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Golf Rear sway bar Install Guide

Your Golf

Pick your year to see what fits.

Flatter corners
Hard$250–$4201–2 hrs
All Golf mods

Why do it

Cuts body roll and sharpens turn-in.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Prep the bar

    • Check the kit and shock mounts.
    Watch this step (H&R on a Mk4) (5:20–8:24)
  2. Install the bar

    • Fit the bar.
    Watch this step (8:24–12:46)
  3. Mount the bushings

    • Fit the bushings.
    Watch this step (12:46–18:02)
  4. Secure the clamps

    • Tighten the clamps.
    Watch this step (18:02–23:22)
  5. Remove the end links

    • Unbolt them.
    Watch this step (on a Mk5/Mk6) (2:47–3:23)
  6. Remove the old bar

    • Take it out.
    Watch this step (3:23–3:56)
  7. Prep the new bar

    • Grease the bushings.
    Watch this step (4:21–4:54)
  8. Install the bar

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (4:54–6:26)
  9. Set the end links

    • Fit and adjust them.
    Watch this step (6:26–7:51)
  10. Remove the end links

    • Unbolt them.
    Watch this step (on a Mk5/Mk6) (2:47–3:23)
  11. Remove the old bar

    • Take it out.
    Watch this step (3:23–3:56)
  12. Prep the new bar

    • Grease the bushings.
    Watch this step (4:21–4:54)
  13. Install the bar

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (4:54–6:26)
  14. Set the end links

    • Fit and adjust them.
    Watch this step (6:26–7:51)
  15. Remove the factory bar

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (on a Mk7 GTI) (2:10–3:45)
  16. Remove the brackets

    • Take them off.
    Watch this step (3:45–5:50)
  17. Prepare the bar

    • Prepare it.
    Watch this step (5:50–7:05)
  18. Swap the end links

    • Move them over.
    Watch this step (7:05–9:22)
  19. Install the bar

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (9:22–12:38)
  20. Remove the factory bar

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (on a Mk7 GTI) (2:10–3:45)
  21. Remove the brackets

    • Take them off.
    Watch this step (3:45–5:50)
  22. Prepare the bar

    • Prepare it.
    Watch this step (5:50–7:05)
  23. Swap the end links

    • Move them over.
    Watch this step (7:05–9:22)
  24. Install the bar

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (9:22–12:38)
  25. Prep

    • Lift and prepare.
    Watch this step (on a Mk8 GTI) (2:35–3:48)
  26. Remove the stock bar

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (3:48–5:39)
  27. Install the new bar

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (7:23–9:26)
  28. Finish

    • Tighten everything.
    Watch this step (9:26–10:21)
  29. Remove the factory bar

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (on a Mk7 GTI) (2:10–3:45)
  30. Remove the brackets

    • Take them off.
    Watch this step (3:45–5:50)
  31. Prepare the bar

    • Prepare it.
    Watch this step (5:50–7:05)
  32. Swap the end links

    • Move them over.
    Watch this step (7:05–9:22)
  33. Install the bar

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (9:22–12:38)
  34. Unbolt the links

    • Take off the covers, bushings and links.
    Watch this step (on a 2024 Golf R) (0:31–2:03)
  35. Lower the exhaust

    • Drop the rear hangers.
    Watch this step (2:03–3:03)
  36. Install the bar

    • Fit the new bar.
    Watch this step (4:04–5:08)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.

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