suspension

Sway Bar Link - Front

for 2017 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
42 min
Tools
9
Steps
11

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front sway bar links (stabilizer bar links) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 Coyote engine.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
Sway bar links are under tension when the suspension is at full droop. The link may shift when released.
ℹ️This procedure covers replacement of one side. Repeat for the opposite side if both links are being replaced.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential
Jack stands (2)Essential
19mm socket and ratchetEssential
18mm wrenchEssential
6mm Allen key (hex wrench)Essential
Torque wrenchEssential
Wire brush
Penetrating oil
Wheel chocksEssential

Parts

  • Front sway bar link × 1 — Motorcraft K750264 or equivalent

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
  2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
  3. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the wheel for the side being serviced while vehicle is on ground
  4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-approved jacking point
  5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under the frame rails
  6. Remove wheel and tire assembly completely

Procedure

  1. 1
    Inspect the sway bar link
    Visually inspect the sway bar link for damage, torn boots, or excessive play. Note the orientation of the link and how it connects to both the sway bar and the lower control arm. Take a photo if helpful for reassembly reference.
  2. 2
    Apply penetrating oil
    If the vehicle is rusty or the link nuts appear corroded, spray penetrating oil on both the upper and lower sway bar link nuts. Allow 10-15 minutes for penetration before attempting removal.
  3. 3
    Remove upper sway bar link nut
    Locate the upper connection where the sway bar link attaches to the sway bar. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Using an 18mm wrench, remove the upper nut while holding the shaft with the Allen key to prevent spinning. Remove the nut completely.
  4. 4
    Remove lower sway bar link nut
    Locate the lower connection where the sway bar link attaches to the lower control arm. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Using an 18mm wrench, remove the lower nut while holding the shaft with the Allen key. Remove the nut completely.
    The link may be under slight tension and could shift when the final nut is removed. Keep hands clear of pinch points.
  5. 5
    Remove old sway bar link
    Pull the sway bar link down and away from the sway bar, then remove it from the lower control arm. The link should slide out freely. If stuck, gently tap with a rubber mallet or pry carefully with a pry bar.
  6. 6
    Clean mounting surfaces
    Use a wire brush to clean the mounting surfaces on both the sway bar and the lower control arm where the link connects. Remove any rust, debris, or corrosion to ensure proper seating of the new link.
  7. 7
    Install new sway bar link
    Position the new sway bar link with the lower ball joint stud inserted into the hole in the lower control arm first. Then align the upper ball joint stud with the hole in the sway bar end. Ensure the link is oriented correctly with boots intact and facing the proper direction.
  8. 8
    Install and torque lower nut
    Thread the lower nut onto the ball joint stud by hand until snug. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the shaft to hold it stationary. Using a torque wrench with 18mm socket, torque the lower nut to specification while holding the shaft with the Allen key to prevent spinning.
    Torque spec
    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Install and torque upper nut
    Thread the upper nut onto the ball joint stud by hand until snug. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the shaft to hold it stationary. Using a torque wrench with 18mm socket, torque the upper nut to specification while holding the shaft with the Allen key to prevent spinning.
    Torque spec
    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reinstall wheel
    Place the wheel back onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a hand wrench until snug but not fully torqued.
  11. 11
    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Raise the vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then lower the vehicle completely to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec
    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Ensure both sway bar link nuts are torqued to specification with the Allen key holding the shaft
  2. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued in a star pattern with vehicle on the ground
  3. If replacing both sides, repeat entire procedure for opposite side

Verification

  • Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension over bumps
  • Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm both nuts are secure and the link is properly seated
  • Check that there is no excessive play in the new sway bar link by grasping it and attempting to move it by hand
  • Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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