suspension

Sway Bar Link - Front

for 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 L83 · RWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

42 min

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Replace the front sway bar end links on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 to restore proper suspension function and eliminate clunking noises.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.

⚠The sway bar link shaft can spin when loosening nuts. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft to prevent damage.

ℹ️Apply penetrating oil to fasteners if the vehicle is frequently driven in salt or corrosive environments.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack stands (2)Essential

Wheel chocksEssential

19mm socketEssential

18mm wrenchEssential

6mm Allen keyEssential

Torque wrenchEssential

Breaker bar

Penetrating oil

Wire brush

Parts

Front sway bar link (left or right as needed) × 1 — ACDelco 45G0007 or equivalent

Preparation

Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer's designated jacking point
Support vehicle securely on jack stands under frame rails
Remove front wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

1
Inspect sway bar link condition
Visually inspect the sway bar link for torn boots, loose ball joints, or physical damage. Check both upper and lower mounting points for wear. This confirms the need for replacement and helps identify any related suspension damage.
2
Access the sway bar link
Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm. The link will be visible from the wheel well area. Clean any debris or rust from the upper and lower mounting nuts using a wire brush if needed.
3
Remove upper sway bar link nut
Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the sway bar link shaft to prevent it from spinning. Using an 18mm wrench, loosen and remove the upper nut that connects the link to the sway bar. If the nut is seized, apply penetrating oil and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
4
Remove lower sway bar link nut
Hold the sway bar link shaft with the 6mm Allen key from below. Using an 18mm wrench, loosen and remove the lower nut that connects the link to the lower control arm. Support the link to prevent it from falling.
5
Remove old sway bar link
Pull the sway bar link downward and out from between the sway bar and lower control arm. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for proper reinstallation. Inspect the mounting points on both the sway bar and control arm for damage or excessive wear.
6
Install new sway bar link
Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and lower control arm. Ensure the link is oriented correctly with the ball joint studs pointing up and down. Thread the lower nut onto the stud by hand several turns to hold the link in place.
7
Install and torque lower nut
Hold the sway bar link shaft with the 6mm Allen key inserted from below. Thread the lower nut fully onto the stud and torque to specification using an 18mm socket and torque wrench. Ensure the Allen key remains engaged to prevent shaft rotation during tightening.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
8
Install and torque upper nut
Insert the 6mm Allen key into the top of the sway bar link shaft to hold it steady. Thread the upper nut fully onto the stud and torque to specification using an 18mm socket and torque wrench. Verify both upper and lower nuts are secure.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
9
Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
Position the wheel onto the hub and thread lug nuts by hand. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern with the socket but do not fully torque yet. Raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then lower vehicle completely to the ground.
10
Torque wheel lug nuts
With the vehicle weight fully on the ground, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench and 19mm socket. This ensures even seating of the wheel.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

If replacing both sides, repeat procedure for opposite front sway bar link
Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
Verify no tools or parts are left in wheel well area

Verification

Test drive vehicle at low speed over bumps to confirm clunking noise is eliminated
Listen for any new or unusual suspension noises that could indicate improper installation
Verify steering response is normal and vehicle tracks straight
Perform visual inspection after test drive to confirm all fasteners remain tight

🔧Stuck on this sway bar link - front? Take it to The Diag Desk.A human with 20+ years in the bay answers about YOUR Chevrolet within 24 hours — never AI. $25, and you're not charged unless you get an answer.Ask a tech →