Replace the front sway bar end links that connect the sway bar to the front struts, improving handling and eliminating clunking noises from worn links.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link (left) × 1 — 48820-02100 or equivalent
• Front sway bar link (right) × 1 — 48820-02100 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Apply penetrating oil to sway bar link nuts if corrosion is present, allow 10-15 minutes to penetrate

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the front sway bar to the front strut assembly. The link has a ball joint stud on both ends with a 6mm Allen socket in the center of each stud. Inspect the area and clean any dirt or debris around the upper and lower mounting nuts.
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 14mm wrench, remove the upper nut that secures the link to the strut assembly. If the ball joint spins, apply firm pressure on the Allen key while turning the wrench. Remove the nut completely and set aside.
3. 3

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the sway bar link shaft. Using a 14mm wrench, remove the lower nut that secures the link to the sway bar. Support the link with your hand as you remove the final threads to prevent it from falling. Remove the link from the vehicle.
4. 4

   Inspect mounting points
   Examine the ball joint sockets on both the strut and sway bar for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. Check that the rubber bushings in the sockets are intact. Clean the mating surfaces with a wire brush if corrosion is present. Verify the new sway bar link matches the old one in length and thread pitch.
5. 5

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and strut. Insert the lower ball joint stud into the sway bar socket and thread the nut on by hand several turns. Insert the upper ball joint stud into the strut socket and thread that nut on by hand several turns. Ensure both studs are properly seated in their sockets before tightening.
6. 6

   Torque sway bar link nuts
   Hold the link shaft with the 6mm Allen key and torque the lower nut to specification using a torque wrench and 14mm socket. Then hold the shaft again and torque the upper nut to specification. Verify both nuts are tight and the link moves freely without binding.
   Torque spec

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

   Repeat for opposite side
   Repeat steps 1 through 6 for the sway bar link on the opposite side of the vehicle. Ensure both links are torqued to the same specification and move freely.
8. 8

   Reinstall wheels
   Mount both front wheels and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but weight is still on the jack stands. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Final torque lug nuts to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that both sway bar link nuts are torqued to specification
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are properly torqued after lowering vehicle
3. Test drive vehicle at low speed to verify no clunking noises remain

Verification

• Bounce each corner of the front end and listen for clunking or rattling from the sway bar links
• Visually inspect both links to ensure nuts are tight and links are properly seated
• Test drive on smooth roads and over small bumps to confirm elimination of suspension noise
• Check for proper steering response and no unusual handling characteristics

More procedures for this vehicle