Sport Front Sway Bar Bushing/Link Kit Replace

[2000StreetRod]

While working on the installation of my engine oil thermostat I noticed that the left front sway bar link had failed.

The spacer bottom grommet has been pushed past the spacer (poor design).

The spacer top grommet is cracked and would soon look like the bottom one.

I decided to purchase a sway bar bushing and link kit from Energy Suspension. Their website lists my front bar as having a 34 mm diameter. Using calipers to measure the stock bar I got a similar measurement so I ordered their kit (Part Number: 4.5155)

There are two colors available (red and black). I learned from the product description that the black polyurethane contains a graphite lubricant while the red doesn't so I ordered the black. The link design is superior to stock because the outer diameter of the washers is large enough to prevent the grommets from being pushed past them. The link bolts, spacers and washers are heavy duty and should last many years. The bushings have molded depressions to hold the provided lubricant. I was surprised that the bushings are not split and am a little concerned about ease of installation.

 

[swshawaii]

IIRC, my ES sway bar frame bushings were split on the side, and not the bottom.
Since you're replacing end links, remove the the sway bar and push the bar into
greased bushings against the ground. You're an Explorer guru, this should be easy.

 

[Beerking27]

I used the same kit you bought too on my explorer. Works great no complains easy to install without a jack

 

[2000StreetRod]

bar removed

Since the bumper was off for relocating my remote oil filters for the engine oil thermostat installation access to the front sway bar mounts and end links was improved from the front. After removing the end links I loosened all four bar mount bolts. I knew that the bar was solid (heavy) and that I was in an awkward position while under the vehicle loosening the mount bolts. As a safety precaution I positioned jacks stands an inch below the bar on each side.

I'm glad that I did because when I removed the second bolt on the passenger side with my right hand I wasn't ready for the weight of the bar with my left hand but the jack stand stopped the bar. If not for the jack stand the falling bar could have broken my nose or caused a concussion.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Split bushings

. . . I was surprised that the bushings are not split and am a little concerned about ease of installation.

When I started applying lubricant to the new bushings I realized that they are split. They just fit together so well it wasn't obvious. I removed the old bushings which were actually in fine condition. After installing the new bushings on the bar I decided to press the bushings into the mount using two pieces of plywood and a C clamp.

The mounting bolts are long enough to pull the bushings into the mounts but I wanted to make sure they were seating correctly before installing the bar.