QA

Question: How To Change Sway Bar End Links

Can I replace sway bar links myself?

Replacing the sway bar links is a repair process that can be done with a few basic tools. If you don’t have access to the correct tools or are short on time, ask a certified mechanic from YourMechanic to replace the sway bar links for you.

How do I change the end link?

Should I 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.

Do sway bar links affect alignment?

Registered Member. Sway bar end links, or anything to do with a sway bar, won’t affect wheel alignment settings. Most places don’t have an option anymore about 2 or 4 wheel alignments.

How much does it cost to replace sway bar links?

The average sway bar link replacement cost is usually between $125 to $160 including labor. The links themselves cost between $40 to $110 each, while the labor will set you back anywhere between $50 to $70.

What happens if you remove sway bar?

Removing the front sway bar from your SUV or truck may produce a minor increase in articulation. These results will be dependent on the vehicle and suspension in question. Sway bars bring understeer (vehicle turns less than input) and oversteer (vehicle turns more than input) to neutral steering as close as possible.

When should I replace my sway bar links?

Now, when it comes to the overall lifespan of the sway bar link, it will be from four to five years. However, if the roads have treated the car exceptionally well and the turns were not that sharp, you can expect them to last over five years.

What is a sway bar end link?

Sway bar end links are the attachment points between a sway bar and suspension members. Also known as a stabilizer bar or anti-roll bar, the sway bar connects suspension components on either side of the car to minimize body leaning in turns.

How tight should sway bar end links be?

While it generally takes about 14-foot pounds of pressure to tighten the nut down, there is an easy way to ensure you don’t overtighten the bolt that doesn’t require the use of a torque wrench. Tighten the bolt down until you see two threads sticking out from the bottom of the nut after it is installed on the vehicle.

Is a sway bar link the same as a stabilizer link?

The stabilizer and sway bars go by different names. You might know them by stabilizer link, anti-roll, and anti-sway bars. No matter what you know them by, they are basically the same thing.

How long does it take to replace a sway bar?

Bushings should take maybe 30-40 minutes to change (in pairs) front and rear.

How much does it cost to install sway bars?

The average sway bar replacement cost is between $125 and $160, with labor making up $50 to $70 and the part costing between $55 and $110. It’s not usual to need a new sway bar. Typically, a car requires new sway bar end links or stabilizer bushings.

Can I drive without sway bar end links?

Hello. Driving without sway bar end links can be dangerous because as you’ve noticed, the vehicle will not steer correctly. Sway bar end links are meant to stabilize a vehicle when turning and at high speeds. You can have your sway bar end links installed by YourMechanic for 97.00.

Does sway bar affect steering?

While sway bars are meant to reduce swaying while turning on a corner, it can help improve car handling and stability because it impacts steering and keeps the wheel firm on the ground.

Can a broken sway bar affect tire wear?

Broken anti-sway bar end links do not cause tire wear.

Can a sway bar be repaired?

Sway bars are very common on many vehicles today and are an integral part of the vehicle’s suspension system. The good news is most of these sway bar problems can be repaired using just a few basic hand tools and in less than an hour.

Can you tighten loose sway bar links?

Tighten the sway bar link nut using a combination wrench to hold the bolt head and a torque wrench and socket to tighten the nut. Use caution when tightening the link: it only requires light torque, typically 10 to 20 foot-pounds.

Does sway bar make noise?

Sway bar links connect the two sides of the suspension together with the sway bar. If the sway bar link breaks and loosens, it can make a rattling or clunking sound as it taps other parts of the suspension.

Do I need front sway bar?

Sway bars are an essential piece of suspension equipment on your truck or Jeep that controls and prevents excessive sway that can lead to a rollover. How much sway control you need depends on your off-road truck or Jeep and what you do with it.