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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link (left) × 1 — Motorcraft K750169 or equivalent
• Front sway bar link (right) × 1 — Motorcraft K750169 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove)
4. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking point
5. Place jack stands under frame rails near front lower control arms
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and ensure stability before proceeding
7. Remove both front wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect sway bar links
   Visually inspect both sway bar links for torn boots, excessive play, or physical damage. Note the orientation of the links and how they connect to the lower control arm and sway bar. The link ball studs should have minimal rotational play when properly functioning.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   Spray penetrating oil on both upper and lower nuts of each sway bar link. Allow at least 10 minutes to penetrate before attempting removal. This step is critical on vehicles with corrosion to prevent breaking the ball stud shaft.
3. 3

   Remove driver side lower sway bar link nut
   Locate the lower connection point where the sway bar link attaches to the lower control arm. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the ball stud shaft to hold it stationary. Using an 18mm wrench or socket, remove the lower nut while holding the Allen key firmly. If the ball stud spins, apply more pressure with the Allen key or use locking pliers on the ball stud boot area as a last resort.
4. 4

   Remove driver side upper sway bar link nut
   Locate the upper connection point where the sway bar link attaches to the sway bar itself. Again, insert the 6mm Allen key into the ball stud shaft from the top to prevent rotation. Using an 18mm wrench or socket, remove the upper nut. The link should now be free from both mounting points.
5. 5

   Remove driver side sway bar link
   Pull the sway bar link assembly away from the lower control arm and sway bar. It may require some maneuvering to clear the components. Inspect the mounting points on both the control arm and sway bar for damage or excessive wear.
6. 6

   Remove passenger side sway bar link
   Repeat steps 3 through 5 for the passenger side sway bar link. Use the 6mm Allen key to hold the ball stud while removing both the lower nut (control arm connection) and upper nut (sway bar connection) with an 18mm wrench. Remove the link completely.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the threaded mounting holes in both the lower control arms and sway bar ends. Remove any rust, debris, or corrosion. Wipe clean with a rag. This ensures proper seating of the new links and accurate torque readings.
8. 8

   Install driver side sway bar link
   Position the new driver side sway bar link with the ball studs inserted through both the lower control arm and sway bar mounting holes. Thread on both nuts by hand, starting with the lower nut. Ensure the link is properly aligned and not cross-threaded. Do not fully tighten yet.
9. 9

   Install passenger side sway bar link
   Position the new passenger side sway bar link with the ball studs inserted through both the lower control arm and sway bar mounting holes. Thread on both nuts by hand. Verify proper alignment and engagement of threads. Do not fully tighten yet.
10. 10

    Torque sway bar link nuts
    Starting with the driver side, insert the 6mm Allen key into the top of each ball stud to hold it stationary. Torque both the upper and lower nuts to specification using an 18mm socket and torque wrench. Repeat for the passenger side. Ensure the Allen key is held firmly to prevent the ball stud from rotating during final torque.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern with a hand wrench but do not torque to final specification yet.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to remove weight from the jack stands. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle completely to the ground. With the vehicle weight on all four wheels, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench and 21mm socket.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all sway bar link nuts are torqued to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) by holding the ball stud with the Allen key
2. Ensure wheel lug nuts are torqued to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft) in a star pattern
3. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells or under the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and perform gentle turns in both directions to verify no clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension
• Bounce each front corner of the vehicle while parked to check for any loose connections or abnormal sounds
• Re-inspect sway bar link connections after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure nuts remain tight
• Verify steering feel has improved if worn links were the original complaint

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