This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front sway bar links (stabilizer bar links) on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 Coyote engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at frame rail jacking points
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray sway bar link nuts with penetrating oil if fasteners show corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the sway bar link
   Locate the front sway bar link connecting the lower control arm to the sway bar. The link will be visible from the wheel well looking inboard toward the frame. Note the orientation of the link and any washers or bushings for reinstallation reference.
2. 2

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the ball stud shaft from the top to hold the shaft from spinning. Using an 18mm wrench, loosen and remove the upper nut that secures the link to the sway bar. Remove the nut completely along with any washers. The ball stud may try to spin, so maintain pressure on the Allen key.
3. 3

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the ball stud shaft from the bottom to prevent rotation. Using an 18mm wrench, loosen and remove the lower nut that secures the link to the lower control arm. Remove the nut and any washers. Note the position of all hardware.
4. 4

   Remove the sway bar link
   Pull the sway bar link assembly out from between the sway bar and lower control arm. If the ball studs are stuck in the mounting points, gently tap the link with a rubber mallet to break them free. Inspect the sway bar and control arm mounting points for damage or excessive wear.
5. 5

   Prepare new sway bar link
   Remove the new sway bar link from packaging and verify all bushings, washers, and hardware are included. Compare the new link to the old link to confirm correct part. Clean the mounting surfaces on the sway bar and lower control arm with a wire brush to ensure proper seating.
6. 6

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and lower control arm. Insert the upper ball stud through the sway bar mounting hole and the lower ball stud through the control arm mounting hole. Ensure any bushings or spacers are properly positioned as per the new link assembly.
7. 7

   Install and torque sway bar link fasteners
   Thread the upper and lower nuts onto the ball studs by hand. Insert the 6mm Allen key into each ball stud shaft to prevent rotation while tightening. Using a torque wrench and 18mm socket, torque both the upper and lower nuts to specification. Torque in a cross pattern (upper first, then lower, then recheck upper) to ensure even loading.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Repeat for opposite side
   Move to the opposite side of the vehicle and repeat steps 2 through 7 to replace the second front sway bar link. Ensure both sides are torqued to the same specification for balanced performance.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack and remove jack stands
3. Lower vehicle to ground completely
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification (typically 150 lb-ft) in a star pattern with vehicle on ground
5. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or unusual noises from sway bar links
• Test drive vehicle at low speed over small bumps and during turns to confirm sway bar links are functioning properly
• Listen for any clunking or rattling noises from front suspension that would indicate loose or improperly installed links
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque sway bar link nuts to verify they have not loosened
• Visually inspect sway bar link nuts after test drive to ensure they remain tight and properly seated

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