How to Replace Front Sway Bar Link 06-10 Ford Explorer

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 35 min · Ford Explorer

Replace the front sway bar link on a Ford Explorer, keeping its washers and bushings in order and checking for suspension noise afterward.

Steps

1. Lift the vehicle and remove the wheel

   Loosen the lug nuts with the vehicle on the ground, raise and support it safely, then remove the wheel to access the link.

2. Remove the old link

   Apply penetrant to the fasteners and counterhold the upper stud while removing its nut. Withdraw the link and keep the washers, bushings, and sleeve in their original order.

3. Install the replacement link

   Rebuild the link stack in the correct order and pass it through the control arm and sway bar. Raise the suspension slightly for alignment, then tighten to vehicle specification.

4. Reinstall the wheel and check

   Install the wheel and hand-start its lug nuts. Lower the vehicle, torque the nuts to specification in a star pattern, and listen for clunks during a short drive.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.