034 Sway Bars

[miken12]

Has anyone actually had these installed yet? If so, what’re your thoughts. I was gonna go with APR, but there isn’t a decent APR dealer in the DFW area. Of the three listed on their website, one said I would have to bring my car in for them to give me an estimate (to see how much work really needed to be done…which tells me they probably haven’t installed many of these), and the other two are Audi dealerships. One service manager told me, “man, a sway bar is a sway bar. Not much difference in them.”

034 has two seemingly good dealers near me but I wanna get some real reviews before going with them. Thx

[PunjabiM3]

Has anyone actually had these installed yet? If so, what’re your thoughts. I was gonna go with APR, but there isn’t a decent APR dealer in the DFW area. Of the three listed on their website, one said I would have to bring my car in for them to give me an estimate (to see how much work really needed to be done…which tells me they probably haven’t installed many of these), and the other two are Audi dealerships. One service manager told me, “man, a sway bar is a sway bar. Not much difference in them.”

034 has two seemingly good dealers near me but I wanna get some real reviews before going with them. Thx

Have you tried Blair or Zinkwerks? Another option might be getting the ABT ones installed from Audi McKinney as they are an ABT dealer.

[miken12]

Have you tried Blair or Zinkwerks? Another option might be getting the ABT ones installed from Audi McKinney as they are an ABT dealer.

Blair is the one I called and said I have to bring the car in to get an estimate. I’ll try Audi McKinney but I’m on the Fort Worth side of things so it’s hard to get there

[JustNick]

One service manager told me, “man, a sway bar is a sway bar. Not much difference in them.”

Well that's a pretty uninformed service manager lol. It doesn't take much change in size/thickness/moment arm length to change the way a vehicle turns in. I haven't seen too many reviews on them yet either since they're so new but I've been eyeing a set since they were announced. I'd expect based on past swaybar upgrades on other cars, you'll find little difference in day-to-day easy driving minus if you hit a major pothole or a bump with only one side of the car. The swaybar will act like you put in a stiffer spring and rock the vehicle more than stock instead of letting the wheel follow the road surface. Is it going to be noticeable? Probably, but judging by the thickness difference I'd say you'll get used to it pretty quickly.

Installation on the front seems like it would be straightforward since you don't really need to snake it through anything too crazy, the back on the other hand may be a different story

[tinmanwpk]

According to their website these are not difficult to DIY.

[WTF its Arturo]

I've been testing their sway bars for the past ~7 months now, as I'm local to their HQ.

Completely changed the dynamics and handling of the vehicle. I feel much more planted and confident during harder cornering. I couldn't tell much different from the soft/firm settings during normal daily driving, except of course during cloverleaf freeway onramps. I like to keep it on the firm setting.

Their rear swaybar is exceptionally beefy and IIRC, solid. I'll attach a picture to show the difference.

326525761_1308779673248520_3566649011250290582_n.jpg

[awdbiturbo]

I just installed ABT sway bars a few months back, I want to try the 034 sway bars. Anyone want a discount on a lightly used set of ABT sway bars hehe

[miken12]

I just installed ABT sway bars a few months back, I want to try the 034 sway bars. Anyone want a discount on a lightly used set of ABT sway bars hehe

Why do you want to change?

[awdbiturbo]

for no good reason other than to try them out, I had a set of 034 bars on my c7.5 s6 and thought they were great.

[PunjabiM3]

How many miles on your ABT ones and how much you want for them?

[OneFastBMW]

You can get a subscription and download the factory service manual. It will give you step by step instructions and you can see how difficult it is. A Set of ramps will be helpful though. You can get a cheap plastic pair from Northern Tool. Doing sway bars with the weight off of the suspension isn’t the easiest task. With a basic set of ramps you should be able to do it will common hand tools. No computer adapting should be necessary.

[brad65ford]

I just want to know if it always for the rear end to setup out easier. Stock even lowered it feels like you really need to swing the butt out if you want her to step sideways.

[Shawn@PacificGerman]

The rear end certainly wants to kick more with upgraded anti roll bars. They do transform the handling and I highly recommend dropping in a set if you enjoy spirited driving on windy roads, fast freeway entries, etc. They won't make the car feel like an M3, but they do reduce understeer and just improve the excitement factor.

We have installed many of the ABT anti-roll bars with success. (Four sets in the last few weeks alone!) While they can be DIY installed on a normal car, these C8 platform cars are huge and installation does require removal of the front wheels, fender linings, and lower engine cover. And the rear requires lowering the exhaust down to access.

Usually we can install a set within 2-3 hours depending on which exhaust the cars are equipped with.

Also a good time for a exhaust install if you know what I mean "while we are in there..."

[OneFastBMW]

Do you mean the reduce understeer?

[miken12]

I just got back from an ABT dealer. He seemed very knowledgeable but one thing he said worried me a little bit. He said by installing sway bars you sacrifice a little comfort. He said you’ll feel more bumps in the road with sway bars. Have you guys found this to be true? I got rid of my GT63 because I felt every pebble on the road. Didn’t enjoy it as a daily driver. I don’t want my RS7 to be like this (although I liked the way the GT63 handled more).

[brad65ford]

Heard the GT63 drive like a tank, I wanted one but that kept me a way from it. Heck almost all of our AMG's drive rough. Can't have best of both worlds, super soft and sift at the push of a button it seems.

[PunjabiM3]

Which dealer did you go to? I doubt it will make a huge difference given that they are only about 35% higher rate than stock. I could see the 034 ones perhaps doing that with 60% front and 325% increased rates, greatly changing the nature of the car which I'm sure does dividends for handling but not sure how that would affect ride quality.

[miken12]

Blair in DFW

[Astonished]

Has anyone done a sway bar upgrade on a DRC equipped car? As it (the DRC) tends to work a bit like an active sway bar I’m wondering if it would be a real benefit to upgrade the sway bars, but an improvement is still handy. But loving the dual nature of being a luxurious daily driver and also highly capable. I’d love an M3 estate but only one day a fortnight!

[Shawn@PacificGerman]

Do you mean the reduce understeer?

Yep, maybe didn't have my coffee yet that day when I wrote that up

I just got back from an ABT dealer. He seemed very knowledgeable but one thing he said worried me a little bit. He said by installing sway bars you sacrifice a little comfort. He said you’ll feel more bumps in the road with sway bars. Have you guys found this to be true? I got rid of my GT63 because I felt every pebble on the road. Didn’t enjoy it as a daily driver. I don’t want my RS7 to be like this (although I liked the way the GT63 handled more).

No differences with the ABT roll bars when driving over straight lines, bumps, or dips in the road. Ride quality remains the same.

Its when you enter those dips, bumps at an angle you will feel a more improved and square (stiffer) chassis. Rear wheels will pick up going through driveways at an angle, steering feels tighter and more responsive.

But really you appreciate the bars when actually moving and turning the car (such as windy roads)

Has anyone done a sway bar upgrade on a DRC equipped car? As it (the DRC) tends to work a bit like an active sway bar I’m wondering if it would be a real benefit to upgrade the sway bars, but an improvement is still handy. But loving the dual nature of being a luxurious daily driver and also highly capable. I’d love an M3 estate but only one day a fortnight!

Yes, same bars for air or DRC. Rear end feels great, cars wants to dance on the back roads, but still very compliant in a straight line on the cars we have done. See pic below during an install this week. (we did ABT HAS on this one in the pic below) I feel the ABT bars are great for the daily drivers without any compromise to creature comforts, but when driving for fun they really do make a nice difference.

[Astonished]

Thanks
I’m now looking for a supplier/fitter in Australia

[034Motorsport]

Thanks
I’m now looking for a supplier/fitter in Australia

034Motorsport Sway Bars are available through VAGParts in Australia!

Check them out here: https://www.vagparts.com.au/products...-rs6-rs7-4-0tt

-Sean@034

[Astonished]

034Motorsport Sway Bars are available through VAGParts in Australia!

Check them out here: https://www.vagparts.com.au/products...-rs6-rs7-4-0tt

-Sean@034

Thanks
👍

[Nick_039]

Has anyone else tested the 034 sway bars, would you like more information about the comfort of the car after installation?

[funclub@caseyha]

Has anyone else tested the 034 sway bars, would you like more information about the comfort of the car after installation?

I jist put them on my car. Stiff in rear, soft in front, really helped get rid of understeer

The car feels super Nimble around corners now for his weight

My biggest and most severe issue, can't overstate the feeling hard enough, is that I ordered the sway bar at the beginning of August during a sell. The delivery was supposed to be August 15th for the bar

Multiple "inventory delays" and missed rescheduled deadlines later and I didn't end up with the bars I paid for in hand until early this month (october)

The product seems great so far but the customer service and accuracy of the delivery timeline was an absolute nightmare to deal with

[miken12]

I jist put them on my car. Stiff in rear, soft in front, really helped get rid of understeer

The car feels super Nimble around corners now for his weight

My biggest and most severe issue, can't overstate the feeling hard enough, is that I ordered the sway bar at the beginning of August during a sell. The delivery was supposed to be August 15th for the bar

Multiple "inventory delays" and missed rescheduled deadlines later and I didn't end up with the bars I paid for in hand until early this month (october)

The product seems great so far but the customer service and accuracy of the delivery timeline was an absolute nightmare to deal with

Have you noticed the ride being bumpier since installing the sway bars? Thx

[funclub@caseyha]

Have you noticed the ride being bumpier since installing the sway bars? Thx

Maybe a bit, not much though compared to stock DRC

[miken12]

I’ve decided to get the ABT sway bars installed. Gonna lower the car 15mm as well. I decided against the 034 because while it sounds like it tightens up the steering more, I absolutely don’t want ride quality affected at all. I got rid of my AMG GT63 because the ride was too bumpy as a daily driver. They get installed Dec 19th…I’ll let you guys know how it goes

[Astonished]

Got the 034 bars arriving on Monday and being installed same day at dealer which nicely coincides with “next service”. Getting excited for the tighter feel.

Then remembered track setup learnings and wondered whether the stiffer bars were going to be too stiff in the wet, when more compliance can be a good thing.

So my query: for those with the 034 bars do you find it is still confidence inspiring (which it currently is) in the wet/rain with the more rigid setup?

I’m convinced for the dry, but just checking for when in the wet. I’m planning to run both front and rear on the soft setting.

[Love_My_Audi]

I am on the fence for the 034, let us know your results..;)

[miken12]

I have the ABT sway bars on mine. I’ve had them for about 4 or 5 months. Honestly I haven’t noticed a difference

[034Motorsport]

Got the 034 bars arriving on Monday and being installed same day at dealer which nicely coincides with “next service”. Getting excited for the tighter feel.

Then remembered track setup learnings and wondered whether the stiffer bars were going to be too stiff in the wet, when more compliance can be a good thing.

So my query: for those with the 034 bars do you find it is still confidence inspiring (which it currently is) in the wet/rain with the more rigid setup?

I’m convinced for the dry, but just checking for when in the wet. I’m planning to run both front and rear on the soft setting.

I would say the confidence inspiration in the dry certainly converts well into wet traction. I think you will greatly enjoy them on your RS6 and potentially want to go full stiff :)

-Sean@034

[Astonished]

I’ve had the 034 bars installed.

Before I give my impressions I should say that my RS6 is my daily driver and I use it for country trips for regional site inspections whilst doing 30mile (approx 45kms) commute into the city every day. I average about 40,000kms (25,000 miles ) a year. It’s just reached 48,000kms and I picked it up as brand new in Feb 23, so I’m sorta used to it in most conditions including some of our Aussie monsoonal style downpours

Oh yeh, I have carbon ceramics and lightweight forged wheels so have already removed say 10kg from each corner to make life more easy for the DRC suspension

I may have been unrealistic hoping for something barely noticeable on my commute but adding that certain something for my occasional back road/country highway twisties.

I’ve had the bars on for 2 weeks now and sadly my good country run this weekend got postponed so no check for the higher speed twisties.

So comments for “around town”: it’s lost it spring/shock balance and compliance. I find my commute drive is now more a jiggly pickup of all the road imperfections that niggles and fiddles at the whole suspension/body system. It’s more akin to driving a go-kart at low speeds from the pits to the “fast bits”. Once getting it on in a corner it all settles down, however the commute can be a long wait between “enjoyable corners” …. and that wait can be quite a seat jiggling experience.

The spirited drive (maybe enhanced by the DRC and less corner weight, was never bad or not inspiring, however like most we are looking for that something extra. I’m not sure I’ve ended up with what suits me. I’m 90% “just driving” at which time I appreciate and enjoy the balance between the comfort and sporting dynamics. Maybe now that balance has shifted, but maybe too much for me.

So, I’m planning to stick with tgem till the next service (about 12,000kms away now - which is about 3 to 4 months) and decide then whether I revert to standard. At present it’s more likely that I’ll revert than not, but hey, I’m working with it.

However, the missus hasn’t been with me in the car for one of our long country drives yet and I reckon she might notice the difference (although I haven’t told her that I’ve had the new bars on as they were installed a couple of weeks ago during my normal service - so “situation normal”) - it might be that she’s the test to see if the difference is “obvious” or all in my mind. I’m sure she’ll say something if it is obvious. She likes “fast” but loves the RS6 as it’s also comfortable and luxury.

Any thoughts on set up etc etc which could “ improve” the result gratefully received. Oh yeh, both front and rear are set to the softer setting. I get the feeling that the hard setting would only be another step away from “balance” towards “track star”

[Astonished]

I’ve had the 034 bars installed.

Before I give my impressions I should say that my RS6 is my daily driver and I use it for country trips for regional site inspections whilst doing 30mile (approx 45kms) commute into the city every day. I average about 40,000kms (25,000 miles ) a year. It’s just reached 48,000kms and I picked it up as brand new in Feb 23, so I’m sorta used to it in most conditions including some of our Aussie monsoonal style downpours

Oh yeh, I have carbon ceramics and lightweight forged wheels so have already removed say 10kg from each corner to make life more easy for the DRC suspension

I may have been unrealistic hoping for something barely noticeable on my commute but adding that certain something for my occasional back road/country highway twisties.

I’ve had the bars on for 2 weeks now and sadly my good country run this weekend got postponed so no check for the higher speed twisties.

So comments for “around town”: it’s lost it spring/shock balance and compliance. I find my commute drive is now more a jiggly pickup of all the road imperfections that niggles and fiddles at the whole suspension/body system. It’s more akin to driving a go-kart at low speeds from the pits to the “fast bits”. Once getting it on in a corner it all settles down, however the commute can be a long wait between “enjoyable corners” …. and that wait can be quite a seat jiggling experience.

The spirited drive (maybe enhanced by the DRC and less corner weight, was never bad or not inspiring, however like most we are looking for that something extra. I’m not sure I’ve ended up with what suits me. I’m 90% “just driving” at which time I appreciate and enjoy the balance between the comfort and sporting dynamics. Maybe now that balance has shifted, but maybe too much for me.

So, I’m planning to stick with tgem till the next service (about 12,000kms away now - which is about 3 to 4 months) and decide then whether I revert to standard. At present it’s more likely that I’ll revert than not, but hey, I’m working with it.

However, the missus hasn’t been with me in the car for one of our long country drives yet and I reckon she might notice the difference (although I haven’t told her that I’ve had the new bars on as they were installed a couple of weeks ago during my normal service - so “situation normal”) - it might be that she’s the test to see if the difference is “obvious” or all in my mind. I’m sure she’ll say something if it is obvious. She likes “fast” but loves the RS6 as it’s also comfortable and luxury.

Any thoughts on set up etc etc which could “ improve” the result gratefully received. Oh yeh, both front and rear are set to the softer setting. I get the feeling that the hard setting would only be another step away from “balance” towards “track star”

Well, I could win the Wally award here … and if you were contemplating 034 sway bars then still do …

It’s like this. I NEVER run on anything on the main suspension setting other than Automatic, except for an occasional foray into RS1 and RS2 modes which I’ve set to suit.
However, it seems like the team installing decided to leave it on Dynamic for me! And there we have the “go kart”.

The service dealer, who are really good, and did the install also have never changed my suspension setting ever before even in my 8 years of owning the B8 RS4 - except just for this once - probably, logically to load it all up and see that the bars are working right

So, I’m prepared to accept all the comments that come at me. The car is now pretty much “back to normal” although it is a little firmer but not at all pogo stick like.

Now, in my defence (just a little bit) - I’d thought I’d played with the RS modes during the last couple of weeks wondering how that would go, without ever thinking to check Dynamic vs Auto let alone trying Comfort (which I don’t use but could now try - but will most likely just stick with Auto and give a further update in a couple of weeks, with the delightful expectation that I originally had which was “similar” around town and “better” out on the twisties

Perhaps I’m getting old ….

[Fireball25]

Much appreciate the review. I’ve been contemplating between ABT and 034. Please write back after a few weeks.

[miken12]

I have ABT. I didn’t go with 034 because I was worried about feeling every bump in the road. That’s the number 1 reason I got rid of my last car. Honestly with the ABT I don’t feel a difference….it drives exactly the same as before the install