Sway Bar Link - Front

Replace the front sway bar links on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine to restore proper suspension control and eliminate clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link assembly × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if fasteners show corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm. The link has ball joints at both ends with studs passing through mounting points. Inspect the link for torn boots, excessive play, or damage.
2. 2

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Using a 15mm wrench or socket, remove the upper nut that attaches the link to the sway bar. The Allen key prevents the stud from spinning. If the ball joint spins despite holding with Allen key, the link is worn and definitely needs replacement.
3. 3

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Using a 15mm wrench or socket, remove the lower nut that attaches the link to the control arm. The link is now free and can be removed from the vehicle.
4. 4

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting areas on both the sway bar and control arm where the link attaches. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris from the threaded holes and surrounding surfaces to ensure proper seating of the new link.
5. 5

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link with the upper stud through the hole in the sway bar and the lower stud through the hole in the control arm. The link should fit without forcing. Thread the upper and lower nuts onto the studs by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
6. 6

   Torque sway bar link nuts
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the top shaft and torque the upper nut to specification using a 15mm socket and torque wrench. Repeat for the lower nut, holding the shaft with the Allen key while torquing. The vehicle must be at normal ride height for proper torquing, but with suspension unloaded on jack stands, these fasteners can be torqued to spec.
   Torque spec

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

   Repeat for opposite side
   Perform steps 1 through 6 for the sway bar link on the opposite side of the vehicle. Both links should be replaced as a pair even if only one appears damaged, as they wear at similar rates.
8. 8

   Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
   Install the front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until tires just touch the ground. Torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both sway bar links are torqued to specification with Allen key holding shaft
2. Verify all fasteners are tight and properly seated
3. Check that link boots are not torn or pinched during installation
4. Confirm no tools or parts were left in wheel wells before test drive

Verification

• Bounce each front corner of the vehicle and listen for clunking noises - should be silent
• Test drive vehicle over bumps at low speed to verify elimination of any rattling or clunking
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary - links should operate smoothly without binding or noise
• Visually inspect both links for proper alignment and no interference with other components
• Re-torque sway bar link nuts after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure they remain properly seated

More procedures for this vehicle