Endlink Repair Question

[alohamonte]

Is there any problem with replacing a front swaybar endlink without removing the opposite endlink or the to-frame bushings?

I have a broken link and don't want to take the sway bar off if it can be avoided.

Thanks

 

[Four0Sport]

you can replace an endlink w/out removing the opposite side, and deffinetly do not have to remove the bar to frame bushings. although in an older vehicle it might be wise to replace all the bushings at once, they are fairly inexpensive.

 

[parad1mg]

you might as well replace all of the bushings at once like Four0Sport said.. removing the whole sway bar would be the easiest way if ever your endlinks wouldnt budge or are stuck solid.. there's only 4 bolts for the main sway bar and 2 endlinks.. you can do it in 30 mins. if you want to

 

[alohamonte]

The endlinks are actually less than 4 months old. I had them replaced as part of the the front end rebuild (I didnt do the rebuild myself, I paid a friend).

The kit was one of those bargain ebay kits. I'm not sure if it's the kit quality or not, but the originals lasted 135k and the replacement 1k... I'm going to give the kit the benefit of the doubt and blame it on the recent spike in the number of pot holes there are on the road due to the blizzard that passed through the NorthWest.

I bought a replacement kit for both endlinks (NapaAuto), but will fix just the one because it making a clunking noise. The inner sleeve punctured the metal-backed bushing on the upper part of link that sandwiches the sway bar. I'll get a picture of it.

 

[Four0Sport]

also.. do you have a picture of your yakima rack on your truck? im still debating on whether or not to keep the one i picked up

 

[alohamonte]

Sure do... it's the MegaWarrior model, no extensions. Added a 3rd factory crossbar for added strength.

By alohamonte, shot with L-500V at 2008-06-11

By alohamonte, shot with L-500V at 2008-06-11

 

[Four0Sport]

good looking explorer.. i picked up a loadwarrior model for cheap, narrower than the megawarrior. the first gen front crossbars are stationary so im gonna have to look for a second back cross bar to get the basket out of the middle of the roof.. so it wont look 'as' tiny.

btw.. energy suspension has a universal endlink kit with poly bushings that will fit the 2nd gen explorers that is cheaper than buying 2 individual stock endlinks.

 

[alohamonte]

Wanted to report back. I used Napa Auto brand replacement endlinks (same part number as mentioned in the Endlink Repair thread).

I wanted to mention, for anyone looking to replace them one end at a time, without taking the sway bar off, that is definately doable, but you really need to muscle them into place because it's a really tight fit and those bushings don't give much. i have a pry bar, but there arent any solid pivot points, so i didnt bother with it.

took about an hour but now that I know the drill I could do it again (the rears perhaps) in less than 30.

 

[Four0Sport]

i replaced my pass side endlink in 10 mins at the parking lot at work.. i jacked up the front end to take weight off of the suspension and then lowered the jack to line up the stud in the upper hole.

 

[96eb96]

FYI - If you have a 95-97 ex the dealer will replace those endlinks under factory recall.

 

[Silver X]

That's funny, I did mine in the parking lot at work too.

I didn't feel like dragging the jack out from the shop though. I just backed one rear tire up the curb to get the front to flex enough for the endlink bolt to reach. Worked great.

 

[Four0Sport]

FYI - If you have a 95-97 ex the dealer will replace those endlinks under factory recall.

really? hmm.. what if i already replaced one side?

 

[alohamonte]

Here's the old endlink. The sleeve pierced the washer & bushing!

By alohamonte at 2009-01-18