This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front sway bar link (also called stabilizer bar link) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link (stabilizer bar link) × 1 — Motorcraft K750309 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. If nuts are rusted, spray both upper and lower sway bar link nuts with penetrating oil and allow 10-15 minutes to soak
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point on frame
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails
7. Remove front wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the front sway bar to the lower control arm. The link will be visible through the wheel well. Inspect both upper and lower attachment points.
2. 2

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the hex socket at the top of the lower stud to prevent the stud from spinning. Using an 18mm wrench, remove the lower nut connecting the sway bar link to the lower control arm. If the stud spins despite holding the Allen key, the ball joint is worn and the link definitely needs replacement.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the hex socket at the top of the upper stud. Using an 18mm wrench, remove the upper nut connecting the sway bar link to the sway bar itself. Support the link with your free hand as you remove the final threads to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove the old sway bar link
   Pull the sway bar link assembly down and out from between the sway bar and lower control arm. If the studs are stuck in the mounting points due to corrosion, tap gently with a hammer while pulling. Remove and discard the old link.
5. 5

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting hole on the sway bar and the mounting point on the lower control arm. 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 between the sway bar and lower control arm. Insert the upper stud through the hole in the sway bar, then align the lower stud with the mounting point on the control arm. Thread both nuts onto the studs hand-tight. Ensure the link is oriented correctly with the boots properly positioned.
7. 7

   Torque lower sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the hex socket on the lower stud to hold it stationary. Using a torque wrench with 18mm socket, torque the lower nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) while holding the Allen key firmly to prevent stud rotation.
   Torque spec

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

   Torque upper sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the hex socket on the upper stud to hold it stationary. Using a torque wrench with 18mm socket, torque the upper nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) while holding the Allen key firmly to prevent stud rotation.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall wheel
   Reinstall the wheel and thread lug nuts on by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but do not fully torque yet.
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on the wheels, torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern per Ford specifications (typically 150 lb-ft for F-150, verify in owner's manual).

Reassembly

1. If replacing both sides, repeat entire procedure for opposite side
2. Check that all fasteners are properly torqued before driving
3. Verify sway bar link boots are not torn or twisted after installation

Verification

• Bounce the front corner of the vehicle up and down several times. There should be no clunking or rattling from the sway bar link area
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify no unusual noises from the front suspension
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and make several turns. The vehicle should handle normally with no clicking or clunking from the front suspension
• After first 50-100 miles of driving, re-check torque on sway bar link nuts to ensure they have not loosened

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