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Cooper S Rear sway bar Install Guide

Your Cooper S

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers the US Cooper S hardtop.

Flatter cornering
Hard$250–$3502 hrs
All Cooper S 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. Disconnect the links

    • Take the sway bar links off the top.
    Watch this step (Madness Motorworks, on a Mini) (7:42–9:06)

  2. Pull the old bar

    • Unbolt the bushings and remove the bar.
    Watch this step (0:40–2:43)

  3. Grease the new bushings

    • Grease the bushings and slide them on.
    Watch this step (3:25–5:33)

  4. Bolt in the new bar

    • Jack up the subframe and bolt it in.
    Watch this step (6:14–8:59)

  5. Disconnect the links

    • Hold the Allen key and undo the link nuts.
    Watch this step (Project Mini, on an R56) (0:40–4:04)

  6. Drop the subframe

    • Loosen the subframe bolts.
    Watch this step (5:45–7:23)

  7. Swap the bar

    • Fish the old bar out, around the shock, and fit the new one.
    Watch this step (7:23–10:23)

  8. Tighten it up

    • Fit the bushings and torque it all down.
    Watch this step (11:06–18:29)

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.

Sway Bar install guides for other cars

More Cooper S mods