I kept hearing this clunk when i would hit bumps. today i had a look at the sway bar links. the rubber seems a bit old and crappy, and when i hit my fist on the top of the bar, it clunks with a metal on metal sound. it shouldn't be able to do this right? if i grab it and really yank on it i can move the bar as well, both sides are like this. I'm no mechanic but i assume this is not supposed to move or clunk when hit with a fist?

Also..do i have to replace the entire link or can i get away with just replacing the rubber?

Thanks in advance

 

Also whats the worst case scenario if i keep driving like this?

 

It will not hurt to drive. These are generic parts. Look at the total length you need between the upper rubber and lower rubber mount... 5, 6, 7 inches ?? Go to Auto Store and for $20. you can get a KIT.......... you might have to cut the old one with a sawzal or grinder wheel to get it off... All new parts, long bolt , spacer betweent the upper and lower, 4 rubber donuts, 4 washers, and a nut...

On the "present" one you should not have any clearance between the link and the arm-- rubber should be TIGHT and compressed like a sandwich... no movement.

 

It appears from the picture that the newer links are slightly different than most "older" cars and trucks on one end. They use to have two rubber bushings on each end to sandwich around the mount point... it appears the "NEW" links have a more fixed rubber boot on one end.......... I grabbed this off e-bay.