Sway Bar Link Replacement Cost. There are a lot of components in the car that plays the role in its handling and stability. The sway bar itself will last a very long time, but one thing is it going to go bad with time. When the sway bar link goes bad, your car’s handling will begin to feel off and it must be replaced.
In this article, we’ll talk about the sway bar link replacement cost, how it works and why you should replace a bad sway bar link.
It is important and compulsory for you to know how the component works before we get into the sway bar link replacement cost. Now if you want to know more about sway bar link replacement costs you will have to continue reading this article.
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Sway Bar Link Replacement Cost
What is a Sway Bar Link? The Sway Bar Link is what brings together the sway bar itself to your car’s control arm. The links usually have two ball joints at each end, one to connect the arms control and the other to connect to the sway bar. The sway bar needs these links since the sway bar themselves are not flexible, and the links allow for some flexibility that is compulsory for the system.
As we know, ball joints will go bad with time. They will often become loose which lessens the sway bar’s ability to make the car stable as it’s less stiff than it was. The sway bar links quite last a long time. There’s no exact approximation of how long they last. One thing to take note of is that because of the stress they endure, there will come a time when you need to replace them.
Signs to Know if You Need a Sway Bar Link Replacement
As mentioned earlier, sway bar links are likely to last the car’s lifespan, but they will inevitably need to be replaced. Below are the signs that you need a sway bar link replacement.
- The Car Feels Unstable During Cornering: Along as the sway bar plays an important role in the car’s stability, you will notice stability issues when turning or negotiating a corner if you have a bad sway bar link. You will notice the car lean more to one side than the usual when you’re cornering or turning.
- Strange Noises: A bad sway bar link may make rattling and squeaking noises as you drive along. This usually occurs when you are turning or on a rough road. This is normally caused by the deterioration of the bushings, which makes the links less stable and firm and more prone to rattling.
- Car Swerves on its Own: when the links are in really bad condition, you will notice significant changes in the handling even when moving in a straight line. The car may feel unstable and the handling will be easily upset by the smallest bumps and potholes.
If you notice any of the signs above, it would be smart and wise of you to visually inspect your car’s sway bar links.
Sway Bar Link Replacement Cost
When the sway bar links go bad, there are usually two parts you will need to replace which are the sway bar links and the sway bar bushings. Now when talking about the cost of the sway bar link replacement, it depends on the kind of car you are using and where you take it for replacement. But one thing you should know is that the replacement cost for the sway bar link is not high, it can easily be afforded.
How to Replace Sway Bar Links
Replacing sway bar links can be a straightforward task, but it’s important to follow proper procedures to ensure a safe and effective replacement. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace sway bar links:
Note: Before starting, make sure you have the necessary tools, replacement parts, and a safe working environment. If you’re not confident in your mechanical skills, it’s best to seek professional help.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Socket and ratchet set
- Wrench set
- Ball joint separator or pickle fork
- New sway bar links (make sure they match your vehicle’s specifications)
- Anti-seize lubricant
- Penetrating oil
- Torque wrench
Step 1: Safety First
- Park your vehicle on a flat, level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels (don’t remove them yet).
Step 2: Lift the Vehicle
- Use a jack to lift the front of the vehicle and place jack stands under the frame or recommended lifting points for added safety.
- Slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.
Step 3: Remove the Wheels
- Fully remove the lug nuts and take off the front wheels.
Step 4: Locate the Sway Bar Links
- Locate the sway bar links connected to the sway bar and control arms on both sides of the vehicle.
Step 5: Remove the Old Sway Bar Links
- Use penetrating oil to loosen the nuts and bolts on the sway bar links. Allow it to soak for a few minutes.
- Use a socket and ratchet or wrench to remove the nuts that secure the sway bar links to the sway bar and control arms.
- If the sway bar links have ball joints, use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to disconnect them from the control arms.
- Remove the old sway bar links from the vehicle.
Step 6: Install the New Sway Bar Links
- Apply anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the new sway bar links to prevent rust and make future replacements easier.
- Install the new sway bar links in the same positions where the old ones were removed.
- Hand-tighten the nuts and bolts first, then use a torque wrench to tighten them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications.
Step 7: Reassemble
- Reattach any ball joints to the control arms if applicable.
- Double-check all connections to ensure they are secure and properly tightened.
Step 8: Reinstall the Wheels
- Put the front wheels back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
Step 9: Lower the Vehicle
- Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.
Step 10: Torque the Lug Nuts
- Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings in a star or criss-cross pattern.
Step 11: Test Drive
- Take your vehicle for a test drive to ensure the sway bar links are working properly and that there are no unusual noises or handling issues.
Remember, if you’re unsure about any part of the process or encounter difficulties, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic for assistance. Properly functioning sway bar links are crucial for your vehicle’s stability and handling, so it’s essential to ensure the replacement is done correctly.
