Marianne Martinez
Installing a new rear pan hard bar can be a straightforward process, but it depends on the car. For example, installing a new rear pan hard bar on a Mustang involves removing the rear wheels, taking out the bolts and nuts on both the driver and passenger sides, and prying the old bar out. A new bar can then be inserted and adjusted to match the length of the stock one. The bolts are then tightened, and the car is ready to drive. However, for other cars, there may be different requirements, such as the need to remove the stock brace with a 14mm socket. It is important to follow the specific instructions for your vehicle to ensure a safe and proper installation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal of rear wheels | Optional, but provides more space and clearance to use air tools |
| Bolt/nut removal | 18mm bolt/nut on the driver's side and 18mm bolt on the passenger side |
| Stock brace removal | 14mm socket for two flush-mounted bolts on the driver's side |
| New bar installation | Adjust the new bar to match the length of the stock bar, ensuring equal thread amounts on both sides of the adjustable nut |
| Bolt tightening | Torque bolts to 129 lb/ft and tighten jam nuts with a wrench |
| Function | Keeps the rear axle centered in the chassis |
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What You'll Learn
Remove rear wheels and old hardware
Removing the rear wheels and old hardware is a necessary step to gain more space and allow clearance to use air tools. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:
First, locate and remove the 18mm bolt/nut on the driver's side of the vehicle. Some vehicles may have a cap over this bolt, so be sure to check carefully. It is important to save these bolts as they will be reused during installation of the new rear pan hard bar.
Next, move to the passenger side of the vehicle and locate and remove the 18mm bolt. With both bolts removed, carefully insert a pry bar and gently pull back to pry the old pan hard bar down and out. It should come out easily.
Now, focus on removing the rear wheels. If you are working on a bike, shift the chain down onto the smallest cog on the rear wheel. This creates slack in the chain, making wheel removal easier. Then, with the bike in a repair stand or held up by the saddle, open the quick-release lever and spin it counterclockwise to loosen it. If your bike has thru-axles, use an Allen wrench or the integrated handle to unscrew and remove them. Once the quick-release is open, the wheel is ready to be removed. Lift the bike by the seat to utilize gravity, and the wheel should drop out. If it doesn't, a slight blow with your hand might be necessary to knock it out. Ensure you don't force it.
If the wheel is still blocked by the derailleur and chain, continue to hold the rear end of the bike off the ground. Pull back the derailleur with your free hand to move it and the chain out of the way. Now, the wheel should be free to come out. If the chain remains in the way, grip the wheel and shake it gently to free it from the chain's grasp.
By following these steps, you will successfully remove the rear wheels and old hardware, preparing you for the next stages of installing a new rear pan hard bar.
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Measure and cut new bar
To measure and cut the new bar, you'll need to start by removing the old Panhard bar. This will give you a template to work with. Remove the rear wheels if you want more space and easier access.
On the driver's side of the vehicle, locate and remove the 18mm bolt/nut—some vehicles may have a cap over this. Move to the passenger side and remove the 18mm bolt. With both bolts removed, use a pry bar to carefully dislodge the old Panhard bar.
Now you can prepare the new bar. Place the old bar above the new one and adjust the new bar until it matches the length of the old one. Make sure there is an equal amount of thread on both sides of the adjustable nut. A trick to make this easier is to put the stock bolts you removed through the holes at each end.
Once the new bar is the correct length, you can insert the bolt and tighten it by hand. Torque the bolts to 129 lb/ft. If you've matched the new bar to the old one, you shouldn't need to measure the difference to adjust the rear end.
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Insert and tighten bolts
When inserting and tightening the bolts for a new rear pan hard bar, there are a few important steps to follow. First, locate and remove any existing bolts on the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle. For a Mustang, the bolts are typically 18mm in size. Save these bolts as you will be reusing the factory hardware.
Next, insert the new pan hard bar into position. You may need to adjust the length of the new bar to match the stock one. This can be done by adjusting the nut and ensuring there are equal amounts of threads on both sides. A helpful trick is to use the stock bolts you removed to hold the new bar in place temporarily.
Now, you can insert the bolts that you previously removed back into the corresponding holes. Tighten these bolts by hand first, and then use a torque wrench to torque them to the specified value, which is typically around 129 lb/ft.
Finally, use an adjustable wrench or a 38mm wrench to tighten the jam nuts firmly down. This will secure the pan hard bar in place and ensure it is properly installed. You can then lower the car and test out your new, more rigid pan hard bar!
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Check your work
Once you've installed your new rear panhard bar, it's important to check your work thoroughly to ensure a safe and effective installation. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process of checking your work:
Inspect the Installation
Begin by visually inspecting the new panhard bar installation. Ensure that the bar is securely attached to the vehicle's chassis and that all bolts are tightened correctly. Check for any signs of damage or uneven tightening, as this can affect the performance and safety of the vehicle.
Measurements and Adjustments
Compare the length of the new panhard bar to the stock one. Ensure that they are the same length, with an equal amount of threads on both sides of the adjustable nut. This step is crucial for maintaining the proper geometry and alignment of the rear axle. Make any necessary adjustments to match the length of the stock bar.
Test Drive
After confirming that the installation looks secure and the measurements are correct, it's time to test drive your vehicle. Take the car for a drive and pay attention to how it handles. Notice any improvements in stability, especially when transitioning in and out of corners. A properly installed panhard bar should provide a more rigid feel and improve the overall handling of the vehicle.
Check for Interferences
During your test drive, pay attention to any potential interferences or issues. For example, if you have exhaust pipes installed, ensure that the panhard bar links are not obstructing or interfering with the exhaust system. Check for any unusual noises or vibrations that could indicate an issue with the installation.
Final Adjustments
If everything feels and sounds good during your test drive, you can make final adjustments as needed. Use a torque wrench to ensure that the bolts are tightened to the specified torque value, which is typically around 129 lb/ft. Tighten the jam nuts firmly using an adjustable wrench or a 38mm wrench.
Remember, safety should always come first. If you have any doubts or concerns during any step of the process, it's best to consult a professional mechanic or a trusted automotive forum for further guidance.
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Test drive
Once you've installed your new rear Panhard bar, it's time to take it for a test drive to ensure it's functioning correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide for testing your new Panhard bar:
- Start by driving on a flat, even surface to get a feel for the new bar's performance. Make sure to drive at different speeds to test its stability at various velocity thresholds.
- Take the car for a drive on a winding road to test its cornering abilities. The Panhard bar is designed to keep the vehicle stable during cornering, so make sure to take some sharp turns to ensure the bar is functioning as intended.
- Next, test the vehicle's handling on uneven terrain or bumpy roads. Assess how the Panhard bar affects the overall smoothness of the ride and chassis stability. Pay attention to any unusual noises or vibrations, as they could indicate an issue.
- If possible, drive on roads with varying slopes to test the vehicle's performance on inclines and declines. Evaluate the impact of the Panhard bar on the vehicle's traction and handling during these transitions.
- Finally, if accessible, take the car to a controlled environment like a race track to truly test its limits. This will allow you to experience the full potential of the Panhard bar and assess its impact on stability, cornering, and traction.
Remember to adhere to local traffic regulations and prioritize safety during your test drive. If you notice any unusual behaviour or sounds, pull over to a safe location and re-inspect your installation.
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Frequently asked questions
A Panhard bar and a sway bar have two different functions. The Panhard bar keeps the rear axle centred in the chassis, while the sway bar reduces body roll.
The first step is to remove the rear wheels to give you more space and allow you clearance to use air tools.
Next, locate and remove the 18mm bolt/nut on the driver's side of the vehicle and save them. You will be reusing all factory hardware for this installation.
Locate and remove the 18mm bolt on the passenger side.
Insert a pry bar and carefully pull back towards you to pry the Panhard bar down and out.
