personally never use meyle, especially after seeing this. The lemforder links fit like a glove.

Think about it like this - do you really want to cut on two $900 strut housings to save $40 on swaybar links?

I'm not going to disagree because this was something I was considering. Actually these are new strut housings, I bought them a year ago for $800 a piece; Ouch. I'd like to mention that it's not really like your cutting up the housing or anything I only slotted the holes another 1/8 of a inch or so and you can always go back and weld a little material on. My iX has been sitting for the past 5 weeks and since it's a daliy a can't really wait another week for something to show up. Although I probably don't need to have swaybar endlinks. Meh I blame Melye and my lack of patience..

[nando]

The problem is you've slotted it in the direction of the load on the stud - so instead of relying on shear to transfer the force, you are relying on the friction of the nut to hold it in place.

Basically, its going to slip. At least thats not a big deal to repair if you ever decided too. And this thread will serve as a warning for meyle swaybar links. :(

[95BMWIC]

Just my thoughts when I did this:

The slot in the factory strut housing is an oval (not a circle), on the other end its attached to the sway bar (a moving part).

In lengthening the oval, (if done on the top side of the strut) a person is moving the position up an 1/8" or so. When assembling it, make sure the stud of the Meyle HD is positioned on the top of the oval (which really is no different than where it would be located before (except the 1/8" difference).
To be sure, when installing make sure both nuts are loose (enough for the bolt to move), and then when under the little bit of load, finish tightening them both.

When I did this, I didn't worry about it, I believed it would secure to the top of the oval (its just a longer oval now) just like it was intended. I'm just letting the OP know, I personally have no issue with it when I did it, I don't believe its a safety issue (I put my son in this car). I also understand it may not be the best way to fix the issue, to Nando's point, a person could order a set better designed for the IX, such as Lemforders.