subject: Learn To Change A Sway Bar Link [print this page] Firstly, loosen the wheel lug nutsFirstly, loosen the wheel lug nuts. Loosen them slightly, but do not remove.
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)
Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
Identify the bad link. A bad link: Identify the 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). Remove the nut holding the sway bar link to the sway bar.
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.
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.
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.
Replace the wheel and lug nut. Do this after everything is tightened on the link, make sure you have all your tools.
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 vehicle repair plant
