How to change sway bar links on a car [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change anti roll bar links on a car – replacement tutorial

Required Tools:

                      Tap wrench
                    
                      Wheel impact socket
                    
                      Impact socket
                    
                      Ceramic grease
                    
                      Jack

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Please note!

The primary function of the sway bar is to reduce body roll
The drop links connect the left and right wheels of the axle via the sway bar
Not all cars are fitted with a sway bar, even if the vehicle has an independent suspension
Sway bar links (also known as drop links) vary in design and can be made of metal or plastic
They all have fasteners on both ends

1.

To replace the drop link using a jack, you will need to remove the wheel

Please note!
When using an inspection pit, car ramp or lift, the part can usually be accessed without removing the wheelWhen using a jack, only one side of the axle is hanging free while the other side is heavily loadedThis means that the sway bar is heavily strained during the procedure
2.

For most cars, you only need to access and remove the drop link fasteners to replace the component

Caution!
Normally, the left and right sway bar links are structurally the sameBut there are also the ones that mirror each other in design and need to be installed on a specific sideThe drop links on the front and rear axles of the vehicle are also different
3.

Drop link fasteners are constantly exposed to moisture and dirt, causing them to corrode. This is why it is essential to clean them and treat them with the lubricant before unscrewing them

The links can be attached with the following components:
ball jointsa ball joint used in combination with a bushing for attaching the component to the suspension arm or other mating parta bushing located between the sway bar and the suspension arm
4.

The position of the joint stud may be affected when unscrewing the fasteners. Before removing the drop link, the joint stud should be put back in its original position. To do so, prop a suitable tool against the subframe and push it against the sway bar. This will make it easier to remove the sway bar link
5.

To prevent the stud from turning when tightening or unscrewing the fasteners, it should be secured by inserting an Allen key in a special slot
6.

Before installing the new drop link, clean its mounting seats on the sway bar and suspension components
7.

Coat the threaded parts of the link with an anti-corrosion agent
8.

Install the fasteners one by one: tighten the first one just a little bit, then go on to the next one
9.

Using a torque wrench, tighten all fasteners to the torque recommended by the car manufacturer

AUTODOC experts recommend:
If the fastener is badly corroded, you can use a nut splitter
10.

You can tighten the fasteners of drop links that are fitted with ball joints when the wheels are raised off the ground. When the car is lowered to the ground, the links will move into the required position
11.

The fasteners of the drop links with rubber bushings should only be tightened after the car is lowered to the ground Otherwise, the bushings will rotate and get damaged, as well as the drop link itself.
12.

After tightening the link fasteners, treat them with an anti-corrosion agent
13.

Treat the surface of the brake disc that will be in contact with the wheel
14.

Tighten the wheel fasteners one by one in a crisscross pattern to the car manufacturer's recommended torque