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The rear sway bar is arguably the best handling modification you can make to a Maxima. It makes my car handle with a more neutral feel, almost to the point of having oversteer. I decided to buy the Stillen Rear Sway Bar, as it was designed specifically for the Maxima. I believe the average person can install a RSB with minimal experience. If you can change your own oil, you most likely can do this too. My installation took about 1 hour and 15 minutes, which included removing and reinstalling the wheels.
Step 1: Jack up car underneath the beam and use jack stands under the jacking points. Remove wheels so that you can access the underside more easily.
Step 2: Remove the bolt for the emergency brake line. You will reattach this with an adapter piece (already installed in picture below) and new bolt.
Step 3: Align blue brackets around the support arms between the 2 sets of bolts attached to the support arm. Do not tighten the bracket attachment bolts; just get it started. IMPORTANT! Make sure you place the rear upper bolt with the nut showing to the outside of the car. Notice the brake line hose behind the blue bracket? It's very close to the bracket. If you do not follow this step, your brake line will be cut by the misplaced threaded bolt over a period of time. Want to see proof? If you place the bolt as pictured, you'll be okay.
Step 4: Attach the bar to the brackets on the other side of the car. Use something to support the RSB so that you can more easily attach the other side. For the 2000+ Maxima use the 3rd and 5th set of holes on the bar. Make sure you have the bar aligned underneath the rear beam and pointing downwards.
Step 5: Realign brackets to make sure they are parallel and straight. Tighten with hex and socket wrenches. Make sure you get it tight and snug. The first time I didn't and the bar made a thunk noise in heavy cornering.
Step 6: Put the parking brake back on with the supplied adapter and bolt. Check your sway bar to make sure it's snug. Put your wheels back on, open a beer and admire your work. Take your car for an aggressive hell ride to test.
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Email: pstauffer@yahoo.com
Page updated: February 05, 2001
Monday, 05-Feb-2001 22:47:44 EST
