State-of-the-Art Autotech Swaybars
A few years ago, Autotech introduced lightweight tubular swaybars that are a significant advance in swaybars for
Volkswagens. Our lightweight swaybars use hollow tubing to reduce weight by as much as 50 percent! We use different wall
thickness material in order to change stiffness for each chassis application. Our tubular swaybars can be 35% to 50%
lighter than equivalent rate solid bars.
These swaybars offer two advantages:
1) Greater anti-roll action (than most competitor's bars)
2) Significantly reduced weight
Autotech has designed these swaybars to provide increased stiffness, yet they often weigh far less than solid bars with
a similar rate. For example, our 25mm lightweight front swaybar for the Golf 2 is 32% stiffer than a 22mm solid bar, yet
it weighs 31% less. At the rear of the cars, where conventional swaybars get heavy, Autotech's lightweight bars can
reduce swaybar weight by as much as 50%! Don't be fooled by their light weight, though! Our lightweight swaybars are every
bit as strong as conventional swaybars and will probably outlast the rest of the car! Our lightweight swaybars can weigh ten or
more pounds less than other bars.
Any racer can tell you: shedding any weight at all from a car is tough, let alone removing this many pounds. All in
all, what this means for your car's performance is this: quicker response and better handling. Get
rid of those boat anchors called "racing swaybars" you're using now and get serious...get lightweight.
Lightweight Swaybars
2005> Mk5 GTI, Jetta, Audi A3
Our lightweight 25mm front & 25mm rear tubular swaybars for the Mk5 chassis are once again the epitome of VW
suspension tuning. Over a year in development testing various bar diameters and wall thicknesses on the street &
track with our German-spec Mk5 GTI has led to what we feel is the best combination for high-performance road and full-on
competition driving. The ultra-lightweight swaybars weigh less than 10 lbs. combined! Both front &
rear are 3-way adjustable, allowing you to dial in your car for your preferred driving style or for changing track
conditions. Our legendary polyurethane bushings are specially formulated to be virtually squeak-free for
years of trouble-free performance. Kits include all necessary mounting hardware and instructions.
 |
Rear swaybar installed |
Description |
Part Number |
Price |
Purchase |
Front Golf 5/Jetta 5/Audi A3 (3-way adjustable) NEW |
10.425.1825K |
$289.95 |
Add to Basket |
Rear Golf 5/Jetta 5/Audi A3 (3-way adjustable) NEW |
10.525.1825K |
219.95 |
Add to Basket |
2003-04 Mk4 R32
Autotech's R32 swaybar kits are a direct result from consumer feedback requesting a properly engineered swaybar
package for this amazing car. 9 months of prototyping & testing has yielded the finest swaybars ever made for
the R32. Our lightweight 25mm front & 22mm rear tubular swaybar are larger than the factory swaybars yet weigh less,
an important consideration for this already chunky Autobahn burner. Autotech provides 3-way adjustability to
soften or stiffen the swaybar depending on your driving style or for changing track conditions. Our legendary
polyurethane bushings are specially formulated to be virtually squeak-free for years of trouble-free performance. Swaybar
kits retain all original mounting hardware.
Description |
Part Number |
Price |
Purchase |
Front Golf 4 R32 (3-way adjustable) |
10.425.1725GK |
$229.95 |
Add to Basket |
Rear Golf 4 R32 22mm (3-way adjustable) |
10.525.1722K |
229.95 |
Add to Basket |
1998-2005 Mk4 Golf, Jetta, Beetle
Perhaps more than any other VW model to date, the increasingly bloated Mk4 Golf,
Jetta & New Beetle models cry out for swaybar tuning to help balance the chassis
during hard cornering. Autotech responded with our 25mm front & 28mm
rear adjustable swaybar kits. The adjustment of the front swaybar is a
simple process of choosing one of the available mounting positions for the bar
links that is integrated into the mounting brackets. Adjustment at the rear is
achieved by flipping the special extruded aluminum outer mounts 180°. Our
legendary polyurethane bushings are specially formulated to be virtually
squeak-free for years of trouble-free performance. An overwhelming number
of enthusiasts state that installing an Autotech 28mm rear swaybar is the
finest suspension modification for these cars! Kits include all necessary
mounting hardware and instructions.
Description |
Part Number |
Price |
Purchase |
Front Golf 4/Jetta 4/New Beetle (2-way adjustable) |
10.425.1526K |
$339.95 |
Add to Basket |
Rear Golf 4/Jetta 4/New Beetle (3-way adjustable) |
10.525.1529K |
299.95 |
Add to Basket |
1993-99 Mk3 Golf, Jetta including Corrado VR6
|
|
10.425.1426K
|
|
|
|
10.525.1129K
|
Autotech offers a multitude of options for Mk3 Chassis Golf & Jetta models
equipped with 4-cylinder or VR6 engines. Our lightweight 25mm front swaybar for VR6 applications is available
in both fixed mounting for those that desire a larger diameter swaybar without
an adjustment range as well as our trick adjustable unit for those requiring that
extra edge needed for high-performance street or track use. The adjustment
of the front swaybar is a simple process of choosing one of the available mounting
positions for the bar links that is integrated into the mounting brackets. Due to chassis
constraints, adjustability is not available for Mk3 4-cylinder models. Kits include our long-lasting &
trouble-free polyurethane bushings, mounting hardware, and instructions.
In the rear, all Mk3 owners can benefit with 3-way adjustability with our
lightweight 28mm rear swaybar. Adjustment at the rear is achieved by
relocating the outer drop link attachment positions. Non-adjustable
lightweight 28mm applications are available as well for those that don't
require a fine range of tuning. Non-adjustable swaybar kits can be easily
upgraded at any time simply by ordering our adjustable bracket kit
separately. Kits include our long-lasting & trouble-free
polyurethane bushings, mounting hardware, and instructions.
Description |
Part Number |
Price |
Purchase |
Front Golf 3/Jetta 3 4-cyl (swaybar & poly bushings only) |
10.425.1125GK |
$169.95 |
Add to Basket |
Front Golf 3/Jetta 3 4-cyl (w/ OE mounting hardware) |
10.425.1125K |
249.95 |
Add to Basket |
Front Golf 3/Jetta 3/Corrado w/ VR6 (non-adjustable) |
10.425.1425GK |
199.95 |
Add to Basket |
Front Golf 3/Jetta 3/Corrado w/ VR6 (3-way adjustable) |
10.425.1426K |
299.95 |
Add to Basket |
Rear Golf 3/Jetta 3/Corrado All (non-adjustable) |
10.525.1128K |
269.95 |
Add to Basket |
Rear Golf 3/Jetta 3/Corrado All (3-way adjustable) |
10.525.1129K |
299.95 |
Add to Basket |
Adjustable rear swaybar bracket kit only |
10.510.430K |
39.95 |
Add to Basket |
1985-92 Mk2 Golf, Jetta, Corrado 4-Cyl
|
|
10.425.1125K
|
|
|
|
|
10.525.1129K
|
Mk2 owners can carve up their favorite road with ease by installing Autotech's lightweight tubular swaybars.
Measuring 25mm up front and 28mm in the rear, these high-tech black powdercoated swaybars are the finishing touch to tuning
your 4-cylinder Golf, Jetta or Corrado's suspension. For models equipped with an original front swaybar, the Autotech
swaybar is a direct replacement, retaining the original VW mounting hardware in conjunction with our supplied hassle-free
polyurethane bushings. For those models not equipped with an original front swaybar, or for those simply wanting to
refresh their swaybar mounting hardware, Autotech also offers a complete swaybar kit with all OE parts for an additional charge.
In the rear, all Mk2 owners can benefit with 3-way adjustability with our lightweight 28mm rear swaybar.
Adjustment at the rear is achieved by relocating the outer drop link attachment positions. Non-adjustable
lightweight 28mm applications are available as well for those that don't require a fine range of tuning.
Non-adjustable swaybar kits can be easily upgraded at any time simply by ordering our adjustable bracket kit
separately. Kits include our long-lasting & trouble-free polyurethane bushings, mounting hardware,
and instructions
Description |
Part Number |
Price |
Purchase |
Front Golf 2/Jetta 2/Corrado (swaybar & poly bushings only) |
10.425.1125GK |
$169.95 |
Add to Basket |
Front Golf 2/Jetta 2/Corrado (w/ OE mounting hardware) |
10.425.1125K |
249.95 |
Add to Basket |
Rear Golf 2/Jetta 2/Corrado (non-adjustable) |
10.525.1128K |
269.95 |
Add to Basket |
Rear Golf 2/Jetta 2/Corrado (3-way adjustable) |
10.525.1129K |
299.95 |
Add to Basket |
Adjustable rear swaybar bracket kit only |
10.510.430K |
39.95 |
Add to Basket |
1975-84 Mk1 Rabbit, Jetta, Scirocco to 1988
|
|
10.425.1025K
|
|
|
|
10.525.1028K
|
The cars that started it all! One might be hard pressed to find a better handling car than a Mk1 with an Autotech
tuned suspension. Autotech pioneered the tubular swaybar to further increase the handling envelope of the chassis, but
not at the expense of weight! Don't be fooled by our competitor's claims of "lightweight design" with their boat
anchors. Autotech's tubular swaybars are the only TRUE lightweight swaybars available!
Measuring 25mm front & 28mm rear, our swaybars mount in the existing locations with our specially formulated
& hassle-free polyurethane bushings. For those models not equipped with an original front or rear
swaybar, or for those simply wanting to refresh their swaybar mounting hardware, Autotech also offers complete swaybar kits
using OE mounting parts for an additional charge.
Description |
Part Number |
Price |
Purchase |
Front Rabbit/Scirocco/Jetta 1 (swaybar & poly bushings only) |
10.425.1025GK |
$199.95 |
Add to Basket |
Front Rabbit/Scirocco/Jetta 1 (w/ OE mounting hardware) |
10.425.1025K |
359.95 |
Add to Basket |
Rear Rabbit/Scirocco/Jetta 1
(swaybar, poly bushings & ring mounts only) |
10.525.1028GK |
219.95 |
Add to Basket |
Rear Rabbit/Scirocco/Jetta 1 (w/ OE mounting hardware) |
10.525.1028K |
269.95 |
Add to Basket |
1998-2005 B5/B5G Passat
Our lightweight tubular swaybars produce the same stunning results for the B5 Passat as VW's applications.
Measuring a generous 32mm diameter in front and 28mm in rear, Autotech's swaybars will keep your Passat firmly
planted to the road and help it corner as if it were on rails! All swaybar kits include our polyurethane bushings
& necessary mounting hardware.
Description |
Part Number |
Price |
Purchase |
Front Passat B5 32mm (including 4Motion) |
10.425.1632K |
$359.95 |
Add to Basket |
Rear Passat B5 (except 4Motion) |
10.525.1628K |
269.95 |
Add to Basket |
ClubSport® Adjustable Swaybar Brackets
Mk4 front adj bracket set
|
Mk3/Mk2 rear adj bracket set
|
Autotech offers adjustable swaybar mount kits for both the front of the Mk4 and the rear of Mk3/Mk2 models. For the
Mk4 front, our ClubSport® mount kit will fit any swaybar that uses factory outer links. Our Mk3/Mk2 rear upgrade is
applicable only to Autotech swaybars. A great way to add adjustability when you already have upgraded swaybars.
Description |
Part Number |
Price |
Purchase |
Front Adj Bracket Kit, Mk4 (except 4Motion) |
10.425.1500K |
$49.95 |
Add to Basket |
Rear Adj Bracket Kit, Mk3/Mk2 (Autotech swaybars only) |
10.510.430K |
39.95 |
Add to Basket |
How Swaybars Work
The suspension design of front wheel drive Volkswagens causes the car to lift its inside rear wheel and roll heavily to
one side when cornering hard. Although this cannot be completely eliminated in a practical manner, the
method toward a solution to this problem is to increase the roll stiffness of the chassis by installing performance
swaybars. A swaybar, really in effect an anti-swaybar or anti-roll bar, minimizes body lean by stiffening the car's chassis
against the longitudinal force known as body roll.
Volkswagen addresses this problem by installing swaybars on all upgraded versions of their vehicles. Starting in
1983, all GTI's, GLI's, 16V's, and Special Edition cars came from the factory with original equipment (O.E.) swaybars already
installed. Later, nearly all U.S. model VW's have come so equipped. Autotech takes this concept one step further. We provide
swaybar upgrades for those vehicles not originally equipped with them. We also provide larger diameter swaybars for those
cars already fitted by VW.
The function of a good swaybar system is to create a careful balance between precise handling and comfort while
maintaining stability and control. The swaybars manufactured by Autotech offer several advantages. The body lean is
significantly reduced, minimizing camber changes. The plowing (excessive understeer) associated with hard cornering
in a front wheel drive car is gone. A ratio of front-to-rear roll stiffness is selected to make the whole chassis work
together. That's a new feeling for the average water-cooled VW owner.
The design of our rear anti-roll bar minimizes rear toe change, which increases stability and enhances drivability by
utilizing a mounting system unique to Autotech. The front bar is designed much like the factory's. Those for early
vehicles have a lower droop in the middle to allow additional clearance for performance exhaust systems.
All of Autotech's swaybars include high quality polyurethane bushings that aid in quick and precise response. The bars are
precision bent from high-grade spring steel on computerized bending machines for long-lived stability and a perfect fit
every time. The swaybars are finished in an electrostatic powdercoat for durability and good looks.
Autotech's front swaybar design incorporates all polyurethane bushings and special exhaust clearance as mentioned
earlier. There is no struggling with bushings and bar alignment for proper fitment. No longer do you fight yourself
and your car in the driveway. Our kits come complete with installation instructions and require only basic hand
tools for a smooth and easy job.
Trick Stuff
The trick stuff is found at the rear of the car. Autotech's rear swaybar design utilizes sliding ends to allow it
to work without fighting the rear torsion beam in spite of the differences in their pivot points.
As the rear torsion beam is twisted, as it would be in a turn, it pivots at a given centerline. Because it is impossible
to mount the swaybar on the same centerline, all swaybars must have a different centerline than the rear torsion
beam. (This includes O.E. factory installed swaybars as well.) When the body is level, it makes no difference that the
ends of the swaybar are bolted fast to the ends of the torsion beam, as seen in other manufacturers designs. When the torsion
beam and the swaybar are twisted, however, the difference in pivot points causes the swaybar to push or pull (depending on
whether the wheel deflection is up or down) the end of the torsion beam out of alignment.
Autotech found that by eliminating the rigid mount at the rear swaybar ends, we could eliminate undesirable geometry
changes caused by swaybar binding. This not only sounds good in theory, it works in practice. This special design makes
Autotech rear swaybars, and of course the factory rear swaybars, unique. If your present rear swaybar does not function
like this, it's not providing you with the proper suspension geometry so crucially important to sport and performance
driving. Consider changing to the State-of-the-Art. Change to Autotech. |