Change a Sway Bar Link

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This article will explain how to replace a sway bar link - a suspension component in a vehicle that will often make a loud noise when taking a corner and the car is 'swaying' or leaning to the side that has bad bushings on the link.

Note: This information and pictures were performed on a 1996 Nissan Maxima on the drivers side front wheel. Other vehicles may look different or have different requirements, check your service manual.

Steps

  1. Loosen the wheel lug nuts. Loosen them slightly, but do not remove.
  2. Jack up/lift the car. You will need to jack the car by placing the jack under the suspension arm so it compresses the suspension and relieves the tension on the link. (See your manual for proper jacking procedures and safety)
  3. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
  4. Identify the bad link. A bad link:
  5. Remove the nut holding the sway bar link to the sway bar. You will have to grip the shaft below the sway bar so it does not turn - for example pair of vice grip locking pliers.The bottom bolt you can use a socket wrench on the nut, and a wrench on the nut on the other side of the mounting point (see picture).
  6. Install the new link. Simple insert the lower part first, then the upper. Be sure it is installed the same as the original - the bushings are touching the sway bar - from the top: nut, metal washer, bushing, sway bar, bushing, metal washer. The lower link is simply nut, mounting point, smaller nut. In this picture you see the new link, note the top bushing/washer/nut are not installed yet and it all needs to be tightened.
  7. Tighten the nuts. When tightening the nuts, again you will need to use a socket wrench on the bottom on the larger nut, regular wrench on the smaller nut. Be sure to use the correct sizes so they do not strip/become damaged. On the top, a socket wrench and vice grips so the shaft does not spin.
  8. Compress the bushings about half. The bottom part should be tightened so the two nuts are against both sides of the mounting point so it has no free-play.
  9. Replace the wheel and lug nut. Do this after everything is tightened on the link, make sure you have all your tools.
  10. Finished.

Tips

  • If you are having trouble removing the nut holding the sway bar link, you can try penetrating oil, freezing solutions, etc.
  • Be prepared - organize and collect your tools and have them nearby - sockets, wrenches, hammer, etc. so you are able to work quickly and do not have to go hunting down tools
  • If you are unsure, please bring your car to a professional!
  • Once the new sway bar link is on, tighten the nuts only after the suspension is loaded (has weight on it), otherwise the new sway bar link will not last long

Warnings

  • Keep children away while the car is jacked/lifted!
  • This information and pictures were performed on a 1996 Nissan Maxima. Other vehicles may look different or have different requirements, check your service manual.
  • SAFETY FIRST!!! These steps require you to jack your car up off the ground. You MUST follow proper safety requirements for working on a vehicle and jacking/lifting your car (for example, jack stands, etc.) If you are not sure, please bring your car to a professional.
  • Be very careful when working in this area - you must be careful not to damage any brake components such as brake lines, and do not get any lubricants (penetrating oil) on the brake components/lines/rotor/pads, etc.
  • Wear proper protection - eye protection especially when using cutting or grinding tools. Hand protection in case your hands slip.

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