Sway Bar Link - Rear

Remove and replace the rear sway bar link assembly on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine to restore proper anti-roll bar function and eliminate clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link assembly × 1 — Use OEM Mopar or equivalent heavy-duty sway bar link

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground 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 approved frame lift point
5. Secure vehicle on jack stands rated for vehicle weight under frame rails
6. Remove rear wheel on side requiring sway bar link replacement
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts and allow to soak 5-10 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar link
   Identify the rear sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the rear axle or suspension component. The link is a vertical or angled rod with ball joints or bushings at each end, typically located outboard of the shock absorber.
2. 2

   Support sway bar
   Position a floor jack or block of wood under the sway bar near the link attachment point to prevent the bar from dropping or shifting when the link is removed. Apply just enough pressure to support the bar without loading the suspension.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Using an 18mm wrench, remove the upper nut connecting the link to the sway bar. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the link shaft to prevent rotation. Using an 18mm wrench, remove the lower nut connecting the link to the axle bracket or suspension mount. Separate the link from the mounting point.
5. 5

   Remove old sway bar link
   Extract the sway bar link from both mounting points. If ball joint studs are seized in their mounts, use a pickle fork or ball joint separator tool. Inspect mounting points for damage, excessive wear, or bent brackets.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean threads and mounting surfaces on both the sway bar and axle attachment points. Remove any rust, debris, or old thread locker. Inspect threads for damage and chase with appropriate tap if necessary.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar link lower connection
   Position the new sway bar link and insert the lower stud into the axle or suspension mount. Install the lower washer and nut finger-tight. Ensure any bushings or spacers are properly oriented as per manufacturer specifications.
8. 8

   Install new sway bar link upper connection
   Align the upper end of the link with the sway bar mounting point. You may need to adjust the jack supporting the sway bar to align the holes. Insert the upper stud through the sway bar, install washer and nut finger-tight.
9. 9

   Torque sway bar link nuts
   Hold each link shaft with a 6mm Allen key while torquing the nuts. Torque both upper and lower sway bar link nuts to specification. Torque in two stages: first to 50% of final value, then to full specification to ensure proper seating.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Verify installation
    Remove the jack or support from under the sway bar. Visually inspect both connections to ensure nuts are fully seated and link is properly positioned. Check for adequate clearance between link and surrounding components through full suspension travel.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
2. Raise vehicle slightly and remove jack stands
3. Lower vehicle to ground
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to 130 lb-ft in star pattern with vehicle weight on ground
5. If opposite side link also shows wear, repeat procedure on other side

Verification

• Bounce rear of vehicle several times and listen for any clunking or rattling from sway bar area
• Perform a test drive including turns at various speeds to verify elimination of sway bar noise
• Re-check sway bar link nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Inspect link boots or bushings for proper seating and no damage from installation

More procedures for this vehicle