How to Replace a Rear Sway Bar Link on a Taurus or Sable
by Russell Wood
The rear sway bar links on a Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable (both of which are built on the same chassis) are designed to connect the rear sway bar to the rear suspension. These links are critical because they make sure that the sway bar does its job, which is to control side to side motion while the vehicle is turning. If the end links go bad, then there will be noise and play in the suspension, which could cause problems. To fix the issue, you must replace the links.
Step 1
Lift the rear of the car with the jack and put the car on jack stands. Take off the rear wheels with the tire iron and move them to the side.
Step 2
Unbolt the sway bar end link from the sway bar using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket and an open-end wrench. Unbolt the end link from the strut with the same tools. Repeat on the other side of the vehicle, then pull the links off of the suspension and sway bar.
Step 3
Loosely install the replacement sway bar end link to the sway bar on both sides using your hands. Loosely install the other end of the end links to the struts. Reinstall the rear wheels with the tire iron.
Step 4
Lower the car off the jack stands with the jack. Tighten up the sway bar end links with an open-end wrench and the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Tire iron
- 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and socket set
- Open-end wrench set
- Replacement sway bar end links
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
