This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front sway bar links on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 engine and AWD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

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
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts if corrosion is visible and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the front sway bar to the lower control arm or strut assembly. The link will have ball joints at both ends with 16mm nuts. Inspect the link for damage, torn boots, or excessive play before removal.
2. 2

   Secure the link shaft
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the hex socket at the top of the sway bar link shaft (at the upper ball joint stud). This will prevent the stud from spinning when loosening the nut. Hold the Allen key firmly in place.
3. 3

   Remove upper link nut
   While holding the 6mm Allen key to prevent rotation, use a 16mm wrench or socket to remove the upper nut connecting the link to the sway bar. If the nut is seized, apply additional penetrating oil and allow to soak. Remove the nut completely and retain any washers or bushings.
4. 4

   Remove lower link nut
   Repeat the same process for the lower connection point. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom ball joint shaft hex socket and remove the 16mm lower nut with a wrench while preventing stud rotation. Support the link to prevent it from falling once free.
5. 5

   Remove the sway bar link
   Pull the sway bar link free from both mounting points. The ball joint studs should slide out of the mounting holes. If stuck, gently tap the link with a plastic mallet while pulling. Inspect the mounting points on the sway bar and control arm/strut for wear or damage.
6. 6

   Prepare new sway bar link
   Remove the new sway bar link from packaging and verify it matches the old part in length and mounting configuration. Check that both ball joint boots are intact and not damaged. Ensure the protective caps or covers are removed from the studs.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar link
   Insert the new sway bar link into position, starting with the upper connection to the sway bar, then aligning the lower ball joint stud into the control arm or strut mounting hole. Ensure both studs are fully seated through their respective mounting points before installing nuts.
8. 8

   Install and torque fasteners
   Thread both 16mm nuts onto the ball joint studs by hand. Using the 6mm Allen key to hold each shaft, tighten both the upper and lower nuts to the specified torque of 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). Torque the upper connection first, then the lower connection.
   Torque spec

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

   Repeat for opposite side
   Perform the same removal and installation procedure for the sway bar link on the opposite side of the vehicle. Both links should be replaced together even if only one side shows wear.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Raise vehicle slightly and remove jack stands
3. Lower vehicle to the ground completely
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 107-127 Nm) in a star pattern
5. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel fully left and right while stationary to verify no binding or interference
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed over gentle bumps to confirm proper suspension operation and no unusual noises
• Listen for any clunking or rattling from the front suspension during turns and over bumps
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check the torque on all sway bar link nuts to ensure they remain properly secured
• Verify improved handling response and reduced body roll if replacing worn links

More procedures for this vehicle