Sway Bar Links - Front Pair

This procedure covers the replacement of both front sway bar links (end links) on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with the 1.5L turbo engine, connecting the front sway bar to the struts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link (left) × 1 — 51320-TBA-A01 or aftermarket equivalent
• Front sway bar link (right) × 1 — 51320-TBA-A01 or aftermarket equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground 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 front jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at the front pinch weld locations
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts if corrosion is visible

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 a ball joint on each end with a 14mm nut on top (strut side) and bottom (sway bar side). Note the orientation of the link and hardware for installation.
2. 2

   Remove driver side upper sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it from spinning. Use a 14mm wrench to remove the upper nut that connects the link to the strut. If the ball joint spins, apply firm pressure on the Allen key while turning the wrench. Remove the nut completely and note any washers or spacers.
3. 3

   Remove driver side lower sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the link shaft. Use a 14mm wrench to remove the lower nut that connects the link to the sway bar. Remove the nut completely and pull the old sway bar link free from both mounting points. Inspect the sway bar and strut mounting points for damage or excessive wear.
4. 4

   Install new driver side sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and strut. Install the lower nut onto the sway bar connection finger-tight first, then install the upper nut onto the strut connection finger-tight. Ensure the link is properly seated in both ball joint mounting points and any bushings or spacers are correctly positioned.
5. 5

   Torque driver side sway bar link nuts
   Hold the link shaft with the 6mm Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque both the upper and lower 14mm nuts to specification using a torque wrench. Torque each nut in one continuous motion without over-tightening past the specified value.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove passenger side sway bar link
   Repeat the removal process for the passenger side. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the upper link shaft and remove the upper 14mm nut with a wrench. Then remove the lower 14mm nut while holding the shaft with the Allen key. Remove the old link completely.
7. 7

   Install new passenger side sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and strut on the passenger side. Install both nuts finger-tight, ensuring proper seating of the ball joints at both mounting points.
8. 8

   Torque passenger side sway bar link nuts
   Hold the link shaft with the 6mm Allen key. Torque both the upper and lower 14mm nuts to specification using a torque wrench in one continuous motion per fastener.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
   Install both front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with the 19mm socket until snug but not fully torqued. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack, remove jack stands, and lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque lug nuts to Honda specification (108 Nm / 80 lb-ft) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both sway bar links are torqued to specification with the Allen key holding the shaft
2. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from under the vehicle
3. Check that wheel lug nuts are properly torqued in a star pattern

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and turn steering wheel through full range of motion, listening for any clunking or knocking from the front suspension
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm both sway bar links are properly seated and nuts are secure
• Check for abnormal handling characteristics such as excessive body roll during cornering
• Re-torque sway bar link nuts after 50-100 miles of driving to verify they have not loosened

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