Non M-Sport Rear Sway Bar install frustration - Help

[Blau]

Basically as the title states, I'm having frustration with this rear sway bar install.

Car is non-m-sport so I ordered the complete kit from FCP. I was able to snake the sway bar in. Now I'm trying to install the brackets but the bolts won't thread. They just kind of spin. It feels like there is some threading in there, but I can't tell. I'm getting no purchase when I spin the bolt. The nose of the bolts is long before the threading starts. I feel like maybe that's the issue?

Part numbers match up. The pic is of a brand new bolt. Comes out with a little rust and I'm worried that it also looks like the thread is being damaged.

Any advice here? I know this has been done before. I couldn't find what I was looking for through search.

Peace.

[spidertri]

Can you thread the bolt in by itself without the bracket? Or can't even do that?

Also, measure the diameter of the bolt and make sure it's 8mm.

[Yvrbmw]

I had to re-tap the holes because of accumulated rust

[Blau]

Originally Posted by spidertri

Can you thread the bolt in by itself without the bracket? Or can't even do that?

Also, measure the diameter of the bolt and make sure it's 8mm.

I tried threading the bolt without the brackets and it didn't take. Tried on all four holes.

[Blau]

Originally Posted by Yvrbmw

I had to re-tap the holes because of accumulated rust

Likely my next move, but if I have to completely drop the subframe off of the car to make the tap fit I'm just going to pass on installing it. I've gone far enough with the rear of this car. Maybe if I end up getting an LSD at some point I'll do it then.

Thanks for the tip.

[spidertri]

Oh good call on cleaning up the threads. Don't know if you've seen these before but I picked up this set years ago and it's been awesome for cleaning up threads in random places around the cars.

The chasers are small enough that they fit just about anywhere and they have a 13mm hex on them so you can use a wrench/socket to turn them.

https://www.amazon.com/Lang-Tools-25.../dp/B000XJ48V0

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by spidertri

Oh good call on cleaning up the threads. Don't know if you've seen these before but I picked up this set years ago and it's been awesome for cleaning up threads in random places around the cars.

The chasers are small enough that they fit just about anywhere and they have a 13mm hex on them so you can use a wrench/socket to turn them.

https://www.amazon.com/Lang-Tools-25.../dp/B000XJ48V0

I used those when I installed a rear arb on my 128i (was non sport so no prior sway bar).

If I recall, I dropped the subframe a bit without really removing any of the bolts. Just enough to get the bar in. If you want to drop the subframe a lot, you can separate the brake lines without losing much fluid by putting something in between the seat and brake pedal to hold the pedal about 2/3 way down.

[Yvrbmw]

Originally Posted by Blau

Likely my next move, but if I have to completely drop the subframe off of the car to make the tap fit I'm just going to pass on installing it.

I lowered mine enough so that it was hanging on to just a few threads. Basically taking the bolt out and re-installing by three turns. Also supported by paint cans and wood spacers. Lol. But it was enough to get the tap into each hood and clean them up. Also had to do the hubs where the end links attach into.

Then, while I was on a roll and had the tap and die set out, I removed all the wheels studs and cleaned them up too. I was surprised how much easier it was to remove and replace the wheels after that!

[Blau]

I was able to squeeze a tap in and get the bolts started. I ham fisted one of them in and then decided I needed to wait for a shorter tap so I could do a better job. It'll be here in Saturday.

I'm glad I didn't bail on this project.

It's fun y because this installing this sway bar is 100% harder than doing all 7 subframe/ diff bushings. Snaking that sway bar through those right clearances was super frustrating. Might have been easier with a helper.