Disconnected thing behind my tire...

[remy74]

I'm sorry if this is answered in the forum already... I don't know what any of these parts are called so I'm not sure what to search for.

I was changing my oil and while the vehicle was up on the ramps I decided to look for that tricky fuel filter, but I found something else behind my passenger side front wheel. Whatever this thing is, is connected on the driver side. But this is how it looks on the passenger side:

So what I'm wondering is... What is it? Is there anyway an absolute mechanical illiterate could fix it? And if not, is it safe to drive for about a week until payday?

 

[swshawaii]

Front sway bar end link, very common failure. Look at the opposite side also.
Very important not to overtighten when replacing. Easy fix, two kits needed. GL



http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...mbjICw&usg=AFQjCNGg4CImQfhwh4Hbm5Jhz7YWpTaI4w

 

[Exproblems]

I was changing my oil and while the vehicle was up on the ramps I decided to look for that tricky fuel filter>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The fuel filter is under 2 protective aluminum plates, mounted next to the passenger side frame rail. Up infront of where the gas tank is. You have to unbolt the 2 plates, then use the fuel filter connection removal tools. There are threads in here on fuel filter replacement. Just use the search box at the top of the forum and type "2002 Explorer fuel filter replacement". It should pull up the R&R posts on how to do it.

>>>>>>>>>> but I found something else behind my passenger side front wheel. Whatever this thing is, is connected on the driver side. But this is how it looks on the passenger side:>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

What "SWSHawaii" told you, sway bar end links or bolts. The aftermarket ones look different than the factory ones. There are posts for that repair as well.

 

[BigRondo]

Welcome aboard remy74!!

Check out this thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=291968

I hope this helps out!!

 

[rocco123]

The benefits of changing your own oil. Good to have a look around while under there.

 

[SyberTiger]

remy74, installing new end links is a fairly easy and painless job especially if you jack up the vehicle and take off the wheels. I recently changed mine on my 2002 Explorer. Check out the thread that BigRondo linked you too. FYI, when you get that fixed be sure to change out BOTH end links AND put in new bushings.

 

[remy74]

Thanks for the responses and links. I really appreciate it.

I read through Dario's thread about changing his end links and bushings and I think I understand (conceptually) how to do it. What I'm not sure about is the bushings. I'm reading that there are multiple sizes and I need to make sure I have the right size for my sway bar. What am I measuring to get the size? Is it the circumference of the sway bar or the diameter or something else entirely?

Oh... And is a torque wrench something I can rent?

 

[Exproblems]

What I'm not sure about is the bushings. I'm reading that there are multiple sizes and I need to make sure I have the right size for my sway bar. What am I measuring to get the size? Is it the circumference of the sway bar or the diameter or something else entirely?>>>>>>>>>>

Yes, there are different size sway bar bushings for these Explorers. To Take the measurement of your sway bar, go underneath the truck and take a large crescent wrench and close or tighten it around a straight section of the sway bar and then slide it off. I took my measurement in the middle section of the bar and then take a tape measure or ruler, and measure the gap between the two sides of the crescent wrench and you'll get your correct sway bar diameter for the bushing size you need. Mine was 31MM. Use the crescent wrench method if you do not have a micrometer.

<<<<<<<<<<<Oh... And is a torque wrench something I can rent?>>>>>>>>>

Some parts stores have loaner tools you can borrow for free, but I don't know if they loan out torque wrenches. Just stop in a parts store near you and ask about loaner tools. You can also buy one online or at one of their stores if you have one near you at "Harbor Freight Tools" for around $21-$25. I bought mine from Harbor Freight Tools at one of their local stores here.

 

[SyberTiger]

What I'm not sure about is the bushings. I'm reading that there are multiple sizes and I need to make sure I have the right size for my sway bar. What am I measuring to get the size? Is it the circumference of the sway bar or the diameter or something else entirely?

Oh... And is a torque wrench something I can rent?

You are measuring the diameter of the sway bar. Go over to Harbor Freight and pick up the 6" Digital Caliper Item # 47257 on sale for $19.99. Every dude should have digital calipers in their tools set. I can't count how many times I use it for non-automotive type measurements.

Torque Wrenches as well as many tools that are not typically used for everyday auto repair can be rented for FREE at AutoZone or O'Reilly. You have all three of those stores in your home town.

p.s. The measurement on my sway bar came out to 31mm. I went with the Energy Suspension 1 1/4" greaseable bushings.

 

[remy74]

Thanks SyberTiger and Exproblems.

I stopped by an O'Reilly after taking my son to school this morning and they had a torque wrench on sale for $20. I didn't know they could be had that inexpensively so I picked one up.

Exproblems, I never would have thought to measure the sway bar that way. that's brilliant. Thank you. As soon as I have the measurement for my sway bar, I'll pick up the parts and get to work.

Many thanks again to everyone who took the time to read and reply.

 

[Exproblems]

Exproblems, I never would have thought to measure the sway bar that way. that's brilliant. Thank you.>>>>>>>>>>

Your welcome and nice of you to say so, but I only passed on to you what I found out thru searching this forum on sway bar bushing replacement. I can't remember who told me about that crescent wrench trick, but they deserve the thanks for that one.

>>>>>>>>> As soon as I have the measurement for my sway bar, I'll pick up the parts and get to work.>>>>>>>>>>

Good luck, it shouldn't be too difficult to do.