Replace Sway Bar Links
Because sway bar link bushings wear out slowly, most of us never realize how bad they are. In some cases, they're missing entirely! Fortunately, sway bar link kits are inexpensive to buy and relatively simple to replace.
What Does A Sway Bar Do?
You've probably noticed that when you steer your car into a turn, the body of the car wants to roll the other way. For example, when making a right turn, the car body rolls to the left.
To prevent this from happening, automotive manufacturers install sway bars (also called stabilizer bars or anti-roll bars), that connect the left and right sides of the front suspension. The function of a sway bar is to reduce body roll. They are sometimes installed on the rear suspension as well.
When driving straight down a road, the sway bar just rotates up and down in the center (sway bar) bushings. These don't wear out as quickly as the outer bushings do.
NOTE: When ordering replacement parts, specify sway bar link kit (the ones on the outsides), not the sway bar bushings (they are towards the center and hold the sway bar to the frame).
Sway Bar Link Bushings
Aside from wearing out with time, sway bar link bushings can be damaged if they get soaked by engine oil or another fluid leak. If this has happened, the leak should be repaired before replacing. If not, the new bushings will quickly fail.
Getting Prepared
If you're working from the ground, position a floor jack at the proper factory lift points, then place jack stands as close to the jack as possible. About a foot off the ground should be enough room to work.
Removing Old Sway Bar Links
Working on old cars means dealing with stuck nuts and bolts. The first time I replaced stabilizer links was many years ago, before the advent of Youtube and the Internet. Not knowing any better, I tried to remove the old links with a ratchet and a wrench. This proved to be a waste of time.
An older, wiser mechanic explained to me how most pros remove sway bar links - with an air-powered cut-off wheel.
Also effective is an electric angle grinder with a cutting disc. A hacksaw will also work, but will take more time and effort.
While cutting, slowly slice the sway bar bolt with the cut-off wheel, letting the tool do the work. Do not force it to cut faster, as that will overheat the tool and the metal.
TIP: If the rubber bushings are already gone, a vice-grip locked onto the link will keep it from spinning while you're cutting it off.
Old links removed from vehicle
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Replacement Parts
A replacement kit will generally include new bushings, washers, links, and nuts. Quite often, they'll be variations or upgrades from the original ones.
Rubber vs Polyurethane
Polyurethane bushings are an upgrade over original rubber bushings, and are often included with premium brands. They will last longer than rubber ones.
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Top Nut Won't Thread On
Sometimes you can't compress the link bushings quite enough to thread the top nut on. If this happens, take a 2x4 block of wood and wedge it between the ground and the bottom of the link.
This should give you that little bit more of thread you need to install the top rubber, washers, and nut.
Once threaded on, the links can be tightened with a hand ratchet and wrench.
Don't Over-Tighten
Manufacturers recommend tightening the assembly until the bushing starts to bulge, then loosen 1/4 turn.
Don't over-tighten. Just tighten until it bulges.
Tools Needed
Ratchet and socket, a wrench or two, work pad, maybe a block of wood.
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Notes and Cautions:
Although recommended to replace in pairs, one side may be changed without any difference in ride quality.
Protect your hands from sharp edges - wear gloves.
Wear a face shield or safety glasses with side-protectors.
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The vehicle in this article was a 2008 Ford Sport-Trac.
While changing the oil, I noticed both side sway bar bushings were missing!
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