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If Upgrading Sway Bar End Links, Don't Forget to Check the Sway Bar Bushings

7K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  richierevs 
#1 · (Edited)
There have been a few threads posted about sway bar end links. I thought it might be helpful to share some experience.

When the end link bushings get abnormally worn, start looking for other culprits. One culprit that's often overlooked is the sway bar bushings. When the sway bar bushings aren't periodically greased, they'll disintegrate quickly. What happens is that the back edge of the bushings will get bound up and inhibit the sway bar from smoothly riding up and down as it transfers body roll energy from one side to the other.

The only way to really check is to drop the sway bars and examine the bushings. Replacement bushings come in a variety of sizes depending on whether the sway bars are OEM or aftermarket replacements. A good place to look for replacement polyurethane bushings is Energy Suspension. Use a caliper to measure the diameter of the swaybar, rounding up to the nearest millimeter before ordering. Remember that the bushings get compressed when the bolts are tightened.

If it's been a while since your sway bar bushings have been checked, spend the time to do so. This preventative maintenance is well worth it.

Drive on!!
 
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#3 · (Edited)
wasp392, thanks for mentioning the rear sway bar bushings and the locks. You've reminded me that I should've also mentioned that if someone gets a set of rear sway bar bushings (and hardware) that has straight Zerk grease fittings, replace the straight ones with right-angle Zerk fittings and face the nib outward toward the wheels. Otherwise, it's a PITA to grease those bushings.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Zerk fittings are available from RockAuto.com:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/tools/hardware,grease+fitting,grease+fitting+-+english+thread,172

Use to link to see options for sway bar locks:
https://www.suspension.com/universal-sway-bar-lateral-locks.asp
 
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