Sway Bar Link - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar links on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift point
5. Support vehicle securely with jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect sway bar link condition
   Locate the rear sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the rear axle. Inspect the link for torn boots, loose ball joints, or damage. Note the orientation of the link for proper installation of the replacement.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   If the link shows signs of corrosion, spray both upper and lower nuts with penetrating oil. Allow 5-10 minutes for penetration before proceeding. This will help prevent stud damage during removal.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the sway bar link stud to hold it in place. Using a 19mm wrench or socket, remove the upper nut that attaches the link to the sway bar. The Allen key prevents the stud from spinning while loosening the nut.
4. 4

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the sway bar link stud to hold it in place. Using a 19mm wrench or socket, remove the lower nut that attaches the link to the rear axle mounting bracket. Again, the Allen key prevents stud rotation.
5. 5

   Remove old sway bar link
   Pull the sway bar link away from the sway bar and axle mount. Note the position of any washers or bushings. The sway bar may shift slightly once the link is removed, which is normal.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar mounting point and the axle bracket where the link attaches. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris to ensure proper seating of the new link.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and axle bracket. Ensure any bushings or washers are properly oriented as they were on the original link. Start both the upper and lower nuts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
8. 8

   Tighten sway bar link nuts to specification
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into each stud to prevent rotation. Torque both the upper and lower sway bar link nuts to specification using a torque wrench. Torque the upper nut first, then the lower nut.
   Torque spec

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

   Verify link installation
   Confirm both nuts are properly torqued and the link moves freely in its ball joints without binding. Check that there is no interference with any suspension components or brake lines.

Reassembly

1. Install the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack and remove jack stands
3. Lower vehicle completely to the ground
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to 150 lb-ft in a star pattern
5. Repeat procedure on opposite side if replacing both links

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and listen for any clunking or rattling noises from the rear suspension
• Perform a visual inspection underneath to confirm the sway bar link is secure and properly installed
• Check that the vehicle handles normally during turns without excessive body roll or unusual noises

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