Why is this happening and what can I do to fix it? PICTURE included

[90pioneer]

91 318i... I have replaced the steering rack, tie rod ends, entire control arms, sway bar end links, and new struts. All of this was about 1000 miles ago.

The steering rack I put it was defective and I am just now getting around to replacing it with another brand.

I noticed this on both sides of the swaybar:




Why is the tab the bushing bracket bolts onto bending so bad? It looks like only one bolt actually holds the sway bar on for each side. It looks like it would be two bolts but the bracket has a sort of U shape for it to go around the head of the second bolt on the frame rail but actually doesn't make contact. You can see this in the picture.

How should I correct this?

[noid]

It will break off, its a weak point, most people weld it back on and gusset it.

[Xat1cZ]

well seems like the problem here is that it's not installed right... hard for me to explain but there is a hole in where the U-shaped end is suppose to go in... so the u-shaped end IS NOT suppose to go directly under the bolt, but in to a small hole /cavity that is located around the bolt, you are suppose to slide the U-shape in to that, then tighten the bolt, look closely.. atleast it's there on the M3's so

[cabriodster87]

The "shackle" is closed up a little and the rear tab is tweaked.Looks like you can remove it, straighten every thing out and reassemble.

If you can, just get new support shackles.

[quikveedb2]

I'll leave this here;

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=205071

[CrusherCurtis]

^Good link

[ZinnoBerrotEta]

Great link! Wish I had that when one of my tabs went. I instead got a new-to-me reinforced subframe and powdercoated it so the motor mount supports/sway tabs wouldn't weaken from rust.

[GThomas]

http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/E30-suspension-steering/e30swybrpvtmt.html

Just put the IE front sway in the other day, these are much more secure.