Sway Bar Links - Front Pair

This procedure replaces both front sway bar links on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, connecting the sway bar to the struts to restore proper anti-roll handling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link (left) × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification or quality aftermarket
• Front sway bar link (right) × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification or quality aftermarket

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at proper frame support points
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts if corrosion is visible (allow 10-15 minutes to penetrate)

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the driver side sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the front sway bar to the strut assembly on the driver side. The link has ball joints on both ends with a castle nut on top (strut connection) and bottom (sway bar connection). Note the orientation and position of the link for installation reference.
2. 2

   Remove driver side upper sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the hex socket at the top of the link shaft to prevent it from spinning. Using a 14mm wrench, remove the upper nut that connects the sway bar link to the strut. The link may be under slight tension, so control it as you remove the nut. Remove the nut completely and note any washers present.
   ⚠Hold the link shaft firmly with the Allen key to prevent rounding out the hex socket.
3. 3

   Remove driver side lower sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the hex socket at the bottom of the link shaft where it connects to the sway bar. Using a 14mm wrench, remove the lower nut. Once both nuts are removed, pull the sway bar link out from between the strut and sway bar. Inspect the sway bar and strut mounting points for wear or damage.
4. 4

   Install new driver side sway bar link
   Clean the mounting surfaces on both the strut and sway bar with a wire brush if needed. Position the new sway bar link between the strut and sway bar. Insert the upper ball stud through the strut mounting hole and install the nut finger-tight. Insert the lower ball stud through the sway bar mounting hole and install the nut finger-tight. Ensure the link is properly seated at both connections before tightening.
5. 5

   Torque driver side sway bar link nuts
   Hold the upper link shaft with the 6mm Allen key and torque the upper nut to specification using a torque wrench and 14mm socket. Then hold the lower link shaft with the Allen key and torque the lower nut to specification. Verify both connections are secure and the link moves freely through its normal range of motion without binding.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Access the passenger side sway bar link
   Move to the passenger side of the vehicle. Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the strut assembly. Inspect the condition and note the orientation for proper installation of the replacement part.
7. 7

   Remove passenger side upper sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the hex socket at the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Using a 14mm wrench, remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut. Control the link as the nut is removed and note any washers or spacers.
   ⚠Do not allow the link shaft to spin freely as this can damage the ball joint boot.
8. 8

   Remove passenger side lower sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the hex socket at the bottom of the link shaft. Using a 14mm wrench, remove the lower nut from the sway bar connection. Remove the complete sway bar link assembly. Clean the mounting points on the strut and sway bar.
9. 9

   Install new passenger side sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the strut and sway bar on the passenger side. Install the upper ball stud through the strut mounting hole and thread the nut on finger-tight. Install the lower ball stud through the sway bar mounting hole and thread the nut on finger-tight. Check that the link is properly aligned and seated at both mounting points.
10. 10

    Torque passenger side sway bar link nuts
    Using the 6mm Allen key to hold the upper shaft, torque the upper nut to specification with a torque wrench and 14mm socket. Hold the lower shaft with the Allen key and torque the lower nut to specification. Confirm both nuts are properly torqued and the link operates smoothly without binding or excessive play.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels onto the hubs, threading lug nuts on by hand initially. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but not fully torqued. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to Honda specification (108 Nm / 80 lb-ft) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Verify all sway bar link nuts are torqued to specification with no loose hardware
2. Check that wheel lug nuts are properly torqued in star pattern
3. Inspect work area for any tools or parts left under vehicle

Verification

• Start vehicle and turn steering wheel fully left and right while stationary, listening for any clunking or knocking noises from the front suspension
• Test drive vehicle at low speed over small bumps and during gentle cornering to verify sway bar links are functioning properly without noise
• Perform a visual inspection after test drive to confirm all nuts remain tight and no signs of loosening are present
• Verify no unusual tire wear patterns develop over the next several hundred miles of driving

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