Sway Bar Link - Front

Replace the front sway bar end links on a 1992 Dodge Viper to restore proper anti-roll bar function and eliminate clunking noises during suspension travel.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front sway bar link (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove front wheels completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Access and inspect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the lower control arm to the sway bar. The link connects the lower control arm to the sway bar; access it from the wheel well, removing any splash shields or liners as needed to reach both link nuts. Inspect the link for torn boots, excessive play, or visible damage. Apply penetrating oil to both upper and lower link nuts if corrosion is present and allow to soak for 5 minutes.
2. 2

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Insert the correct hex/Allen key into the end of the link stud to hold the shaft from rotating. Using the correctly sized wrench, remove the lower nut that secures the link to the lower control arm. If the stud spins despite using the Allen key, grip the exposed metal stud (not the rubber boot) with locking pliers while turning the nut, or cut the nut off if seized. Remove the nut, washer, and bushing.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   While holding the link stud with the correct hex/Allen key, use the correctly sized wrench to remove the upper nut that secures the link to the sway bar. The link is now free and may need to be pried away from the sway bar with light force if bushings are compressed. Remove the link assembly along with all washers and bushings, keeping hardware organized for comparison with new parts.
4. 4

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar eye and control arm mounting surface where the link attaches. Remove any rust, corrosion, or old bushing material. Inspect the sway bar and control arm for cracks or damage. Ensure the mounting studs on both locations are not bent or stripped.
5. 5

   Install new sway bar link to control arm
   Position the new sway bar link with the appropriate bushings and washers onto the lower control arm stud. The link should be oriented with the ball joint stud pointing upward. Thread the lower nut onto the stud by hand until finger-tight. Do not fully tighten at this stage.
6. 6

   Connect link to sway bar
   Align the upper end of the link with the sway bar mounting point. You may need to use a pry bar to compress the link slightly or raise/lower the control arm to align the holes. Install the upper bushing, washer, and nut onto the sway bar stud and thread by hand until finger-tight.
7. 7

   Torque sway bar link fasteners
   Hold the link stud with the correct hex/Allen key and torque the lower nut (control arm connection) to the manufacturer's specification using the correctly sized socket and torque wrench. Then torque the upper nut (sway bar connection) to specification while holding the stud. Ensure the bushings compress evenly and the link moves freely through its range of motion without binding.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link41 Nm (30 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Repeat for opposite side
   Perform steps 1 through 7 for the opposite side sway bar link. Both links should be replaced as a pair even if only one side shows wear, as they age at similar rates and replacing both ensures balanced suspension performance.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels
   Mount the front wheels onto the hubs and thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully tighten. Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack and remove jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground.
10. 10

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle on the ground and full weight on the suspension, torque all front wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. This ensures even seating of the wheel against the hub.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the procedural steps above
2. Ensure both upper and lower link nuts are torqued to specification with the Allen key holding the stud
3. Verify bushings are properly seated and not twisted during installation

Verification

• Bounce the front end of the vehicle up and down several times to settle the suspension and listen for any clunking or rattling from the sway bar area
• Visually inspect that both links are properly seated with no gaps between bushings and mounting surfaces
• Grasp each link and attempt to move it by hand; there should be minimal free play with only the normal articulation of the ball joint
• Test drive the vehicle through corners at moderate speed and verify elimination of any previous clunking noises
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle