Missing rubber gasket?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Missing rubber gasket?
I went under my 99 Expy XLT the other day to change the fuel filter when I noticed a rod in the left front wheel well was missing a rubber gasket on the top of it. It's located between the steering column and the tire and run vertically. I'm really not sure what it's called. I've heard something under there rattling and could never figure out what it was. If anyone knows what this piece is called and how I can go about getting a new one I would sure appreciate it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 0
Is the top of this piece connected to a very long "U"shaped bar that runs across the width of the vehicle? Is the bottom connected to an "A" shaped part that runs from just inside the wheel to a a pair of mounting points located just outboard of the engine?
If so, it's a part called a swaybar link.
If so, it's a part called a swaybar link.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I think it may be the swaybar link. I checked the other side too and that had a piece of rubber on it with a bolt or screw through the top. The one on the drivers side is connected on the bottom, but not the top. It's just hanging there which explains the rattling noise I hear. Is this something I can get in an auto parts store or through Ford only. It looks easy enough to replace. Thanks all for any help or suggestions.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Jersey Shore on the Right
Sounds like your front sway bar links have broken off. A common problem. You should notice an improved ride after fixing what's broken. Better quality and cheaper parts can be found in the aftermarket and not at the stealership IMHO. Search under Energy Suspension.
Read this:https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=316168
Read this:https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=316168
Last edited by Darth Baiter; Dec 15, 2004 at 10:12 AM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 0
I would suggest that you replace both at the same time. Both links endure essentially the same wear and tear. If one is gone, the second isn't far behind. I replaced one as a DIY. Not hard, but I had to jack the front end up slightly to allow the lower "A" arm to drop enough to allow sufficent room to fit the new link in between the "A" arm and the end of the swaybar. The front wheels didn't have to come off the ground.
