Sway Bar Link - Front

Replace the front sway bar link(s) on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV to restore proper suspension operation and eliminate clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift point
5. Secure vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified support points
6. Remove front wheel on affected side

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect sway bar link condition
   Visually inspect the sway bar link for torn boots, excessive play, or physical damage. Check both upper and lower ball joints for wear. Spray both upper and lower nuts with penetrating oil if corrosion is present and allow 5-10 minutes to penetrate.
2. 2

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Locate the upper connection point where the sway bar link attaches to the strut assembly. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the ball stud shaft to prevent it from spinning. Using an 18mm wrench, remove the upper nut while holding the Allen key steady. Remove the nut completely and note the position of any washers or spacers.
   ⚠If the ball stud spins in the socket, the ball joint is worn and the link must be replaced. Do not attempt to force it.
3. 3

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Locate the lower connection point where the sway bar link attaches to the control arm. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the ball stud shaft. Using an 18mm wrench, remove the lower nut while holding the Allen key to prevent rotation. Remove the nut completely.
4. 4

   Remove sway bar link
   Pull the sway bar link downward and away from the strut mount, then maneuver it out from the control arm connection point. The sway bar may shift slightly when the link is removed. Inspect the mounting points on both the strut and control arm for damage or excessive wear.
5. 5

   Prepare mounting points
   Use a wire brush to clean any corrosion or debris from the mounting surfaces on the strut assembly and control arm. Verify that the threads on both mounting points are clean and undamaged. Compare the new sway bar link to the old one to confirm correct length and design.
6. 6

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link with the lower ball stud inserted into the control arm mounting point. Maneuver the upper ball stud into the strut mounting point. Start both nuts by hand to ensure threads are not cross-threaded. The link should move freely without binding.
7. 7

   Torque lower sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the lower ball stud shaft to hold it stationary. Using a torque wrench and 18mm socket, tighten the lower nut to specification while holding the Allen key steady to prevent the stud from rotating.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Torque upper sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the upper ball stud shaft. Using a torque wrench and 18mm socket, tighten the upper nut to specification while holding the Allen key to prevent rotation. Verify both connections are secure and the link is properly seated.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall wheel
   Place the wheel back onto the hub and start all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but not fully torqued.
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Raise the vehicle slightly to remove jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If replacing both sides, repeat the procedure for the opposite front sway bar link
2. No alignment is required after sway bar link replacement
3. Dispose of old sway bar link according to local regulations

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and perform gentle turns to verify the clunking noise is eliminated
• Listen for any abnormal suspension noises over bumps
• Verify steering response feels normal with no loose or unstable feeling
• After 50-100 miles, re-check the tightness of both sway bar link nuts

More procedures for this vehicle