Swat Bar Link please HELP!!
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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Swat Bar Link please HELP!!
My 97 ford Aerosatr was in an accident 6 months ago. The driver side suspension was fixed as well as both tie rods. Last time I had the oil changed the guy told me I should replace the "other sway bar link". I'm guessing the passenger side. Today it started making a creaking noise when I turn and then it might do it again 1 or 2 times once I straighten out the steering wheel. Does this sound like a sway bar link? Is it dangerous to drive like this. Is this something to have fixed immediately or can I wait a couple of days? Any feedback would be great. Thank-you!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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Just a thought... I just got a creak coming from my van after getting the exhaust fixed. They removed the flex joint - said it wouldn't be a problem. Now my exhaust creaks all the time when going over bumps and stuff. Probably not related but worth a try I guess.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 96
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just in case you don't know, the sway bar is the big bar that connects the two lower a arms to each other on both sides of the van.
If the link is broken, all that will happen is that the van will lean a lot more in corners.
The links connect the ends of the bar to the lower a arms. There are also two bushings that the bar piviots in that are attached to the frame. These bushing are usually the source of noise related to the sway bar. ( anti-sway bar to be correct )
If one of the links is bent it might be rubbing on something and making the noise.
The bar and the links are easy to see, just look under the front of the van.
The creaking could also come from any of the bushings that attach the suspension to the frame.
If the link is broken, all that will happen is that the van will lean a lot more in corners.
The links connect the ends of the bar to the lower a arms. There are also two bushings that the bar piviots in that are attached to the frame. These bushing are usually the source of noise related to the sway bar. ( anti-sway bar to be correct )
If one of the links is bent it might be rubbing on something and making the noise.
The bar and the links are easy to see, just look under the front of the van.
The creaking could also come from any of the bushings that attach the suspension to the frame.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 39
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From: Fort Lauderdale, FLORIDA
Those rather agricultural sounding creaks and groans could be caused by failed ball joints.
Ball Joints are where the lower A arm attaches to the hub [the part that holds the disc brake caliper], and they have a rubber boot to seal in grease. In time, the boots fail and the grease runs out....and you hear it every time you turn a wheel.
How dangerous is this? Not likely to be very dangerous....but if the parts wear out, then the whole thing could conceivably come apart while you are driving...and that could be VERY dangerous!
-The problem is that even if they are in perfect shape, most shops are going to try to get your money by talking you into replacing them. Take the car to several reputable repair shops and get their advice.
Good luck-
N!
'97 Aerostar 3.0
'85 928S2 5 speed
Ball Joints are where the lower A arm attaches to the hub [the part that holds the disc brake caliper], and they have a rubber boot to seal in grease. In time, the boots fail and the grease runs out....and you hear it every time you turn a wheel.
How dangerous is this? Not likely to be very dangerous....but if the parts wear out, then the whole thing could conceivably come apart while you are driving...and that could be VERY dangerous!
-The problem is that even if they are in perfect shape, most shops are going to try to get your money by talking you into replacing them. Take the car to several reputable repair shops and get their advice.
Good luck-
N!
'97 Aerostar 3.0
'85 928S2 5 speed
