How to Change a Sway Bar Link

Last Updated: December 29, 2020 References

This article will explain how to replace a sway bar link - a suspension component in a vehicle that will often make a loud noise when taking a corner and the car is 'swaying' or leaning to the side that has bad bushings on the link.

Note: This information and pictures were performed on a 1996 Nissan Maxima on the drivers side front wheel. Other vehicles may look different or have different requirements, check your service manual.

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Loosen them slightly, but do not remove.
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^{[1]
X
Research source} 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)

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A bad link: ^{[2]
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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). ^{[3]
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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. ^{[4]
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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. ^{[5]
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The bottom part should be tightened so the two nuts are against both sides of the mounting point so it has no free-play. ^{[6]
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Do this after everything is tightened on the link, make sure you have all your tools.
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Question

Will stronger after market sway bars reduce a car's tendency to roll?

Community Answer

As a general rule, the stiffer the sway bar, the less roll. However, less roll is not always better. Make sure you achieve a good balance between sway bar stiffness and spring stiffness.

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Do I need an alignment after new sway bars are installed on a truck?

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If its just the sway bars being done and nothing else is changed or damaged, then you shouldn't need to do an alignment.

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Do I need new sway bars for both fronts?

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Yes, yes you do. It is most important to have new sway bars on both fronts.

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Tips

If you are having trouble removing the nut holding the sway bar link, you can try penetrating oil, freezing solutions, etc. ^{[7]
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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

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If you are unsure, please bring your car to a professional!

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Warnings

Keep children away while the car is jacked/lifted!

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Be very careful when working in this area - you must be careful not to damage any brake components such as brake lines, and do not get any lubricants (penetrating oil) on the brake components/lines/rotor/pads, etc.

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This information and pictures were performed on a 1996 Nissan Maxima. Other vehicles may look different or have different requirements, check your service manual.

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Wear proper protection - eye protection especially when using cutting or grinding tools. Hand protection in case your hands slip.

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SAFETY FIRST!!! These steps require you to jack your car up off the ground. You MUST follow proper safety requirements for working on a vehicle and jacking/lifting your car (for example, jack stands, etc.) If you are not sure, please bring your car to a professional.

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