Author Topic: Powder coating sway bars (Read 445 times)

kb3 · « **on:** February, 23, 2010, 02:57:36 PM »

I don't know if this belongs here or in the Paint section.

I am going to have all of the suspension links and related parts powder coated. I am curious to know if powder coating will last on a sway bar. Will the twisting just cause it to fail and pop off?

thanks in advance!

stangg · « **Reply #1 on:** February, 23, 2010, 06:12:05 PM »

I had my front bar powdercoated but haven't finished hooking it up. I installed it using urethane bushings on the frame mounts and it was considerably tighter... so tight that even with the end links disconnected the bar has not dropped one bit in almost 3000 miles. When I make the end links I'll also lube up the frame bushings so that the bar spins more easily. I'm figuring the powder coat will wear some, but don't expect it to flake or chip off. I suspect that rubber bushings would be less aggressive on the wear.

SELLERSRODSHOP · « **Reply #2 on:** February, 23, 2010, 07:05:05 PM »

i've powder coated numerous sway bars & never had a problem. about the only thing that will hurt them is brake fluid, should you by chance get any on your bar. dot-5 silicone won't hurt it though.

kb3 · « **Reply #3 on:** February, 24, 2010, 11:09:46 AM »

Thanks!...off to the powder coater they will go. I figured they would fit a bit more snug in the bushings...should tighten the car up just that much more. :lol

stangg · « **Reply #4 on:** February, 24, 2010, 03:03:05 PM »

Actually, you don't want the bar to be so tight to the bushing that it restricts the rotation the bar. You want the bar to freely rotate as the suspension compresses and rebounds (think roller pearches). However you don't want any deflection when you load up one side during cornering. If you use rubber bushings you probably won't have any issues, but if using urethane bushings, get the greasable ones and try to keep the bar snug, but not tight.