Sway bar link just broke. 11-9-03

[MontanaGT]

One side of my sway bar link just broke and I was wondering if it is Ok for me to drive with only one side of the sway bar connected.

The part that broke is the vertical piece connecting the lower suspension with the sway bar. It broke right at the top where it bolts to the sway bar. It basicly left the entire vertical part in place, minus the threads and bolt.

I am wondering if it is OK for me to drive, for a short while, with only one side of the sway bar connected? Or should I disconnect the other side too until I can fix it?

 

[GaSouthern1]

You are fine to drive, just make sure to get a feel for how loopy the car is first.

 

[Alec]

I'm assuming this was the front? There was a recall for this on my 96. Anyway, the part is inexpensive from Ford.

I'd go ahead and disco the other side and bungie the swaybar up.

 

[MontanaGT]

Ya, it is the front.

Alec, I checked and there aren't any recalls for this on 98 explorers.

The bolt on the good side is pretty rusted, I sprayed it with WD-40 and I'll try to remove it later today or tommorrow. I haven't yet figured out how to get the broken one off. The nut on the bottom is there but the head of the bolt is what broke off and there's really nothing to grab on to. I might have to bite the bullet and go to a local shop to have them remove the broken one, or both while they're at it.

 

[Alec]

Then don't worry about removing that one until you get 2 new ones. Just go get a $35-40 grinder and cut it off yourself. That's about what it would cost you (or more) to have a shop do it.

 

[etc]

I drove around for a couple of weeks with the right hand side broken. Just get used to the looseness as gasouthern said. $15 for the pair at discount.

 

[MontanaGT]

Originally posted by Alec
Just go get a $35-40 grinder and cut it off yourself. That's about what it would cost you (or more) to have a shop do it.

Great idea. I save money and get a new power tool.

Thanks

 

[snowburns]

recall?

Alec, when was this recall? And where can I find more information out about it?

 

[MontanaGT]

To find out if mine were recalled I used the Link below to search for recalls. You can also search for TSB's by clicking Service Bulletins at the top of the page.

Recall Search

I can't link directly to the 96 Recall page but this is the summary.

Make: FORD
Model: EXPLORER
Year: 1996
Recall Number: 00V402000
Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE.
Consequence:
VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS.
Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 15, 2000.


By the way, the sway bar links cost a total of $22.00 for both sides at the Ford dealership.

 

[hydroxy]

Can you redeem recalls whenever you want?

I had the same recall for my 95 explorer, and I wouldn't mind getting some new ones.

 

[MontanaGT]

You can redeem Recalls at any Ford Dealership.

Just call them with the Recall number and they'll probably also ask you for your VIN number if you've never been to the dealership before (this is so they can verify that you haven't already had the recall work done).

They'll set you up with an appointment and replace them for free.

That is unless you have a 98 with the upgraded links that don't break.