suspension
Sway Bar Link - Rear
for 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
9
Steps
8
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar link (stabilizer link) on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine.
Warnings
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
⚠The sway bar may be under tension when the suspension is unloaded. Use caution when removing the last fastener.
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack standsEssential
Lug wrench or 21mm socketEssential
17mm wrenchEssential
17mm socketEssential
6mm Allen key (hex key)Essential
Torque wrenchEssential
Penetrating oil
Wire brush
Parts
- Rear sway bar link × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
- Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-designated lift points
- Remove rear wheel on the side being serviced
- Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts if corrosion is present and allow to soak
Procedure
- 1Locate the rear sway bar linkFrom behind the rear wheel, identify the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the rear suspension trailing arm or knuckle assembly. The link will have a ball joint stud at each end with nuts securing it.
- 2Remove the upper sway bar link nutInsert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the sway bar link shaft to hold it from rotating. Using a 17mm wrench or socket, remove the upper nut that attaches the link to the sway bar. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings for reinstallation.
- 3Remove the lower sway bar link nutInsert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the sway bar link shaft to hold it from rotating. Using a 17mm wrench or socket, remove the lower nut that attaches the link to the trailing arm or knuckle. Remove the sway bar link from the vehicle.
- 4Inspect mounting pointsClean the sway bar and trailing arm mounting points with a wire brush. Inspect the bushings and mounting surfaces for damage or excessive wear. Check the sway bar for cracks or damage.
- 5Install the new sway bar linkPosition the new sway bar link between the sway bar and trailing arm. Ensure any bushings or washers are oriented correctly with the bushing cup facing the proper direction. Thread the lower nut onto the stud by hand first, then the upper nut.
- 6Torque the sway bar link nutsHold each ball joint shaft with the 6mm Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque both the upper and lower sway bar link nuts to specification. Start with the lower nut, then torque the upper nut.Torque specSway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 7Reinstall the rear wheelInstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground to prevent wheel rotation.
- 8Torque the wheel lug nutsTorque the wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification (approximately 110 Nm or 81 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
Reassembly
- If replacing both rear sway bar links, repeat the procedure on the opposite side
- Verify all fasteners are properly torqued
- Test drive the vehicle at low speed and listen for any clunking noises from the rear suspension
Verification
- Bounce the rear of the vehicle and listen for any rattling or clunking sounds that would indicate a loose sway bar link
- Visually inspect the installed link to ensure nuts are tight and the link moves freely with suspension travel
- Road test the vehicle over bumps and during cornering to confirm the sway bar link is functioning properly and no noise is present