This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front sway bar links on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at proper frame points
6. Remove front wheel on the side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the sway bar link
   Identify the sway bar link connecting the front sway bar to the lower control arm or strut assembly. The link will be vertical with ball joints on both ends.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   If the vehicle has significant mileage or rust, spray penetrating oil on both upper and lower sway bar link nuts. Allow to soak for 5-10 minutes before proceeding.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the sway bar link stud to prevent it from spinning. Using a 14mm wrench, loosen and remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut assembly. If the ball joint spins, hold the Allen key firmly while turning the nut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the sway bar link stud. Using a 14mm wrench, loosen and remove the lower nut connecting the link to the sway bar. Again, hold the Allen key to prevent the stud from spinning.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove old sway bar link
   Once both nuts are removed, pull the sway bar link out from the upper and lower mounting points. The link should separate freely. If stuck, gently tap with a rubber mallet or use a pry bar to carefully separate the ball joint tapers.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points
   Check the sway bar and strut mounting points for damage, excessive wear, or thread damage. Clean threads with a wire brush if necessary. Verify the new sway bar link matches the old one in length and design.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar link
   Insert the new sway bar link with the upper ball joint stud through the strut mounting point and the lower stud through the sway bar mounting point. Start both nuts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
8. 8

   Torque sway bar link nuts
   Using the 6mm Allen key to hold each stud, torque both the upper and lower sway bar link nuts to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). Torque the lower nut first, then the upper nut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands using floor jack
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking noises from front suspension over bumps
• Check that sway bar link nuts remain tight after initial test drive
• Verify proper handling characteristics and stability during cornering

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