How to Replace Sway Bar End Links
Updated: Nov. 26, 2018Replace stabilizer parts until you find the noisy culprit!
Replace stabilizer bushings and sway bar end links
Worn stabilizer bushings and sway bar end links can cause horrible clunking noises when you drive over bumps. Unfortunately, there’s no good way to check them by feel (they’re loaded with vehicle weight) or by sight. So you have to start replacing parts until you find the noisy culprit.
Start with the stabilizer bushings. They’re the most likely candidates, and they’re also the cheapest and easiest to replace (about $10 a pair). Just remove the bushing brackets one or two bolts each) and slip on the new bushings. But if you’ve replaced those and are ready to tackle the sway bar end links (about $40 each), stop! Removing the rusted nuts can easily turn into an all-day affair. Since you’ll save about $100 labor by doing the job yourself, it’s worth getting one of these tool kits: Lisle No. 34110 (about $17) for Ford Taurus, Sable and Windstar vehicles. Or Lisle No. 33820 (about $26) for additional Ford, GM and Chrysler vehicles. For more information on Lisle tools, visit lislecorp.com. Once the nuts (two per link) are off, the rest of the job is a piece of cake (photo).
Required Tools for this Sway Bar Link Replacement Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY sway bar link replacement project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
- Socket/ratchet set
- Wrench set
Required Materials for this Sway Bar Link Replacement Project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
- Penetrating oil
