Steeda Front Sway Bar! It is awesome. Transforms the car into what it should be.

mkhuffman · Aug 2, 2022

This thread is very long, so I am pulling together all the key posts people need to reference when installing these, or even getting someone else to install them. I am also going to include information regarding installing the rear sway bar, as really you should do both front and rear to get the best results.

Original Post:

I saw this today, and have not seen anyone else post about it. I guess that means nobody on the forum has tried it yet?

https://www.steeda.com/steeda-555-1033-mach-e-adjustable-front-sway-bar

This seems like a @markboris project!

I am seriously considering doing this. I have the Steeda rear sway bar, still not installed. Maybe I will get the front and have them both put on at the same time. Or do them myself. The front looks a lot harder than the rear, though.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Steeda Front Sway Bar! It is awesome. Transforms the car into what it should be. 1659462184755

According to Steeda, the hole 1 rate is just slightly more stiff than the GTPE.

FRONT SWAY BAR	SPECIFICATIONS	HOLE 1 RATE	HOLE 2 RATE	HOLE 3 RATE
GT	HOLLOW STEEL	240	-	-
GT PE	HOLLOW STEEL	288	-	-
STEEDA	1" SOLID STEEL	17% INCREASE OVER GT	29% INCREASE OVER GT	39% INCREASE OVER GT

Post Addendum:

First of all, the forum and its members are amazing. There are so many people participating here and helping others learn how to do something we have never done before. There are some key members that contributed to this thread, and their posts are all highlighted below.

Thank you @markboris, @JohnFoxeSheets, @ALTANertive, @tannerk89, @HuntingPudel, @eidbanger, and @21st Century Pony! I am sorry if I missed someone, but everyone in this thread has been great.

Driving Impressions (Both Sway Bars Installed)
The consensus from those who have reported our subjective observations, the ride is smoother. Some have felt there is less bounce, and I would love to agree, but unfortunately I don't believe there is less bounce. However, the bounce is much more controlled and predictable. The unstable side to side movement is practically gone. When taking a turn fast, the car shifts and moves predictably. Prior to installing the sway bars, the car would feel unstable in hard turns. The bottom line: the car should have been this way from the factory, because it handles so much better without any obvious negative consequences. I say “obvious”, because I have found none, but I hate to be so absolute. Maybe there is a handling tradeoff somewhere, I just don’t know what it could be.

Driving Impressions Posts
https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-481401

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-481609

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-486729

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-491431

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-495503

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-515053

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-520229

Installation Time
I am handy, and have done things like change the oil in my ICE car, change the fuel filter, and even replace brakes and wheel bearings (my most difficult car maintenance project ever). But I have never messed with the suspension on a car, so this was a totally new experience for me. If you are good with tools and have done similar things like I have, this will be an easy project.

Mark was the pioneer. He did the first forum member installation, and he has lots of experience modifying suspensions. It took him 90 minutes per bar (the rear a little less than 90) to install them. It took me twice as long. So if this is new to you like it was to me, plan on it taking an entire Saturday afternoon. If you are like Mark, you can knock it out in 2-3 hours.

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-488819

Installation Observations
These were things we discovered that were not documented in our instructions, but maybe Steeda has done an update. So if you order them now, these issues may be resolved. If not, see below.

The front sway bar is too long and you have to cut off the last hole to prevent it from interfering with the suspension. Tanner discovered this after putting some miles on the car as it does not appear to interfere when the car is sitting still. It hits when the suspension moves during driving, and Tanner noticed the missing paint on the end of the bar. I cut mine while still on the car, but it would be much better to cut the bar prior to installation. I painted the ends blue after cutting to reduce the chance of rust.

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-511734

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-514610

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-516410

John’s totally professional fix:
https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-517461

My crappy fix (but it still works!):
https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-524254

Fixed with a Dremel by ALTANertive:
https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-520125

John used a Sawzal, and it cut the bar like “butter”:
https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-546977

Based on what everyone has reported, cutting off the end with a saw is much faster and easier than using a grinder. The grinder I used made a ton of sparks, and caught a rag on fire. And it took a lot longer than using a saw.

The front end links are not lubed from Steeda, so they must be lubed before or immediately after installation. It is very easy to lube them when they are on the car, but personally I would do it before installation.

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-556775

Steve put Zerk fittings on his bushings! That was when we thought the squeaking was coming from the bushings, but then it turned out to be the end links. Still, this is an awesome mod if you want to be like Steve:
https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-559777

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-562486

Mark narrowed down the squeak to the end links:
https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-561835

Confirmed since I never re-greased my bushings, and the squeak went away:
https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-566092

The end link bolts may become loose over time. I have not confirmed mine (yet), but John reported the issue that we should all check periodically.

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-562022

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-562217

Good summary from Mark:
https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-car-into-what-it-should-be.20263/post-562204

Non-GT Model Installation Observations

The front sway bar can hit parts of the car due to lack of clearance. This was first discovered by Anton as he was the first non-GT installation reported on the forum. Tanner also recently found another area that lacks clearance, which he fixed by moving the position of the bar biased to the rear of the car instead of the front.

markboris · Aug 2, 2022

mkhuffman said:
I saw this today, and have not seen anyone else post about it. I guess that means nobody on the forum has tried it yet?

https://www.steeda.com/steeda-555-1033-mach-e-adjustable-front-sway-bar

This seems like a @markboris project!

I am seriously considering doing this. I have the Steeda rear sway bar, still not installed. Maybe I will get the front and have them both put on at the same time. Or do them myself. The front looks a lot harder than the rear, though.

Hey Mike, I will be installing mine tomorrow after I pick up my wheels from being ceramic coated. It's the only vehicle I have to transport the wheels and don't want to take apart my car until I pick them up. I painted the front bar and end links black (like I did on the rear bar) today and need to let them dry anyway.

mkhuffman · Aug 2, 2022

markboris said:
Hey Mike, I will be installing mine tomorrow after I pick up my wheels from being ceramic coated. It's the only vehicle I have to transport the wheels and don't want to take apart my car until I pick them up. I painted the front bar and end links black (like I did on the rear bar) today and need to let them dry anyway.

They say "medium difficulty" to install using basic tools. So I am interested in your assessment for how it compares with installing the rear. I am very handy, but taking apart the suspension in my MME is sort of frightening.

And better yet, very interested in how it improves stability. I imagine it will help a lot, especially with my base GT.

markboris · Aug 2, 2022

tj@steeda said:
If you run into any issues with installation - feel free to call Jamie or our tech team at 1800 950 0774 - we look forward to hearing your feedback!

TJ

Thanks TJ, I'll let you know. I've been using you guys for specialty parts since 2013. My Escape, Focus RS, GT500 and now my Mach-E all have Steeda suspension parts. Always have been impressed with the quality and the service I get from you guys.

markboris · Aug 2, 2022

mkhuffman said:
They say "medium difficulty" to install using basic tools. So I am interested in your assessment for how it compares with installing the rear. I am very handy, but taking apart the suspension in my MME is sort of frightening.

And better yet, very interested in how it improves stability. I imagine it will help a lot, especially with my base GT.

I've had the front suspension apart a few times on my Premium changing out springs and shocks and from the looks of it, does't look any worse than changing out the rear bar on my GTPE which wasn't difficult at all. It's mainly time consuming. I'll let you know how long it takes me to do it.

I'm actually happy with the way the car handles for an SUV that weights over 5,000 lbs. It's no ICE Mustang in that department but I think it does a decent job. After adding the rear sway bar, the back end hunkered down nicely and looking forward myself to see what more the front will improve with this Steeda bar.

HuntingPudel · Aug 2, 2022

Installing bars shouldn’t be a big deal. Building a bar from a piece of steel bar… That’s crazy dog stuff. Not that I’m crazy. Well, at least not any kore.

This now looks like something I will be pursuing.

tuminatr · Aug 2, 2022

Thanks for posting, I still need to install the rear one I bought. Keeping an eye on this thread for feedback

markboris · Aug 3, 2022

mkhuffman said:
They say "medium difficulty" to install using basic tools. So I am interested in your assessment for how it compares with installing the rear. I am very handy, but taking apart the suspension in my MME is sort of frightening.

And better yet, very interested in how it improves stability. I imagine it will help a lot, especially with my base GT.

Ok Mike, got the bar in. It took just about 90 minutes (I do have a lift) however I didn't put the front wheels back on. I'm having the tires taken off of my old wheels and put on the new ones first thing in the morning so didn't want to put them on and take them off again in the morning. This is why I waited until today to install the bar because wanted to do everything at the same time. As soon as I get the wheels on, I am taking it in for an alignment check then driving 2 hours to Sacramento airport so I will post back tomorrow evening about the handling.

As far as difficulty, it's not much different than installing the rear bar. The Steeda directions recommend to remove the underbody shield but I didn't do that. It's not difficult to remove, however I didn't see the reason for it. I'm thinking maybe to allow you to more easily put the new bar in so you can get under the car and make sure it is going in the proper direction and not hitting anything. It took me a few minutes to get it over to the other side with me going back and forth to each side making sure it was taking the right path but all went well.

I first removed the suspension height sensor and bracket (Steeda calls this the magneride sensor) and moved it out of the way. Then removed the end links on both sides, then the bolts that hold down the clamps over the bushings. After that, the bar came out nice and easy. I pulled it out through the right side. There are more items around the bar on the right side so figured it would be easier going in and out that side. Installed the new bar and adjusted the end link lengths to 12.75" per Steeda's instructions and installed them and the suspension height sensors. Torqued everything down and it should be good to go.

I painted the bar and the end links black like I did on the rear bar. I am not one for bright colored suspension components. Brake calipers is as far as I go for colored parts. I didn't weigh the bars but the Steeda is heavier beings it is a solid bar. Also, the bushings on the OEM bar are like the rear OEM bar in that they are very tight on the bar and will not rotate by hand at all.

The photos below are not much to look at so included one with my new wheels.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Steeda Front Sway Bar! It is awesome. Transforms the car into what it should be. IMG_2604

Ford Mustang Mach-E Steeda Front Sway Bar! It is awesome. Transforms the car into what it should be. IMG_2601

Ford Mustang Mach-E Steeda Front Sway Bar! It is awesome. Transforms the car into what it should be. IMG_2602

Ford Mustang Mach-E Steeda Front Sway Bar! It is awesome. Transforms the car into what it should be. IMG_2607

Ford Mustang Mach-E Steeda Front Sway Bar! It is awesome. Transforms the car into what it should be. IMG_2609

markboris · Aug 4, 2022

Oh boy!!! So after installing the Steeda REAR sway bar I was impressed how it really kept the rear planted. My short review here: https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/steeda-mach-e-adjustable-rear-sway-bar.14119/post-348525

As I said in the above post, I installed the Steeda front bar yesterday. Today after installing my new wheels, I took it on a 113 mile trip to Sacramento airport (yes that’s the closest one) and I’m VERY impressed. While the rear sway bar made a decent improvement, the front bar was even better. I am extremely happy with the way this car handles now (for a heavy SUV) and would very much recommend anyone that wants to improve the handling of this car to get both sway bars. installation was not difficult with either but was time consuming.

I have both sway bars set on the firmest setting which works very well with my extremely wide tires I run. I’ve used Steeda suspension parts with quite a few of my cars and have never been disappointed. I highly recommend these if you want to bring handling of your Mach-E up to the next level.

mkhuffman · Aug 5, 2022

markboris said:
Oh boy!!! So after installing the Steeda REAR sway bar I was impressed how it really kept the rear planted. My short review here: https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/steeda-mach-e-adjustable-rear-sway-bar.14119/post-348525

As I said in the above post, I installed the Steeda front bar yesterday. Today after installing my new wheels, I took it on a 113 mile trip to Sacramento airport (yes that’s the closest one) and I’m VERY impressed. While the rear sway bar made a decent improvement, the front bar was even better. I am extremely happy with the way this car handles now (for a heavy SUV) and would very much recommend anyone that wants to improve the handling of this car to get both sway bars. installation was not difficult with either but was time consuming.

I have both sway bars set on the firmest setting which works very well with my extremely wide tires I run. I’ve used Steeda suspension parts with quite a few of my cars and have never been disappointed. I highly recommend these if you want to bring handling of your Mach-E up to the next level.

Do you notice any difference with straight line stability? Obviously cornering it will be noticeable, but is there any less "bounce"? Part of my "bounce" complaint is stability, which I think will be better with these sway bars - less rocking when hitting a bump.

And along those lines, at the stiffest setting is comfort impacted negatively (or positively)?

And one more question Mark! As someone who has done very little suspension work in the past, is this something I should attempt? As a data point, I disassembled the front wheel assemblies on my old MB E320 and replaced the wheel bearings. That wasn't hard, just time consuming. It was very satisfying to do it myself and know it was done correctly. So based on that, can I handle the front sway bar in your opinion? Based on the installation pictures of the rear, that looks easy.

HuntingPudel · Aug 5, 2022

mkhuffman said:
Do you notice any difference with straight line stability? Obviously cornering it will be noticeable, but is there any less "bounce"? Part of my "bounce" complaint is stability, which I think will be better with these sway bars - less rocking when hitting a bump.
<SNIP>

Bars won’t affect pitching (fore-aft “rocking”). They will only affect roll (side to side) resistance.

markboris · Aug 5, 2022

mkhuffman said:
Do you notice any difference with straight line stability? Obviously cornering it will be noticeable, but is there any less "bounce"? Part of my "bounce" complaint is stability, which I think will be better with these sway bars - less rocking when hitting a bump.

And along those lines, at the stiffest setting is comfort impacted negatively (or positively)?

And one more question Mark! As someone who has done very little suspension work in the past, is this something I should attempt? As a data point, I disassembled the front wheel assemblies on my old MB E320 and replaced the wheel bearings. That wasn't hard, just time consuming. It was very satisfying to do it myself and know it was done correctly. So based on that, can I handle the front sway bar in your opinion? Based on the installation pictures of the rear, that looks easy.

Mike, the one think I completely forgot to mention is the ride. Now, it could be my imagination and until someone else installs one of these (I would highly recommend both at the same time) the ride feels softer. While I don't want to use the word floaty because it doesn't do that, I think the ride is less harsh. Very hard to explain however, I know there was mention on this forum about the bushings on the OEM bar might have something to do with bounce and the ride. I have also stated before that the bushings on the OEM bars do not move by hand. It would take some force to rotate them and if that is the case, may cause a firmer ride. I did a lot of freeway driving yesterday and the ride just felt softer. Like I said, I am waiting for someone else to install them to see if they notice the same thing.

Unfortunately all the roads around where I live, I have none that would induce bounce so I cannot comment on that. Right now, I'm here in Arizona at my friend's that I sold my Premium to and on the way home from the airport there definitely was some bounce going on in that car. I was telling him about the sway bars I had installed and suggested we do the same on his car although 99% of the roads around where he lives are flat and straight.

I really think you can do this yourself but would be a bit easier if you had a friend to help out. Raise up the front end of the car on jack stands and don't remove the undercover. Removing the old bar is fairly easy but installing the new one would be easier with a friend on the left side of the car with a flashlight so as you push the bar in from the right side, he can reach in and grab it and guide it through to the left side. It takes a bit of moving it around but I did it myself by going back and forth from once side to the other a few times. If you lived closer, I'd have no problem helping you out. I have replaced sway bars on my cars ever since I had my '69 Mustang in '72.

Of all the mods you can do on the suspension on this car, this has to be the best bang for the buck.

HuntingPudel · Aug 5, 2022

Mark, I will get a pair of bars, but I just had a couple of large expenditures so it will be a little while. The pricing isn’t really all that bad, but I am just a little tight for a few months(kibble don’t pay for itself!). I will report after I get them in and play with them a bit.

mkhuffman · Aug 5, 2022

markboris said:
Mike, the one think I completely forgot to mention is the ride. Now, it could be my imagination and until someone else installs one of these (I would highly recommend both at the same time) the ride feels softer. While I don't want to use the word floaty because it does not do that, I think the ride is less firm. Very hard to explain however, I know there was mention on this forum about the bushings on the OEM bar might have something to do with bounce and the ride. I have also stated before that the bushings do not move by hand on these bars. It would take some force to rotate them and if that is the case, may cause a firmer ride. I did a lot of freeway driving yesterday and are on ones I use at least 4 times a month and the ride just felt softer. Like I said, I am waiting for someone else to install them to see if they notice the same thing.

Unfortunately on all the roads I take and all the roads around where I live, I have none that would induce bounce so I cannot comment on that. I am here in Arizona now at my friend's that I sold my Premium to and on the way home from the airport there definitely was some bounce going on in that car. A few times I almost flew off my seat (exaggerated a bit) but I never notice those types of roads around me. I was telling him about the sway bars I had installed and suggested we do the same on his car although 99% of the roads here around where he lives flat and straight. Not many curves anywhere around here.

I really think you can do this yourself BUT I would have a friend help you out. Raise up the front end of the car on jack stands and don't remove the undercover. Removing the old bar is fairly easy but installing the new one would be easier with a friend on the left side of the car with a flashlight so as you push the bar in from the right side, he can reach in and grab it and guide it through to the left side. It takes a bit of moving it around but I did it myself by going back and forth from once side to the other. Take note how you pulled the old bar out from the right side and what angles you used then try to copy that putting the new one in. Wish you were closer as I'd have no problem helping you out. I have replaced sway bars on my cars ever since I had my 69' Mustang in '72.

Of all the mods you can do on the suspension on this car, this has to be the best bang for the buck.

Dude, you have me so excited about this. I am going to order the front and give it a shot.

How do you reach the bolts if you don't take the cover off? Through the wheel wells?

What do you think about the different stiffness settings and how it effects the way the car drives? It seems obvious that the car will lean less in turns the stiffer the setting, but how else is ride impacted? I am just interested in your experience as I am definitely a newbie when it comes to suspension modifications.

markboris · Aug 5, 2022

HuntingPudel said:
Mark, I will get a pair of bars, but I just had a couple of large expenditures so it will be a little while. The pricing isn’t really all that bad, but I am just a little tight for a few months(kibble don’t pay for itself!). I will report after I get them in and play with them a bit.

Steve, I know you will be impressed. I'll be down in your area visiting my parents next month and can stop by so you can drive my car if your'e around.

Steeda Front Sway Bar! It is awesome. Transforms the car into what it should be.

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