This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar links (stabilizer bar links) on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link (left or right) × 1 — Use OEM specification (48820-02100 or equivalent)

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 (19mm) 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated rear jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under chassis rails
6. Remove rear wheel on the side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect sway bar link condition
   Visually inspect the sway bar link for damaged boots, bent components, or excessive play. Note the orientation of the link and which end connects to the sway bar versus the suspension knuckle/trailing arm. The link typically has a ball stud design with rubber boots at each end.
2. 2

   Access the upper sway bar link nut
   Locate the upper mounting point where the sway bar link connects to the rear sway bar. The nut is typically accessible from below. If corrosion is present, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the ball stud shaft to prevent rotation. Using a 14mm wrench, remove the upper nut that secures the link to the sway bar. The ball stud will have a hex socket in the center specifically for this purpose. Support the link to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠The link may be under slight tension from the sway bar. Control it as the nut is removed.
4. 4

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Locate the lower mounting point where the sway bar link connects to the rear trailing arm or knuckle assembly. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom ball stud shaft to hold it stationary. Using a 14mm wrench, remove the lower nut. Remove the sway bar link from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting surfaces on both the sway bar and the trailing arm where the link attaches. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris to ensure proper seating of the new link and accurate torque application.
6. 6

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and trailing arm. Ensure the rubber boots are intact and properly positioned. Thread the lower nut onto the ball stud by hand first, then the upper nut. Do not fully tighten yet. Verify the link is correctly oriented and seated in both mounting locations.
7. 7

   Torque sway bar link nuts
   Hold each ball stud with the 6mm Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque both the upper and lower sway bar link nuts to specification using a torque wrench and 14mm socket. Torque the lower nut first, then the upper nut. Verify the ball stud does not spin during torquing.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground but weight is still on jack stands
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft) in a star pattern
4. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands
5. Perform final lug nut torque check with vehicle on ground

Verification

• Rock the vehicle side-to-side to ensure the sway bar link operates without noise or binding
• Visually inspect both nuts to confirm they are fully seated and torqued
• Test drive vehicle over gentle bumps at low speed and listen for clunking or rattling from the rear suspension
• Verify handling feels normal and there are no unusual noises during cornering

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