Sway Bar Link - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar link (stabilizer bar link) on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link × 1 — ACDelco 45G0017 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front tires
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at rear differential or frame rail
5. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer-approved frame jacking points
6. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the rear sway bar link
   The rear sway bar link connects the sway bar to the rear axle housing. It is located near the wheel mounting area, running vertically from the sway bar down to a mounting bracket on the axle. Inspect the link for damage, torn boots, or excessive play.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   Spray penetrating oil on both upper and lower mounting nuts of the sway bar link. Allow 10-15 minutes to penetrate if hardware appears corroded. This will make removal significantly easier.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key or hex bit into the top of the ball stud shaft to hold it from spinning. Using an 18mm wrench, remove the upper nut that connects the link to the sway bar. If the ball stud spins despite holding the Allen key, the link joint is likely worn and the link should definitely be replaced.
4. 4

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the bottom ball stud shaft to prevent spinning. Using an 18mm wrench, remove the lower nut that connects the link to the axle mounting bracket. Once removed, pull the link downward and away from the sway bar.
5. 5

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting surfaces on both the sway bar and the axle bracket where the link attaches. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris to ensure proper seating of the new link.
6. 6

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link with the upper ball stud inserted through the hole in the sway bar and the lower ball stud through the hole in the axle bracket. Thread both upper and lower nuts onto the ball studs by hand. Ensure the link boots are not twisted or damaged during installation.
7. 7

   Torque sway bar link nuts
   Hold each ball stud shaft with a 6mm Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque both the upper and lower nuts to specification using an 18mm socket or wrench and torque wrench. Torque the upper nut first, then the lower nut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall rear wheel
   Mount the rear wheel back onto the hub. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading, then snug them in a star pattern with a socket. Do not fully torque at this time.
9. 9

   Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
   Carefully raise the vehicle slightly to remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even pressure on the wheel.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts190 Nm (140 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat procedure for opposite side if replacing both rear sway bar links
2. Test drive vehicle at low speed and listen for any clunking or rattling from rear suspension

Verification

• Shake the sway bar link by hand to verify there is no excessive play or looseness
• Verify all nuts are properly torqued and the Allen key socket in each ball stud is still accessible
• Test drive the vehicle over bumps and during turning maneuvers to confirm the repair eliminated any noise or handling issues
• Inspect link boots for any tears or damage that may have occurred during installation

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