Hellwig? Hell, yeah!

[FLArebel]

View attachment 104967

I had the same issue when I installed mine a few weeks ago. I called and they said it’s usually from the finish paint. I put a cone shaped grinding bit on my drill and went to it for a few seconds. It didn’t take much. After that installation was a breeze

 

[nc_beagle]

I had the same issue when I installed mine a few weeks ago. I called and they said it’s usually from the finish paint. I put a cone shaped grinding bit on my drill and went to it for a few seconds. It didn’t take much. After that installation was a breeze

Thanks. That's some thick paint! I pushed fairly hard and couldn't get it to go through!

Cue the "That's what she said" jokes. LOL.

 

[Eighty]

Thanks. That's some thick paint! I pushed fairly hard and couldn't get it to go through!

Cue the "That's what she said" jokes. LOL.

That ain't paint...it's an oval-shaped hole.

 

[nc_beagle]

That ain't paint...it's an oval-shaped hole.

View attachment 104968

You think it's fine to drill it? It wouldn't be painted on the inside of the hole after I do, if that matters. It's the exact same on both sides.

 

[Eighty]

You think it's fine to drill it? It wouldn't be painted on the inside of the hole after I do, if that matters. It's the exact same on both sides.

Well if you want the bolt to fit, there's no other option (other than returning it). You could add some paint after you drill it.

 

[BilletMotoRam]

It won’t take much, just run a bit through it.

 

[Nsleone]

Mid $130's? Where?

Mid $130's for the end links, not the sway bar sorry. If only the sway bar was that inexpensive!

 

[Nsleone]

I apologize if this is a ridiculous question but I was wondering if there are any positives or negatives to tire wear if any ?

Only change in tire wear would be from taking corners faster! The bar does not change any suspension geometrey so if you drive the same after install it should be the same.

 

[FLArebel]

You think it's fine to drill it? It wouldn't be painted on the inside of the hole after I do, if that matters. It's the exact same on both sides.

The guy from hellwig said to be careful as a regular drill bit will probably bind and could be dangerous. A press would work best

 

[c3k]

Here, I have the end links in the innermost position. Seems like they used a smaller drill bit on the middle hole?
View attachment 104967

I'd contact Hellwig (and send them that picture).

Looks like you got an out-of-spec swaybar.

Ask them to send you a correctly manufactured one.

 

[nc_beagle]

Well if you want the bolt to fit, there's no other option (other than returning it). You could add some paint after you drill it.

Thanks, and I know that no one would ever see the unpainted area, but I figured for some extra rust protection when those two holes are exposed.

 

[nc_beagle]

I'd contact Hellwig (and send them that picture).

Looks like you got an out-of-spec swaybar.

Ask them to send you a correctly manufactured one.

I did email them. When the respond I'll send the picture. I don't remember if I used the Contact Us form and if it had the ability to upload pics.

Thanks.

 

[Bl@ck_R@M_21]

Only change in tire wear would be from taking corners faster! The bar does not change any suspension geometrey so if you drive the same after install it should be the same.

Thank you for the reply. I kind of figured that but wanted to hear it from someone with experience.

 

[HandyCruiser]

That ain't paint...it's an oval-shaped hole.

View attachment 104968

It's possible that in the manufacturing process, the press that flattens the ends of the bar also stamps the three boltholes. But as the bar cools, the holes get slightly deformed. To remedy this, they true the holes up using some kind of beveled drill bit or stone grinding point. That may be what created the bevel on the outer hole in the photo. But for some reason, the center hole on each side didn't get this remedial step.

If my bar is like this when I get it, I will likely attempt to true the holes with a cone-shaped grinding point on a hand drill. That will create a more "factory" looking and perfectly round hole. Then I will paint the bare metal edges so they don't rust.

 

[FLArebel]

View attachment 105057

It's possible that in the manufacturing process, the press that flattens the ends of the bar also stamps the three boltholes. But as the bar cools, the holes get slightly deformed. To remedy this, they true the holes up using some kind of beveled drill bit or stone grinding point. That may be what created the bevel on the outer hole in the photo. But for some reason, the center hole on each side didn't get this remedial step.

If my bar is like this when I get it, I will likely attempt to true the holes with a cone-shaped grinding point on a hand drill. That will create a more "factory" looking and perfectly round hole. Then I will paint the bare metal edges so they don't rust.

View attachment 105055

That’s the exact bit I used to do mine. Works great

 

[nc_beagle]

For better or worse, I accidentally ordered the bar from two different places. This one came directly from Hellwig. The other from Amazon and it arrives today. If Hellwig says to send it back, I guess I could just use the other one, assuming it's correct.

 

[Andymax]

Just installed mine a week go...WOW, it really does make a big difference. I went with middle settings on stock links.

 

[HandyCruiser]

Alright! AAFES had my bar drop-shipped from Hellwig and it's been shipped! No long wait for me. By next week, I will be riding smooth!

 

[1awesomelaw]

Just ordered mine from AAFES. What a great deal! The Exchange Auto Parts Store is at this link:

Exchange Auto Parts Store | Specialty Stores | Shop The Exchange

Shop Exchange Auto Parts Store and other name brand Specialty Stores at The Exchange. You've earned the right to shop tax free and enjoy FREE shipping!

www.shopmyexchange.com

View attachment 104958

Is this only open to people who are in the military?

 

[dbark]

Is this only open to people who are in the military?

Yes, and retirees and some disabled veterans