This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar link (also called stabilizer link) on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 AWD engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified lift point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at rear subframe or body lift points
6. Remove rear wheel on the side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect sway bar link condition
   Visually inspect the sway bar link for torn boots, excessive play, or damage. Check both ball joint connections at the top (sway bar) and bottom (suspension arm or knuckle). Note the orientation of the link for proper installation of the replacement.
2. 2

   Access the upper sway bar link mounting
   Locate the upper sway bar link connection point where it attaches to the rear sway bar. The nut will be accessible from below. If corrosion is present, spray with penetrating oil and allow to soak.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the sway bar link ball stud to prevent rotation. Using a 17mm wrench or socket, remove the upper nut while holding the Allen key firmly. The ball stud may spin if the Allen key is not engaged properly. Remove the nut completely and note any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
   ⚠The link may be under slight tension and could shift when the nut is removed. Keep hands clear of pinch points.
4. 4

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Locate the lower mounting point where the sway bar link connects to the rear suspension arm or trailing arm. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom ball stud. Using a 17mm wrench or socket, remove the lower nut while holding the Allen key to prevent rotation. Remove the nut completely.
5. 5

   Remove sway bar link from vehicle
   Pull the sway bar link downward and away from the upper mounting point on the sway bar, then pull it free from the lower suspension arm mounting. The ball studs should slide out of their mounting points. If stuck, gently tap the link body with a rubber mallet or use a small pry bar to separate.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting holes on both the sway bar and the suspension arm. Remove any rust, debris, or old thread locker from the threaded portions of the mounting points. This ensures proper seating of the new link.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link with the upper ball stud inserted into the sway bar mounting hole and the lower ball stud into the suspension arm mounting hole. The link should hang vertically when properly positioned. Thread the upper and lower nuts onto the ball studs by hand to start.
8. 8

   Torque sway bar link nuts to specification
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into each ball stud to hold it stationary. Using a torque wrench with 17mm socket, torque both the upper and lower sway bar link nuts to specification. Torque the upper nut first, then the lower nut. Ensure the Allen key is firmly engaged to prevent the ball stud from rotating during final torque.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands
3. Lower vehicle to the ground completely
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to 107-127 Nm (79-94 lb-ft) in a star pattern
5. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or noise from the rear sway bar link
• Test drive the vehicle over small bumps and during gentle cornering to confirm the sway bar link is functioning properly and no clunking or rattling is present
• Perform a visual inspection underneath to ensure both nuts are properly torqued and the link is correctly positioned
• Check for any unusual handling characteristics or body roll compared to before the repair

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