How To Replace a Sway Bar Link

The stabilizer bar, commonly known as a sway bar, bolts to your frame, and the sway bar links attach it to the control arm on both sides of the vehicle. This keeps the two sides of your suspension connected, as well as preventing unwanted sway, which could even pose a rollover risk.

Tools & Materials

Safety Glasses Safety Glasses
Gloves Nitrile Gloves
Sway Bar Sway Bar Link
PTT GM4328 Socket Set
AC 34620 Jack & Jack Stands

Instructions

Sway bar or stabilizer bar links come in a few varieties. In this case, we’re demonstrating the replacement of sway bar links on a 2005 Jeep Liberty. On the Jeep, the sway bar links are relatively straight with a bushing on either end and are attached using bolts, but on your vehicle they may be Z-shaped, they may have ball and socket joints on either end, or, on older vehicles, may even be long bolts with retainers and bushings that are all separate pieces. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.
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Lift and support your vehicle

Step 1: Remove the Old Sway Bar Link

We’ll begin by lifting and supporting the vehicle. If you’d like to refresh yourself on that, check out our video.

Do It Right: It may not be necessary to remove the wheels, but it will definitely give you more room to work.

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Use a ratchet and socket to remove the upper bolt

Then we can start removing the old sway bar link. On the Jeep, the sway bar links are only attached with two bolts—one at the top and one at the bottom. Using your ratchet and a socket, remove the upper bolt, and then the lower bolt.
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Remove the old sway bar link

Once the bolts have been removed, you should be able to slide the sway bar link out.
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New vs old sway bar link

Step 2: Install New Sway Bar Link

Be sure to compare your old sway bar link to the new one to make sure they’re the same general shape and size. Most vehicles are like this one in that they are symmetrical and the two sides are interchangeable, but that may not always be the case.
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Lift your new sway bar into place and reinstall the bolts

To install the new sway bar link, simply slide it into place and reinstall the bolts. Then torque the bolts to manufacturer’s specifications. In the case of this Jeep it will be 100 ft/lbs on the top bolt, and 80 ft/lbs on the bottom.
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Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts to manufacturers specs

If you removed the vehicle’s wheels, put them back on and torque the lug nuts to manufacturer’s specifications. Lower the vehicle. You’re done!
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Additional Resources

Shop Suspension & Steering

Shop Suspension and Steering
Replace tie rods

How to Replace Tie Rods
Replace Rear Shocks

How to Replace Rear Shocks

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.