What does the sway bar link connect to?
Sway bar links are what connect the outer end of the sway bar to the suspension component. Because the sway bar itself is a torsional swing, the sway bar link smooths the motion transfer between the sway bar and the control arm.
How can I remove a bad sway bar link?
Identify the bad link. A bad link: 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).
What are the links on a sway bar?
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.
What’s the best way to change a sway bar?
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. Compress the bushings about half.
What happens if your sway bar is worn out?
Consider a passenger van traveling at 60 mph with a damaged or worn out rear sway bar: if an abrupt lane change to the driver’s side is made, the rear passenger tire and suspension compresses, rolling the top of the van to the outside of the turn.
Is it necessary to replace both sway bar links?
Is it necessary to replace both sway bar links if only one is bad? The answer is no, however your mechanic may recommend replacing both sway bar links because both links usually wear at the same rate and if one is bad, the other may go soon too.
What do I need to remove front wheel drive sway bar?
Remove the nuts holding the sway bar link to the bar and control arm. Remove the link. Link removal on some front-wheel-drive cars will require a ¼-inch Allen wrench to keep the bolt from spinning.
Why are the links on my front sway bar squeaking?
Ungreased frame bushings can begin squeaking prematurely. Old-style end links that haven’t been changed in a number of years will probably be rusty. To make removal of the links easier, cut them in the middle of the link with a grinding wheel, often called a “whizzer wheel”.
How are sway bars attached to the car?
Sway bars contain body roll by twisting. To do this, they attach to the vehicle in four places: two frame attachment points and through two end links to the wheel. When you make a hard left turn, for instance, your car’s body is thrown to the right because the left side of the vehicle is trying to come off the ground.