Chevy Impala : Replace Broken Sway Bar

[@drbichat5229]

Seems an easy DIY job. Can’t believe GM engineers have not found a way to make it more complicated yet

[@Krugworth]

Others might have said it before, but an alternative way to do this that is useful if you don't have a lift is to put the front of the car on stands, remove both front wheels, disconnect the outer tie rods from the knuckles (to allow the sway bar to rotate freely), and then you can remove the sway bar by removing the end links and bushings and then twisting and pulling the bar out from one side. The new one can be installed by doing this process in reverse, and you shouldn't throw off your alignment or anything.

[@Klwjjj]

This method does work but it only can come out the passenger side; the brake lines are in the way on the drivers side. I got to do mine next week -

[@ryangray65]

Thanks for the video! I used it to help me change out a broken sway bar this afternoon on my 2001 Impala. For anyone else wanting to do this, I was able to do it in my house garage using car stands and jacks.

[@mikebarnes3238]

Eric- this video with your commentary was extremely helpful. I did my 07 last weekend in about 1.5 hours. I used a sawsall to cut the links. Thanks again for another great video.

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Man I almost missed todays episode of South Main Auto ! It was a simple fix , but sure helps pay the bills ! Keep them coming ! Thanks again Eric..

[@SouthMainAuto]

***** Oh yeah they all count for sure

[@mikechiodetti6737]

I am really impressed at that aluminum subframe cradle for the powertrain/suspension! That really looks great! Good job, Great Video!

[@workinbootsproductions5008]

Great video! Mine just broke today. I’ll be lying on the ground, replacing it this weekend!

[@gregorland1697]

I have a 2002 Impala LS. I am replacing the drivers CV axle. I also am replacing both lower control arms as they are severely rusted. I noticed the drivers side sway bar end had the separation. I thought it was made that way and was going to reinstall it. When I opened the sway bar link kit I got from Advanced Auto it did not have the plastic spacer. I tried to get the old plastic spacer off the old sway bar link but it was rusted on it and broke trying to rescue it. So now I am going to replace the complete sway bar as it should come with the plastic sway bar spacers like yours had. Great video thanks. I am also replacing the upper strut bearings. Scotty Kilmer says the $100 replacement McPherson struts change the ride and ride height of the car because the coil spring is thicker. Mine are rusty but not leaking.

[@gregp05]

Had a long day at the toyota shop i work at, but still watch ur videos haha. Keep up the great videos.

[@SouthMainAuto]

***** I know that feeling. We can't get enough haha

[@williamdjerf6291]

Good video, I can see the your personality relaxes the installer, especially when you say, "If I can do it, you can do it!". completed the job with this video. What was GM/Chevy thinking, hollow sway bars??? This should have been a safety recall. Anyway, thank-you!

[@mjjones8757]

comments from mj this video was extremly helpful. the young man explained the installation very well thanks

[@Big_AlMC]

Comments from who?

[@supercoupe6288]

I've welded a few of those sway bars, haven't had a come back yet, knock on wood, but as easy as you showed it, think I'll start doing the sway bar replacement.

[@SouthMainAuto]

super coupe Yeah they are a piece of cake really

[@JordashGenes]

You videos give a great outward in ward perspective. Some if these guys just shoot from right up on the piece. And it's hard to get the full picture at first when witnessing this. Great work. 👌

[@matthewrizer6542]

Thank you so much for the video buddy. My wife's sway bar links looked like someone cut them with a hacksaw. Your video helped me tremendously !

[@TheSavageGarage]

I enjoy running gear/suspension repair videos, good job!

[@corkyc6015]

Excellent video. Simple job, but you narrate and perform the task so methodically it's great to watch. Same prob on my sons Intrigue - cracked on top by the link. I just left it alone and monitor it each time he comes into town for food and laundry!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Corky C Haha... wait you have free food and laundry service there... what is that address?

[@heyitschinoable]

+South Main Auto Repair Lmao

[@nicknicu1787]

Great video Dr O! Thank you. Impala is my dream car since I was a kid! Lol! Have a great weekend!

[@michaels9657]

Nick Nicu 1500 dollor dream.

[@JeffHazardous]

Did this a few months ago on my dads 2004 Pontiac Montana. I think this may even be the same part number, we didn't have to drop the sub frame, we were able to easily unbolt and slide it out with the tire off. Good video, kind of cool to see something I have done, always thought about making videos of the repairs I do, just don't have the mind set for it, I would just prefer to get the job done lol.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Jeff Dooley Bust out a camera, it is fun really :)

[@jshhager07]

I usually do them with the wheels off and use an air ratchet then take it out pass side. seems easy to me but your way is pretty simple as well. great videos!

[@mrbreezeet1]

@ Josh Hager Do you usually drop the sub frame too?

[@jshhager07]

@@mrbreezeet1 yes sir just the back two bolts

[@drivewaygarage1561]

Thanks for the video, I just bought a 2004 Chevy impala and my buddy and he hit a curb and bent the rim and snapped the sway bar so now I'm going to replace it and this is helpful

[@whoami7566]

Just changed mine last night and was able to get it out the passenger side by popping off the tirod end. No lowering subframe so I got lucky I guess. Thanks for the video man as it helped me thru my process

[@ukraineupdates9380]

I guess if you were able to get it out the new one was easy enough to put back in the same way? just welded the one on my gf 2001 impala, they are hollow but it's pretty thick steel so it welded okay. Going to order one from rock auto and do it when I do the tie rods and I was thinking I could probably get it in there without dropping the subframe. Taking it out would be no problem just cut the bent arms off but if I have to lower it to get it back in then that's pointless.

[@DarthTaiter79]

Just had a sway bar link go out on my 2001 Impala. Checking out videos to see just what it is. Thanks!

[@matthewmolitor4287]

Great video just did this fix and its is just as easy as he made it look. I dont have a lift so it did take a little longer than the 15min video, it is just this easy. Thanks for the video.

[@jdhitc]

So how did you do it with out a torch

[@Rickm2003]

Want to say thank you! Watched this video before i did one. This was a video guide. Thanks!!

[@marklalonde5329]

Exactly what I needed to see and know! Great job!! I like the explanations and tips and tricks for the driveway mechanics such as myself.

[@waynechristner9225]

2004 Impala's were good cars. My wife's 3.8 LS has over 410,000 miles and goes 500 miles or more every week. My 3.4 base has 286,000 and going strong.

[@ccgrider1014]

Hollow GM sway bar for lighter weight and better fuel economy!!! I hope my new doerman doesn't hurt my gas mileage! Thanks for the vid

[@ahill007ny]

Excellent video!!! Nice drill!!! Seeing you and Fordtech using those Milwaukee Tools, is making me want them more and more each day!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Stanley Hill I can vouch for them

[@shaun27ful]

Great video as usual. I learnt one thing from it. You call them sway bars over here we call them anti roll bars.

[@SouthMainAuto]

shaun pi Yep they stop the rollin and the swayin :)

[@johnbraeking607]

I always called them anti-sway bars since they don’t induce more roll. ;)

[@johnzzy552]

I feel lucky living in Texas since we rarely use salt on our roads. Loved the video

[@SouthMainAuto]

johnzzy552 I wouldn't know what to do

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

South Main Auto Repair Trust me. Plenty brakes in less rusty areas. :)

[@brianlucas1466]

thanks for another great video that same problem just happened to my 2008impala and seeing how easy it is now it going be a DIY project.

[@donking1554]

I pulled the sway bar out from the passenger side after dropping the control arm. I found a video on this and since I am a true DIY I would suggest trying it.

[@wesleybrabant3595]

Great video..I just changed out my sway bar and links which I purchased it off Amazon . I also lowered my cradle. Like you said easy job.

[@brianlucas1466]

like that straight to the job and get it done but another is why parts like and ball joints, tire rod etc. that don't have any grease fittings on them so u don't know how much grease in there but you'll c when they brake and thank you for the video

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

You made that look easy. I didn't know you could pivot the subframe like that to do something. That's really cool.

[@matthewmolitor4287]

I just did this fix and it's as easy as it looks. Used a jack and two jack stands.

[@chuckroast5735]

If you dont have a lift. Put the front end up on jack stands, remove both front wheels, remove all hardware, (links and rubber hold down brackets). Turn front wheels to the far left. Jack up driver side wheel with jack under the brake roter. Slide the bar out between the driver side tie rod end and lower control arm. Cutting the passenger side bend off the old bar makes it a breeze. Slide in the new bar in the same way. The new after-market bar had been reconfigured and slides in very easily. Replace hardware and wheels.

[@morsecodereviews1553]

"Pretty Simple Job" lol yea when you have a lift, a support, compact electric impact gun, and years of experience. What about this guy doing it in the gravel, mud and blood 2 jack stands, a floor jack and a smattering of tools =)

[@BANANAHAMMER420]

@@briancavanaugh4406 absolutely same here....past few years I've been doing my own work on my Impala and my girls Camry. I've had to buy a bunch of tools and what not but in the long run still saving money and learning....I'm not rebuilding engines or transmissions or tunning but done this,replaced front lower control arms,brakes,rear upper and lower trailing arms and controls arms, radiator,water pump....can be a bit frustrating sometimes but satisfying when you diy😎👍

[@ryanchenier-poulin8570]

Easy peasey

[@evildeaddrew]

How long did it take from the ground?

[@morsecodereviews1553]

I never got around to it, my poor Imapala blew her head gasket 😑 RIP 2002-2018

[@ukraineupdates9380]

@@morsecodereviews1553 the 8th gen impalas are known to have bad head gaskets in the 2000-2004 years, they break down over time and all will go eventually. The 2005 impala is the best year of 8th gen they changed the head gasket to one that lasts for that year. So if you are looking to get another one of that gen either get a 2005 or plan on doing the head gasket at some point. I have an 2001 that my girlfriends grandpa bought new and it's going strong at 183000 miles, we both love it they are good cars.

[@1982JOEC]

Love all your videos!!...Im a new subscriber and an auto tech. as well. I replaced a few sway bars on the Impalas and I do it the same way you do I think that has to be the easiest way!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Joe Caraluzzo Thanks and welcome aboard :)

[@ZJIGGA]

Excellent video! Thanks for posting! The underside of my 07 impala looks just like that since I live in MI.

[@normansmith7806]

Great video. Seen a few of the Impala with sway bar problems on the Police packages. ( No rust) See you have gone Milwaukee, great impacts !

[@SouthMainAuto]

***** My friend loaned me those to try... must say... prettttyyyy nice :)

[@barrypizzdoff5579]

I wish I had a mechanic like you around me.

[@rickuyeda4818]

Wow! My original '65 Chevy Biscayne still had the original sway bar. However, I bought a kit from Hotckis and replaced the front sway with a bigger one. For the rear, I added their boxed trailing arms, upper and lower and added a sway bar. What a difference in handling. I think your salted roads do a number on your chassis's.

[@Bespn008]

Best video ever getting mine done in the morning

[@LAnonHubbard]

Learning lots from your videos. Thanks Eric.

[@helivesonforever]

3:55 I was thinking you would grunt really loud Scotty Kilmer style!

[@SouthMainAuto]

***Classified*** Next time

[@hotwheel6663]

Rev up Your Engines!

[@dave_yeg3898]

I always hope I can learn new cuss words for when I'm working on cars.

[@Brian-iz9sh]

Chevy Chystler is owned by Fiat. Three wrongs don’t make a right. Those things are endless moneypits. Cheap plastic engines...

[@zackconklin6521]

Simple job I did my rack and pinion in the garage with a floor and jack stands... Just need a little come sense and you can save hundreds if not thousands in labor...

[@steve0l]

Yeah, same here. On my 07 Chevy Impala, it was not a fun job. Oh and did I also forget to mention I have replaced every single suspension part, Breaking part, such as all calipers rotors and pads, all wheel bearings, all 4 struts, ( fronts twice) thats what i get for replacing them with crappy cheap Detroit Axle junk, just 3 months later the started leaking,inner and outer tie rod, lower control arms with ball joint, spark plugs, map sensor, mass air flow sensor, ignition coil pack, fuel injectors, air intake plenum, the flex pipe from the manifold to the cat, cabin filter, air filter, power steering pump, both power steering line, both transmission lines, a full transmission fluid drain and replacement with Filter, the oil filter gasket housing thing I can't remember exactly what it's called, sway bar end links twice. That's what I get for buying really cheap sway bar end links. Both CV axles, the steering wheel clock spring. Honestly I think a few more part I just can't think of all off the top of my head. I just hit 190,000 miles on that car and I still do have a few minor repairs, such as the three separate actuated mowers for the air conditioner, air adjustment thing, from switching it to window defrost to front vents. Surprisingly that motor is still very solid. Although it does leak a little bit of oil with Adele cover gaskets which I still have to replace.

[@Loribethdi]

Thanks once again! Just waiting for my parts so I can get started!

[@snw56]

Don't see a lot of this problem in the South. Bushings tend to wear out before the sway bar gives way.

[@michaelstair8658]

Wow, It's great to have the tools.

[@tboy160]

I saw another video where they detached something with the steering, they said they needed to before lowering the subframe?

[@mrbreezeet1]

01 Grand Prix...... I hit my wheel, bent control arm and inner tie rod end. Got the inner tie rod end on, and lower control arm on. I'm trying to install the sway bar link, and the sway bar is too close to the lower control arm to get my sway bar link bushings in place. I started to loosen the two bolts holding the sway bar itself to the sub frame but the front one (of course, the hardest one to get at) Is fighting me the whole way out. I wasn't going to replace the sway bar link on the other side at this time. But do you think I need to cut the sway bar link off of the other side so the sway bar will swing up enough to install the 1st. side?

[@ChristSavesUs]

My 2000 impala did the same thing. I replaced mine also. 👍

[@ladavidlee564]

i was changing my breaks on a 2001 buick regal and on my passenger side i saw that the sway bar was completely disconnected from the link. Can i use the same method on my car? My first time working on cars and your videos are very informative. thanks for the help.

[@MattMolecule]

Great video man. If only I had a lift lol

[@tsistrun]

Do you happen to know how many subframe bushings total are on a 2006 chevrolet impala ls?

[@SteveRobReviews]

You make it look so easy Eric but on the ground that job is way more than 15 min :) When I worked at the parts store we rarely sold sway bars on impalas and most were cabs. I wonder if your area has a lot of rough dirt roads or lots of pot holes. I do think a lot of your repairs are geographical in nature which is a good thing for you. I wonder if garages in Arizona are as busy as you are except for AC repairs. I have two friends up here working at Ford and Gm dealerships and their both very slow and my closest independent is slowly going out of business because of the lack of work. Over all compared to 30 years ago the cars today are built far better , require less maintenance and last so much longer. Even a Dodge Ha. 👍

[@satamanschmidt3428]

Steve Rob All true Steve except here in Arizona cars last forever as they don't rust so there is far more replacement of engines and transmissions than there is in the Northeast since there the bodies are gone long before the drivetrain is. Out here the bodies of the cars last long enough that just about everything subject to normal wear and tear that needs to be replaced already has been before the car needs to be scrapped. Good shops are always busy and bad shops aren't. Eric O. would be busy in the middle of the desert. Others less skilled not so much.

[@SteveRobReviews]

SATAMAN Schmidt Good morning Denis. If Eric came up to Canada and kept his rates the same he'd have a hard time and thats the problem at least up here, the imput cost for a garage up here is so much more than in America. Average hourly charge where i am is $85-95 for a independent and $120-130 for a OEM plus a 13% sales tax on top. The problem up here is so many underground garages that are a result of the high cost of going to a legit garage. I guess this is all over but to be a successful indepentant garage owner like Eric is not the norm as i see more and more close down. SMA is a gem for sure.

[@BigMac2222]

Steve Rob That's actually cheaper than where I live in the States. Seems to me Eric has the right abilities to narrow his customers' problem down to a single root cause, unlike some that throw the whole book at the car and cross their fingers when they fire it up. My customers think I'm a magician with a test light, they're happy enough to pay me that I almost feel bad.

[@SteveRobReviews]

Derrick Hodges Thats interesting . As you well know a lot of shops are parts changers and not even good at that:) but reality is that's how a lot of shops make a living. I always heard the saying an honest mechanic was a broke mechanic , not always true but we've all had experiences either way. Running a garage is so much more than doing repairs . Ha and making KZbin vids on top , just incredible.

[@BigMac2222]

Yeah, lots of guys out there think they are fixing cars. Unfortunately thinking and knowing aren't the same thing. : )

[@arcdraw]

You make it look easy, Eric. BTW I saw that you got a new red toy :)

[@SouthMainAuto]

arcdraw Haha good eye :)

[@blainemcdonald6972]

Most if not all of us back yard mechanics work on our backs with the vehicle on stands😊

[@RetroPCUser]

Waiting for FedEx to deliver my front assembly since mine is out of commission along with the front controller arms, rear strut assemblies, rear bushings, and links for my 2001 Intrigue. I have most of the parts to do my suspension, yet the front sway bar assembly isn't here yet.

[@mrbreezeet1]

I wasn't sure, so you say that you don't have to worry about loosening the steering shaft from the rack when you drop the sub frame? Is that a slip joint of some sort at the steering shaft?

[@joshuakearney426]

Actually, you can just take off the tie rod if you don't wanna lower the subframe, and pull if out from the passenger side.

[@DJDevon3]

Never heard of the bushing bracket being referred to as saddles. I like that term it makes a lot of sense but now I see a little horse under them in my mind. That's cute.

[@SouthMainAuto]

***** If the camera was off I'd actually make little horse sounds and prance around the shop with one haha.

[@RealCadde]

South Main Auto Repair But then your boss would tell you to stop horsing around?

[@SouthMainAuto]

Cadde I wouldn't listen

[@johnscott9347]

Somebody said you have to watch out for the power steering when you’re lowered it I can pull out or I can break is there any truth to that

[@Gideon_Judges6]

wow that's crazy. always though sway bars were solid steel. When I read the title I figured maybe only the end link broke because GM used to use cheap plastic end links on some cars

[@SouthMainAuto]

a lot of them are hollow

[@nicholasmenasian1142]

Yes I had a 2009 aveo and a hhr and a 2015 Malibu now a 2017 Malibu and they where all hollow car's you felt every bump on the road and felt loose yes even the 2017 Malibu but now a can't afford another one for a while it won't be a GM car or any of their products

[@langent4653]

Don't you have to loosen the pinch bolt on the steering column to rack connection so it doesn't stress the steering column? A shop just replaced mine and now the steering is very stiff. They think its the steering column. Its got 31k original miles so I think they screwed something up... Any ideas? Thanks.....

[@michaelspeakman8924]

The Buick century's have the same problem and they put a solid or across there. Anti-sway bar. Is a failure being hollow. Stuck a solid one backup in mind from GM.

[@pskinny36]

2015 Chevy impala 3.6 v6. I need sway bar install, took old one off. The shop said its $1000 labor to install. Does that sound right?

[@chiefx111]

South Main Auto Repair seems like your always using a impact tool. I bet it makes life so much easier removing things like bolts and stuff. Why do you use different ones thought out repairs instead of just one? Always wondered that.

[@SouthMainAuto]

well... not really sure. I guess i just use what ever is the handiest .

[@biznizbrothersinc420]

Absolutely great work! Thank u for this video!

[@xelism86]

started the project at home and having a had time with one of the crane screws other one came out with some pressure but cannot get the other one off ..any ideas for a guy with no power or air tools...

[@ChiTownGuerrilla]

What did you charge for this job? Cause my brothers sway bar is bent on the same car. Please answer

[@Patrick-lq1yi]

I got to do mine got a driveway so I'll be on the ground but I'll do it just not sure where to put jackstands

[@chevyracer5091]

ZZP performers Has great Price its where i got mine at. They have a bar that is solid on the ends. No i don't work there Just got great deals everyone should no about!

[@RaulSantos-c6h]

Can you make a video on how to replace the bushings on a sway bar for a G6? I know how to the swaybar link it the sway bar ones that seem to be a pain. If you do, thank you in advance

[@silkytp789]

Thanks for this video.. Sway bar on the 02 impala just broke.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Silky Tp Good timing

[@Mr_Meowingtons]

Do you need to do any thing about the steering shaft? is there enough play in it to lower it?????

[@BIG_GAME_WAYNE]

Thanks for the video homie. My first sway bar swap. 🎆🎇🎆

[@Rhuffman93185]

thanks for the vid, saved myself $300 (or more) dollars doing it myself

[@547Rick]

Nice video! Thanks for sharing! Is that a new battery operated impact wrench?

[@SouthMainAuto]

Rick Anderson Sure is

[@ChevyBuddy]

Hey there! Great Video as usual. Let me ask you a question though - What do you think of those 9th Gen Impalas. Do they come in a lot? If so what kinda work is the most common that you need to do on these. Thanks and keep up the great job.

[@SouthMainAuto]

***** I work on so much stuff I don't go buy 1st 2nd 10th gen or any of that fancy stuff. Give me a year range and engine type and I can tell ya what I see come and go...

[@ChevyBuddy]

South Main Auto Repair Sure. I was speaking of the 2006-2009 Impalas with the 3.9 V6 or even the SS with the 5.3 V8. Thanks in advance for your answer!

[@SouthMainAuto]

You know I tell ya , ya see them come in for the wheel bearings, brakes, tie rods, blower resistors, sway bar links, etc. (typical GM stuff IMO) I feel the engines are pretty solid really. I do a fail amount of A.I.R. diverter valves but that is about all I can think of in the moment.

[@innojay7]

What size are the bolts on the subframe would the size be the same for a 07 impala LTZ?

[@jewllake]

If I want to replace the intermediate steering shaft in my 06 monte carlo - would it be best to drop the sub frame a bit?

[@donaldrickett2450]

How long dose it take to do each one when everything you just used bc I have all that. And you made it look so easy.

[@domowalker1679]

Curious to know if the same setup if for an 2008 Malibu. I’m pretty confident I could change one out.

[@brucesinclair7801]

Thanks very much! Excellent video!

[@jim52970]

Great "to the point" how to video!

[@dannyhenson6532]

thank u for that log it was a good one cant wait for the next one

[@143Chippy143]

I just did mine with the same kit you installed and I have a very bad creaking now !! Any ideas how to resolve ?

[@dcrickerson9775]

Nice find and fix. Nice video.

[@SouthMainAuto]

DC Rickerson Thanks

[@morsecodereviews1553]

4:06 Pretty easy job...yea when you got a lift and all the tools you need at your fingertips =) Anywho, I've been driving around without those links and a busted sway bar for lord knows how long cuz the only time I attempted this I thought you had to come in from the tire. I was pretty sure you had to remove the knuckle from the suspension, anywho after all that nonsense and finally getting the link off the passenger side, it kept spinning, to find out the driver's side not only had none but the dang sway bar was broke too. I only bought new links so I said forget about it, I'm done. Well, now I know better. What really makes this a huge pain for me is setting up a bunch of plywood in my gravel driveway for my jack and jack stands.

[@tymelhamilton4195]

Can I put the car on ramps then loosen subframe?

[@AlLuchik-du6nb]

How far can you drop the subframe before you have an issue with the steering link

[@russellseitz6314]

After putting a sway bar in on a 2008 Chevy Impala do you need to get a front end alignment?

[@RetroPCUser]

Yes. Any suspension or steering component replaced, such as the sway bar, you always need an alignment.

[@fitzmeister5992]

As usual, a well done video.

[@emitt1]

Fine job, my friend.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Stephen Malone Thanks Steve

[@sethlee8055]

Did you have to relieve the pinch bolt before lowering sub frame?

[@TJHawk88]

I was thinking the same thing. The steering rack is mounted to the subframe. Any time you lower the subframe you really should disconnect the pinch bolt from the steering rack input shaft.

[@davey11ify]

How did you lower the square frame, we had to use a pry bar on my car.

[@Cowboy24BC]

What bottom ends do you use on your air tools that pivot and twist so easy? Thanks

[@SouthMainAuto]

Zach Wilson Just mac tools air hose swivels

[@kurtkennedy5370]

Is that rack leaking too?! on the bottom of that right boot it looks wet.

[@ferncole1418]

Will this technique work for the 2012 chev malibu also ??

[@blainemcdonald6972]

Good idea to use safety glasses 😮