Sway Bar Link - Rear

Remove and replace the rear sway bar end links on a 2005 Dodge Viper, requiring wheel removal and access from beneath the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Rear sway bar link (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. If links are corroded, apply penetrating oil to all fasteners and allow 15-20 minutes soak time

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support rear of vehicle
   Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground. Raise the rear of the vehicle with a floor jack at the rear differential housing or designated rear jack point. Once at working height, place jack stands under the rear frame rails or designated support points. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and verify stability before working underneath. Remove both rear wheels completely.
2. 2

   Locate rear sway bar links
   Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle. The sway bar links connect the rear sway bar (mounted transversely across the vehicle) to the rear lower control arms on this independent rear suspension. Identify the correct mounting points before proceeding. Each link consists of a vertical rod with ball joints or bushings on both ends, secured by nuts. Identify the link to be replaced.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Locate the upper attachment point where the link connects to the sway bar. Insert the appropriate hex/Allen key into the center of the link shaft to prevent it from spinning (verify size against the actual link stud). Using a wrench or socket of the correct size, loosen and remove the upper nut. If the ball joint spins despite holding the Allen key, the joint is worn and the link definitely needs replacement. Remove the nut completely and retain any washers or bushings in their original orientation.
4. 4

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Move to the lower attachment point where the link connects to the control arm or suspension upright. Again insert the appropriate hex/Allen key into the center of the link shaft. Using a wrench or socket of the correct size, loosen and remove the lower nut. Note any washers or bushings and their orientation. The link may now be under some tension from the sway bar, so control it as the nut comes off.
5. 5

   Remove sway bar link
   With both nuts removed, extract the link from the upper and lower mounting points. The ball joints or bushings will separate from the mounting studs. If the link is seized in place, gently tap the mounting points with a soft mallet while pulling the link free. Inspect the mounting points on both the sway bar and control arm for damage or wear.
6. 6

   Prepare new sway bar link
   Remove the new sway bar link from its packaging. Verify it matches the old link in length and design. Check that all washers and bushings are correctly positioned on the new link. If bushings are separate, install them onto the link studs in the same orientation as the original.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new link between the sway bar and control arm. Insert the upper stud into the sway bar mounting point, ensuring any bushings or washers seat properly. Then align the lower stud with the control arm mounting point. You may need to compress or extend the suspension slightly to align both mounting points. Thread the upper nut onto the upper stud by hand to hold the link in position.
8. 8

   Install and torque lower nut
   Thread the lower nut onto the lower stud by hand until snug. Insert the appropriate hex/Allen key into the center of the link shaft to hold it. Using a torque wrench and correctly sized socket, torque the lower nut to the manufacturer-specified value (verify against Viper service data) while holding the shaft with the hex key.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque upper nut
   Move to the upper attachment point. Insert the appropriate hex/Allen key into the center of the link shaft. Using a torque wrench and correctly sized socket, torque the upper nut to the manufacturer-specified value (verify against Viper service data) while holding the shaft with the hex key. Verify the link rotates freely at both ball joints without binding.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install opposite side link
    Repeat steps 3 through 9 for the opposite side sway bar link. It is recommended to replace both rear links at the same time to maintain balanced suspension performance, even if only one side is worn.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Mount both rear wheels onto their hubs. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug the lug nuts with the correctly sized socket but do not fully torque yet. Verify the lug nut socket size and final torque value against Viper service data. Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack, remove the jack stands, and lower the vehicle to the ground. Once the vehicle is fully on the ground, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Both sway bar link nuts must be torqued with the Allen key holding the shaft to prevent damage to the ball joint
2. Always replace sway bar links in pairs to maintain balanced handling characteristics
3. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification after lowering the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle and listen for clunking or rattling noises over bumps, which would indicate loose or improperly installed links
• Verify the vehicle handles predictably through corners without excessive body roll on one side
• After 50-100 miles, re-check the torque on all four link nuts to ensure they have not loosened

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