Sway Bar Link - Rear

This procedure covers the replacement of the rear sway bar link (stabilizer link) on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link (stabilizer link) × 1 — Use OEM Honda part or equivalent aftermarket

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground 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 jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at rear subframe jacking points
6. Remove rear wheel on the side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect sway bar link condition
   Locate the rear sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the rear lower control arm or suspension knuckle. Check for torn boots, excessive play, or damage to confirm replacement is needed.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   Spray penetrating oil on both the upper and lower sway bar link nuts. Allow 5-10 minutes to penetrate if fasteners appear corroded. This will ease removal and prevent damaging the ball joint stud threads.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the ball joint stud to hold it from spinning. Using a 17mm wrench, remove the upper nut connecting the sway bar link to the sway bar. The link may remain under slight tension.
4. 4

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom ball joint stud to prevent rotation. Using a 17mm wrench, remove the lower nut connecting the sway bar link to the lower control arm or knuckle bracket. Support the link as you remove the nut.
5. 5

   Remove old sway bar link
   Pull the sway bar link down and away from the upper mounting point on the sway bar, then maneuver it out of the lower control arm mounting point. Inspect both mounting locations for damage or excessive wear.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the threads on both the sway bar and lower control arm mounting points. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris to ensure proper seating of the new link and accurate torque values.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link with the upper ball joint stud inserted through the sway bar mounting hole and the lower ball joint stud through the control arm mounting hole. Start both nuts by hand to ensure threads are not cross-threaded.
8. 8

   Torque sway bar link nuts
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into each ball joint stud to prevent rotation. Using a torque wrench with 17mm socket, torque both the upper and lower sway bar link nuts to specification. Torque the lower nut first, then the upper nut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands
3. Lower vehicle completely to the ground
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to 108 Nm (80 lb-ft) in a star pattern

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking noises from rear suspension over bumps
• Perform a visual inspection of the installed sway bar link to confirm both nuts are secure and the link moves freely with suspension travel
• Check that there is no excessive play in the new sway bar link by attempting to move it by hand with the vehicle on the ground

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