Sway Bar End-Link replacement

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Apr 20, 2008 | 10:15 PM

98blackonblack

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 389

Likes: 3

From: Austin TX

Sway Bar End-Link replacement

Alright, so after reading several post about a fix for an annoying squeak from the rear of the car when hitting bumps.

I ordered new end-links (metal) for gene, and got poly bushings from ecklers, and spent most of this afternoon changing them out.

One of the bolts that hold the bushing bracket on was cross threaded from previous owner, came out with a little effort, but would only go back halfway easily, took it out cleaned the threads has best I could, and bit the bullet and cinched it all the way down with the air ratchet, knowing the threads are crossed...

Anyways other battles that I wont get into, a lil blood shed, got it all back together, couldn't a my 1/2 torque wrench under the car so I just tightened everything down tight, I'll torque them later this week at a friends shop with a lift....anyways test drive, don’t really notice a different in handling, and the damn squeak is still there? What now?

Apr 21, 2008 | 12:46 AM

spicytuna

Le Mans Master

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 7,050

Likes: 7

From: Canadian Rockies

I don't think you'll notice a difference in handling between the metal end links and your original links since the handling characteristics are determined by the stiffness of the sway bar itself.

Did you torque the top and bottom bolts to the proper specifications? (Upper bolts to 45-49 ft.lbs. and lower nuts to 65-70 ft.lbs.)

Did you try lubing the bushings on your sway bar? From what I've read, it seems as though most of the squeaking comes from the bushings and not the end links.

Apr 21, 2008 | 12:53 AM

nascar57

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 1,203

Likes: 21

From: centennial colorado

Exactly!

Lube up the sway bar frame bushings.

Apr 21, 2008 | 03:38 AM

Cajun99

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 6,213

Likes: 1

From: South Alabama

Quote:

Originally Posted by FRC Ken

Did you try lubing the bushings on your sway bar? From what I've read, it seems as though most of the squeaking comes from the bushings and not the end links.

What he said.

Apr 21, 2008 | 09:02 AM

98blackonblack

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 389

Likes: 3

From: Austin TX

Yes plenty of silcone grease on those puppies, and no i didn't torque do to the fact i couldn't get the car high enough to fit my 1/2 torque wrench in there...

Apr 21, 2008 | 09:08 AM

MagRedConv

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 21,915

Likes: 61

From: Miami Beach FL

I had a squeak coming from the rear of my car a while back, not real loud but very annoying. It turned out to be an exhaust hanger bushing.

Apr 21, 2008 | 11:47 AM

98blackonblack

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 389

Likes: 3

From: Austin TX

The squeak is only when the suspension changes like going up an incline or hitting bumps or going over speed humps, and it's only on the right side of the car....could it be the control arm bushings? Can I just spray some silicone on them or what is recommended?

So far I've got new sway bar bushings and end-links...

Also I have a rattle/squeak sound coming from what sounds like the middle of the dash close to the windshield, is it in the dash or under the hood? Anyone ever have a noise from that area of the car?

98 with 98,000 miles...