Sway Bar Link - Front

Replace the front sway bar links (stabilizer links) on the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG to restore proper anti-roll bar function and eliminate clunking noises during cornering.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug bolts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at proper support points on chassis rails
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Spray sway bar link nuts with penetrating oil if corrosion is visible and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the sway bar link
   Locate the front sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm. On the S65 AMG, the link attaches to the outboard end of the sway bar and the forward section of the lower control arm. Inspect the link for visible damage, torn boots, or excessive play.
2. 2

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the sway bar link shaft to hold it from spinning. Using a 19mm socket, loosen and remove the upper nut that secures the link to the sway bar. If the ball joint spins despite holding the Allen key, use locking pliers on the ball joint shaft below the boot.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the sway bar link shaft to hold it stationary. Using a 19mm socket, loosen and remove the lower nut that secures the link to the lower control arm. Remove the link from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

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

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar link mounting points on both the sway bar and lower control arm. Remove any corrosion, dirt, or debris from the threaded studs and mounting areas to ensure proper seating of the new link.
5. 5

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and lower control arm. Thread the upper nut onto the top ball joint stud by hand, then thread the lower nut onto the bottom ball joint stud by hand. Ensure both ball joint boots are properly seated and not pinched. Do not fully tighten yet.
6. 6

   Torque sway bar link nuts
   Hold the sway bar link shaft with the 6mm Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque the upper nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) using the torque wrench and 19mm socket. Repeat for the lower nut, holding the shaft with the Allen key and torquing to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Repeat for opposite side
   Perform steps 1 through 6 on the opposite side of the vehicle to replace the second front sway bar link. Both links should be replaced together to maintain balanced suspension characteristics.
8. 8

   Reinstall wheels
   Mount the front wheels and hand-thread all lug bolts. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug bolts in a star pattern according to Mercedes-Benz specifications (typically 150 Nm / 111 lb-ft for this model).

Reassembly

1. Ensure both sway bar links are torqued to specification with the Allen key holding the shaft
2. Verify all lug bolts are properly torqued in a star pattern
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground

Verification

• With vehicle on ground, bounce each front corner and listen for any clunking or rattling from the sway bar links
• Visually inspect both links to confirm there is no excessive play or movement at the ball joints
• Test drive vehicle and perform gentle cornering maneuvers to verify elimination of suspension noise
• Verify steering feel is balanced and responsive without pulling to either side

More procedures for this vehicle