So Fix it

Nerf bars are used on race cars, pickups, sports utility vehicles, motorcycles and ATVs. The Nerf bars are usually made from a light to medium weight material such as stainless steel. Nerf bar netting is attached to the bar in a certain way so there is no shifting or moving while you are on or off the road. After attaching the netting, it is imperative that you burn the ends of the nylon netting to make sure it does not fall apart.

Instructions

1

Assemble your Nerf bar kit according to the kits instructions. Each manufacturers kit may vary in size, shape and installation instructions.

2

Position the Nerf bar netting so the pattern on the net lines up with the net tabs that are on the Nerf bars.

3

Grab the end of the netting and push it through the top slot on the net tab. Push the netting through and out the bottom slot.

4

Bring the netting up to the middle slot. Push it through the bottom of this slot and back up to the top slot.

5

Repeat steps two through four for all the net line ends on your Nerf bar. Adjust the tightness of your netting according to your personal perence.

6

Use a scissors to cut the excess ends of your netting. Make sure to leave 1 inch of netting on the ends.

7

Hold an end of the netting with needle-nose pliers. Use a lighter to burn the end of the netting. This will prevent the netting from fraying.

8

Repeat the previous step for all netting ends.

The sway bar on a Chevy Colorado pickup truck connects the front left and front right suspension together. When the vehicle is turning, the sway bar minimizes side-to-side lean as well as keeps the vehicle more stable. This sway bar connects to the lower control arm on each side via a sway bar end link. These links can wear down over time; and when they do, the side-to-side lean can become almost unbearable. Before you can replace the end links, you must first remove them from the truck.

Instructions

1

Park the Colorado on a level, paved surface and step on the parking brake pedal to set the parking brake. Lift the front of the truck with a jack and put jack stands below the frame. Lower the truck so that it is supported on the stands.

2

Remove the lug nuts on the front wheels with a tire iron then pull them off the truck. Locate the sway bar end links, which go up and down parallel to the front shock absorber and connect the lower control arm to the sway bar.

3

Unbolt the upper sway bar end link from the sway bar with an open-end wrench. Repeat this for the bottom link in the sway bar. Do the same on the other side of the vehicle, then pull the links away from the sway bar and the lower control arm.

The sway bar on a 2002 Ford Ranger is designed to link the two sides of the front suspension together. The linking of the two sides keeps the body of the truck level and prevents excessive leaning to one side in hard turns. There are several components that make up the sway bar assembly including links, bushings and brackets.

Sway Bar

The sway bar itself is the main component of the assembly. It is a long, metal bar that spans the width of the front-end. The bar is cylindrical in shape and has a few bends in it to clear the trucks frame. This bar is rigid and does not bend unless it is impacted by another object. When impacted hard enough, the bar can actually break in half.

Sway Bar Links

The sway bar links attach the sway bar to the lower control arm of the suspension, on both sides. The links are about 6 inches in length and are attached to the sway bar and the control arm by way of a nut and bolt. These links also keep the sway bar elevated and level so that it can function properly.

Sway Bar Link Bushings

Sway bar link bushings are round, rubber bushings with metal inserts. There are a total of four bushings on either side of the sway bar. Two bushings insulate and hold the sway bar, while the other two surround the control arm. These bushings provide the small amount of flex that the sway bar requires to prevent breakage. These are the most common items to fail on a sway bar; when they fail, the driver hears a jingling sound, which is the sway bar link bouncing up and down.

Sway Bar Brackets

There are two brackets that hold the sway bar into place on a 2002 Ranger. These brackets are arranged in a half-circle shape and go over the sway bar bushings, holding the sway bar to the frame of the truck. These brackets are held to the frame by two bolts and can sometimes rust to the point of breaking. When this occurs there is a loud rubbing sound when taking a turn, which is caused by the sway bar rubbing against the frame.

Sway Bar Bushings

Sway bar bushings are circular, rubber inserts that go around the sway bar and into the bracket. These bushings do not have any mechanical function except to keep the sway bar from contacting the frame. When these bushings go bad, the driver will sometimes hear a thumping sound when hitting bumps; this is the sway bar hitting the bracket or the frame.