sway bar broke..read on - United Bimmer Community

**mzbmw325i** · 05-27-2007, 10:03 PM

The front right side of the bracket or whatever you call it that holds the sway bar bushing broke of the where the bolt is tight up to the engine side, i will post pics a bit later.

Can i drive the car like that or is it unsafe, it is the holiday weekend and i can’t go and get it fixed anywhere right now. Can it be welded on again or i need new metal peace there.

It happened last night driving home. When i go over big bumps it started to make clinking sounds. Otherwise on a straight road there is no issue or sound coming, it doesn’t really affect me driving but just to be on the safe side i wanted to ask if i can continue on until fixed.

update

ictures below, i hope it clarifies my concern, the left side is still in tact, but with the pressure and what not i don't know if it will last long.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...6/bushing1.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...6/bushing2.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...6/bushing3.jpg

witeshark · 05-27-2007, 10:24 PM

I wouldn't risk it

**xsperf** · 05-27-2007, 11:03 PM

you probably need to take pictures.. technically, you probably dont really need a swaybar at all(dont quote me on it) so if you are gonna drive it, dont rip around turns and dont do it unless completely necessary

drz · 05-27-2007, 11:20 PM

Definitely need pics. THe sway bar isn't essential, but it isnt good to drive with uneven suspension. However, it shouldn't be life-threatening.

Again, pics please.

**RSF5** · 05-28-2007, 01:54 AM

You don't NEED the sway bar so to say, but you also don't NEED seat belts. Its just stupid to drive without them. I wouldn't risk doing it and it you have to do it really carefully.

**c1apton** · 05-28-2007, 02:41 AM

What you broke is a sway bar link- and no it's not a good idea to drive on it. Your front tires,the cars handling (including struts) depend on the sway bar.Plus the broken part is still attatched and you have the possibility of further damage by letting it go "as is"

**mzbmw325i** · 05-28-2007, 02:52 AM

Please see my initial post on top i have added pictures, maybe that will clarify.

thanks all of you for the prompt replies, greatly appreciated.

**elsabor67** · 05-28-2007, 07:25 AM

Man, you REALLY need to get it fixed and NOT drive with it like that. When you fix it, try to see how you can reinforce it. Makes me want to check mine out when the craft shop opens on Wednesday.

It looks like alot of stress was on ot to break like that.

**Dudesky** · 05-28-2007, 07:58 AM

Oh that sucks. c1apton spoke 11 minutes too soon- it would be logical that the sway bar links would go first, but it looks like it's got new ones installed and that caused the metal elswhere to fatigue. Yea, that's gonna be a weld job. If they do a good job of it, it should be stronger than original. Better have the other side checked out as well. I wouldn't drive it around much till it's repaired tho.

**c1apton** · 05-28-2007, 08:34 AM

yea after seeing the pics - the new links are obvious, but I'm wondering now if they are the correct ones? If the new ones are too long (tall) they could cause a fatique failure as your pics show.
And as "D-sky" mentioned you need a good welder and ASAP and drive that with MAJOR caution if you dare drive it.

**mullethunter3** · 05-28-2007, 11:56 AM

That looks pretty bad, get it welded up. Please.

drz · 05-28-2007, 12:55 PM

It's not as bad as people make it out to be here. Just be sure to have it welded this week, as soon as you get a chance. I wouldn't drive it much like that it won't be a big deal if you need to drive to the grocery store and baCK.

Also, when you take it to the weld shop, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have them reinforce the other side.

**mzbmw325i** · 05-28-2007, 02:27 PM

for the advice all. can't wait tomorrow to start so i can make some phone calls, can't do much today with memorial day and all.

i wonder if something like this has happened to anyone else here or if this can be a common issue.

hopefully i can find a good welder near by that i can drive it to... slowly.

**mzbmw325i** · 05-28-2007, 03:11 PM

i wanted to ask when doing welding is it a good idea to disconnect the battery and onboard computer to avoid any shorts or blow outs.

**c1apton** · 05-28-2007, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mzbmw325i

i wanted to ask when doing welding is it a good idea to disconnect the battery and onboard computer to avoid any shorts or blow outs.

yea disconnecting battery would be an excellant idea (usually practiced by an experienced welder or body shop) it would greatly reduce the possibilities of a power surge.