bassmann

Hi, I just removed driverside strut and notice a little round ball head bolt that goes into a rod that goes all the way to the passenger side and connects the same way. Looks like the rubber failed on the rod part. The piece has a hole with rubber around it. What is that called? Is it a must fix? If so is it easy and is there a link?

Bass

SteveB123

iTrader: (2)

Sway bar end links.

Yes, easy and effective fix. Change both sides.

Cmaxima

Yup, you can get Energy suspension replacements for about 5 or 6 dollars online.

bassmann

Do you have to get an alignment after the installment? I dont think I can do it. Lots of rust and the long part keeps spinning when I turn the nut on top. Tryed to hold it with wrench but kept spinning. How does that part come off?

Bass

ajm8127

iTrader: (8)

These can be a PITA. There should be flats machined into the parts to get a back-up wrench on there to prevent spinning. Cut them off if you have to. You should also look into the Energy Suspension bushings that mount the sway bar to the subframe. Replacing these will make the sway bar more effective at transmitting force from the motion of one side to the other. The old rubber bushings are certainly binding whereas they should allow the bar to rotate. If the bar can't rotate in these bushings, the bar acts more like a spring and less like a sway bar.

Oh, and an alignment is not necessary if only replacing the sway bar end links or bushing.

SteveB123

iTrader: (2)

Must be new.
Please expound.