Front Sway bar Question

[Tim OLeary]

2002 ST

The front left sway bar is broken and I was quoted $142 (not including tax) to fix.

I think it is a link and not the bar itself which seems to extend across the vehicle and gets connected to each wheel with a link.

I think it has been this way for a while and was overlooked.

How important is this part?

 

[Vic Sorlie]

Your sway bar is not broken - it's the sway bar link(s). They're not expensive; go to RockAuto and get a pair, $25 or less. It's a 30 minute DIY job with common tools, floor jack and a pair of stands. Do the job right and replace the sway bar bushings while you're at it. You'll be pleased with the results.

 

[EddieS'04]

The link is important. You can buy aftermarket links. That are stronger. Replace both sides yourself for less than $40.

If you can turn a wrench. It is a simple DIY.......Any help needed, post it here. Plenty of folks will.

 

[EddieS'04]

Vic beat me by 2 minutes..LOL

You dont need to jack it up. I did mine with it sitting on the tires.

 

[Tim OLeary]

Thanks for the positive feedback.



I had gotten four new tires in March and part of the deal was comp rotation/bal for life. So it was time for rotation.

I knew they'd find something while they were under there, and they did: turn down the rotors and the missing link.



But the link def was not there. probably was already not there when they did the tires but didn't notice.



If I do not have to raise the vehicle that would be better.



The guy at the tire place said they'd have to drill out the broken one.

I didn't take the opportunity to look closely, but when I searched for the part, it looked like it was a rod that was threaded at both ends, and bushings and nuts.

I'll check out rockauto, order them and if I get jammed up I'll reach out!

Thanks again

 

[Tim OLeary]

I'm seeing the best choice is

K700542

Stabilizer Bar Link Kit

2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC



about $8 a side from rock auto plus shipping (ouch),

$16 a side at oreilly

decisions decisions decisions

 

[swshawaii]

Here's a complete POLYURETHANE kit if you are 4WD (34mm)

 

[Tim OLeary]

swshawaii:



The link is for a part which if you plug in 2002; ford; sport track; is not a match

and there didn't seem to be a suitable part for this vehicle.



I'm going with a couple of moog K700542 Stabilizer Bar Link Kit

Unless someone has a better suggestion

Thanks

 

[swshawaii]

The ES 4.5155 kit is a perfect fit if you have a 34mm front sway bar. (4WD)

Interested to see how the new design Moog links work, you will probably

be the first to try them here. The K7275 has been the standard for years.

 

[EddieS'04]

Interested to see how the new design Moog links work

Steve,

I have checked with all my local stores. Wanted to see the new link bushings. They all still have the old style.

I have one that is starting to split. Hoping moog will warranty them for the new style.

I told the parts managers of the new replacments. They didnt seem intrested. I suppose I will have to locate my reciept and contact moog.

 

[Tim OLeary]

I have 4 wheel drive, and ordered the K700542's from RockAuto who had the best price.

They arrived today.



So I do not have to remove the wheel or use a jackstand?



Thanks for the suggestions.

One side the link is missing completely while the other other side I think it is still on there and so I may have to wrestle it off.

I could not find and youtubes for the Sport Trac.



Guess I'll report back when I've got them installed

 

[Tim OLeary]

I felt an immediate improvement in the way the vehicle handled after both links were installed. The truck keeps its shoulders square, noticable even while driving slow and parking as well as on the highway.

Cool