Steering Stabilzer bar link missing?
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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Steering Stabilzer bar link missing?
When changing my brakes yesterday, i noticed that that on the driver side, the stablizer bar link(the rod that connects the steering stabilzer to the A-arm) was completely missing. It must have snapped and fell off at some point...I have have no idea how long i have been driving around like this.... I dont feel anything when driving, but Im wondering how safe it is to be driving around without it. Has anyone else had this problem? Of one snapping or missing?
It looks like something I can easily replace myself, gotta order one...
It looks like something I can easily replace myself, gotta order one...
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 302
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From: Jersey Shore on the Right
Very common problem on Expy. Suggest replacing with aftermarket polyurethane links and bushings. About half the price that Ford charges and better quality I'm guessing, considering how frequently the originals snap off.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 128
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From: upstate NY
stabilizer links
Yep IMHO it is a very common problem as well. In 159k miles I have replaced both sides 2 times.. I also used aftermarket as they were 1/2 of Ford orginals.
Never noticed any steering problem.
Never noticed any steering problem.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 55
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From: In a house
are those stabilizers only on 4 x 4's?? My 98 4 x 2 front end is so loose, not the steering but the front end, kind of hard to explain but it is like when you go through a puddle it wants to veer off into the wall. Very sweaty situation even with the AC on full blast...
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2
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My 99 Navigator snapped the passenger side at 75 thousand k
takes about 1/2 hour to do both sides.
cost about 30.00 canadian
takes about 1/2 hour to do both sides.
cost about 30.00 canadian
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Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 329
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From: Wichita, Kansas
Very common occurrence. The metal components rust away very easily. O'Reilly's has a set of Moog links that are around $10.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
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Essentially any vehicle that has a swaybar has end links. Yes, they should be on 4x2 Expys as well. Next time your vehicle is parked, turn the front wheels sharply in one direction. On at least one side of the vehicle, you should be able to see the end of the swaybar and the short vertical post (the link) that we're discussing. Once you spot it, turn the front tires in the other direction and inspect the other side.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: In a house
Just noticed both of mine are missing, and the shock bushings are deteiorated, probably why the front end is so sloppy in puddles, going to attack it this week on my days off, local garage wanted $900, said my steering gearbox was worn out, NOT
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 329
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From: Wichita, Kansas
It will make all the difference in the world when you get that front suspension back up to snuff. I put new bar links in and also installed a set of Rancho RSX shocks all the way around and body lean is almost nil. It handles I'm sure like it did brand new (if not better).
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
Adding the end links will make a world of a difference. I will be replacing my shocks soon too since they are shot. I am getting a funny vibration and the truck feels tippy. Grr, I almost hate driving it now especially after cruising in the Mustang.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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I replaced it with ford parts last night, it was $52 for a damn bolt!? Im definitely going with aftermarket next time. I assume my other side will snap soon. Anyway, its very easy to do... took me 10 mins once i got the wheel off. thanks.
Posting Guru
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I installed a link with the wheel on, but turned sharply in one direction. I just used a jack to lift the truck's frame slightly, in order to create a large enough gap between the swaybar and the lower A-arm for the bolt to fit into place.
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78bigunns
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
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May 10, 2005 08:29 AM