Sway Bar Link Replacement - Toyota / Lexus

Here's how to replace a sway bar linkage on a Toyota or Lexus vehicle.
Procedure is similar for other domestic and import vehicles as well.
The stabilizer link ties the strut to the stabilizer bar, which acts as a torsion beam to reduce body roll during cornering. On many older Toyota and Lexus vehicles, a worn stabilizer link is a common cause of rear suspension clunks when you drive over bumps.
The link is connected via a small ball joint and a boot. If the boot is ripped, or after high mileage, dirt and debris can get in and degrade the ball joint, causing it to be loose. While it''s not a direct safety issue if the bar fails, its characteristic clunking will require addressing if you desire sane ride quality.
The ball joint on the sway bar is held by a 14mm nut and a shaft to be held with a hex key. It's common for the hex key hole to strip out, leaving you to either use vise grips to grip the shaft of the ball joint stud while removing the nut or cut the link off altogether.
The replacement stabilizer bar link is made in China for a Canadian company, Mevotech, model MK90345. It will fit Lexus ES300, ES330 and ES350, RX330, RX350, ES300H, RX400H as well as Toyota Camry, Highlander, Avalon, Venza and Solara.
Zerk fittings are included with the link and are to be installed and greased when put into service. Use a lithium or high temperature wheel bearing grease in a grease gun.
The Mevotech stabilizer linkage does not have a hex hole in the stud, instead it uses two nuts to be tightened against each other with wrenches, avoiding the stripping problem of the OEM link units.
Be sure both wheels are off the ground when replacing so no tension is on the stabilizer link or bar.

[@cjsix13]

Dude, right on with the video. Clear, succinct and to the point. Thank you.

[@speedkar99]

+Chris Jones your welcome, short and to the point is my style!

[@edwin.tech8862]

Mine solara is making the same sound, changed out the sway bar bushings and the rear struts, and now i ordered them 555 made in japan.

[@speedkar99]

Good choice

[@xseedlingx]

Awesome, need to do this on my 99 Camry!

[@speedkar99]

+xseedlingx Cool

[@ChiNguyen-wf1qt]

I try this on my 2000 Camry. My sway bar link no fitting for grease and no way I can install the sway bay with my car on the lift I have to lower the car to the ground

[@obiwan922]

after that do we need to get alignment?

[@speedkar99]

Not for stab links

[@paulgore1216]

Great tutorial. Good angles and in focus. Super narration as well.

[@speedkar99]

+Paul Gore thanks Paul

[@76biggdogg]

This guy is the man!! Vise grip or sawzall Always works for those sway bar links . Great tutorial

[@TheStpeteboy]

Keep making car videos! Your videos are great!!

[@speedkar99]

+Yod S Thanks

[@GTOoo]

I ended up needing to grind both kinks out, too. Thought it would be a straight easy job. But it wasn’t too bad. Good tutorial.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@nia6849]

This happened to my car and the mechanic could not figure out why.

[@ミゲルアヤラ]

Same here

[@playedbyear998]

Most of mechanics are just parts swappers, they dont know shit

[@ysosrsss102]

Is the clicking sound when stepping on brakes at low speed because of front links?

[@speedkar99]

No

[@leojohnwayne1422]

Any luck? I noticed a clicking noise when I stepped on the brake . Lexus 3is

[@wsaut]

Just replaced mine today on my 2010 Lexus ES350 following your directions. Luckily mine came off no problem. Also did the bushings while i was at it. Car is quiet as a mouse now. Great video A+++++++

[@speedkar99]

Nice!

[@terrybo5924]

Mice are quiet where you are? Lol

[@scowley86]

Is that a mic over the rear deck. Did you have it connected to headphones or just recording? Just did front links on a 2nd gen CR-V for a friend. Allen holes weren't stripped because Arizona. ;-)

[@speedkar99]

No mic on the rear deck, just the built in camera mic. The clunking was loud!

[@truthseeker1328]

You did a very good job of explaining every step. However right when you took it for a test drive the video cut out. Did it correct the "klunk" noise? Thanks

[@speedkar99]

Yes it fixed it

[@callmebackfriday2]

Does the blue cover need to be stay on? does the blue cover supposed to protect the rubber? Thanks in advance.

[@willpage79]

Do some sway bar link come pre grease or all of them u have to put some?

[@speedkar99]

They come with grease inside

[@counkev]

Hello again, speedkar. I just bought Moog links for my Gen 4 Camry and as I was installing them the top of the front links are very close to the brake lines (about half an inch away, compared to stock an inch and a half or more). And the one in the rear had the bottom zerk fitting very close to the brake/sway bar like in your install at 3:56. Is this tight of a clearance normal? I ended up not installing them as I was afraid it would sheer the zerk fitting off or, more importantly, might bang up against my brake line causing failure. Is this something I need to worry about? Have you had any issues? I know Moog is supposed to be thicker but it seems a bit too tight, though not making contact with anything while jacked up. Thanks

[@speedkar99]

I haven't had issues. It will fit closer but shouldn't be a huge issue.

[@counkev]

@@speedkar99 Thanks as always!

[@axjohn]

I’ve heard you should never use anti seize anytime you have to torque something. I’ve heard it affects the torque reading you get, making the reading inaccurate.

[@speedkar99]

Yep good tip

[@ivanvalentin3898]

Those mevotechs suck. You have to grease your own boots and risk piercing the rubber with your wrench when installing.

[@SK4869]

definitely looks a whole lot better than the old Stabilizer. good job my buddy (▔◡▔)

[@sergedenovo4873]

On my Lexus IS300, the links are connected to the sway bar, not the strut. ...Why is it that every video I watch, everyone has Mevotech parts that come with fittings and mine never do? lol I wonder if it's where people get the parts from. I get mine from RockAuto.

[@speedkar99]

+Rasputin 883 Links will always connect the sway bar to something, either the strut or control arm, or the knuckle itself. It depends what mevotech links you get, if your getting the supreme brand they usually greaseable, the original grade cheaper stuff isn't

[@sergedenovo4873]

I got the MevOtech _Supreme_ line part #MS86815 for 2001 is300 and although the picture on the box shows a link with fitting, mine is sealed. - Same as the upper arm. Conversely man, I called them when my upper arm came sealed and dry and the "support" dude told me "They come pre-greased from the factory but it would be in your interest to add grease". Verbatim. So I made my own grease fitting for the U. Arm. Not going to do that on the links though, cause they're too small. Good video. Thanks. :)

[@samsonn25]

Rasputin 883 because they make the regular line ones and the supreme line has the fittings.

[@raczyk]

I bought some Mystik® JT-6® Hi-Temp Grease #2, can it be used for ball joints a suspension parts? Have one grease gun and want a multi-purpose grease.

[@speedkar99]

+razz P yes this can be used for chassis parts.

[@ashtonwoods]

Good vdo. Do you need to do wheel alignment after Sway Bar particularly Rear one is done ? Was it FWD or AWD ?

[@speedkar99]

No alignment

[@1978DUDLEY]

Great video man! So with the replaced Sway Bar Link... Did you have to get an alignment afterwards?

[@speedkar99]

+Dimitrius Dudley No need for alignment with a sway bar link.

[@Captain_911]

The best auto mechanic in the world. Thanks for the videos sir.

[@Dansk55]

Would you recommend a sealed or serviceable link aftermarket? I've been reading that the serviceable ones aren't as durable even with greasing? My Toyota OEM are sealed and close to 12 years old. T

[@williammoore9277]

The best 'how to' video i've seen in a long time. Thank you so very much 👍

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@KyleJMitchell]

Great work on the procedure and the video as always, but I have a couple of questions. I looked up the part number, and it isn't listed on vendor sites as fitting the '99 Solara 3.0L V6, is this your Solara in the video? And are you supposed to leave the Zerk fittings on after installation is complete? Thanks for the post and for any information you have.

[@speedkar99]

+Kyle Mitchell Thanks. The zerk fittings are left on. This is on my 2005 Lexus ES330.

[@virachai336]

I have a question..i receive a shorter length than oem about an inch different.. Would that make any difference for installation ? Thanks

[@speedkar99]

Yes. You won't get it to install or if you do they're will be too much tension

[@virachai336]

@@speedkar99 oh ok thanks

[@Pube83]

Hi there, I have an ES300 and am about to refurb the entire suspension (well, everything that's worn): KYB struts, lower arms, BJ's, outer tie, sway bushings and end links. I spent more than I wanted to for the KYBs, BJ's, and outer tie rods...so I bought cheap Chinese 2 for $20 end links for the rear, and they're nice and stiff. I bought AC Delco (GM garbage, I know) front end links on Amazon ($15/each) as they seemed to be the only ones with reviews...and they're incredibly loose, virtually no resistance anywhere on both ends. Now, I haven't taken the old ones off yet so I can't compare, but the cheap PartsW links for the rear are very stiff compared to these ACDelco front links. Should I send them back and get something else? I read Beck Arnley is closest to OEM quality for Lexus replacements and I ordered their tie rod ends since it's a steering component. The Beck Arnley front links are $30/each! Should I fork it out?

[@speedkar99]

+Pube83 check out my video on what's inside a ball joint. Links that have metal sintered bearings in them are always initially stiff. Plastic (OEM) style are fairly loose

[@Pube83]

Hey, thanks for the quick reply! Yes, these things are very loose. I looked them over again last night and both ends are completely loose (ie. hold the link in my hand and can move the joints with my thumb) on one of them, and on the other one side is completely loose and one side is somewhat stiff. Neither have vertical play (ball lifting outward from joints). So in your opinion, keep these AC Delco or send them back for something better?

[@KungPowJason]

Hey man thanks for this video. I have a 97 Toyota that has a super rusted bolt and stripped hex holes. Looks like it's time to grind.

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome. Yep gotta grind off those Rusty links

[@GabrielJachim]

Very helpful, good video quality as well. Make more I’ll watch em lol

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. More to come...

[@blu8201]

Hey great video - how long should the sway bar link last? I live in an undeveloped country with a lot of bad roads and one talked to one mechanic and he told me they need to be replaced every four months (because they use $20 cheap parts from China)?! What's like a normal lifetime?

[@speedkar99]

+Blah Blah You have to buy the greasable ones with metal sintered bearings and keep greasing them.

[@icawn]

Finally replaced my OEM links after 17 years lol. They were a lot more rigid than all these Chinese replacements found locally. Wish I had learned about the stronger re-greasable ones earlier.

[@rkgsd]

On my 02 Solara, there's a moaning creaking sound from the rear during any car bounce. Sometimes you can hear it when parked with the weight of someone getting out of the car. It's not loud but it's there. It's not the rear sway bar whose polyethylene parts have already been regreased. Could it be the oem links which now have 200k on them? Noise started around 30k. A dealer ride along tech couldn't identify it (or didn't want to) when it was still under warranty.

[@HongNguyen-my5oq]

Always love your video. I'm replacing my camry 2003 inner and outer tie rod this weekend. Do you have a vid on that?

[@speedkar99]

+Peter Smith Thanks, I do not have a tie rod video yet, mine don't need replacing.

[@sabledrayden3605]

Thx for this video. Im working on my 97 Rav4 and one side of the swaybar linkage came off. I plan on replacing it in the near future.

[@speedkar99]

Glad it helped

[@stevenw2866]

Thanks to you for this video because yesterday I was able to replace easily both rear sway bar links and the sway bar bushings in my Lexus ES 330. Clunking sound gone.

[@evildiesel1709]

i'm having trouble getting the nut on the stabilizer bar loose. i have the allen key in there and the 14mm spanner but for the life of me cannot get it loose. First time changing the shocks too! Didn't get very far, fell at the first hurdle.

[@speedkar99]

+Evil Diesel yep that's always the problem with these end links. If you can't use heat to crack the bolt, you'll have to chop it off with a grinder like I did in this video. Next time use anti seize on the threads so the nut doesn't rust.

[@Laphoot]

@@speedkar99 are you sure the key you were holding was an allen key? coz i'm seeing it's a Torx.

[@dbravebasil]

I have camry ce 2007. Which brand sway bars will be good ? Suggestions requested

[@speedkar99]

+mohd. haziq i recommend Mevotech

[@charlsseal7273]

speedkar99 what about moog, also do you keep the zerk fitting on all the time, and every how often do you need to regress? I have a 99 Avalon with bad suspension!

[@ysosrsss102]

I got these. But mine are pretty loose out of the box. Will they stiffen after you grease them?

[@speedkar99]

No, they should loosen up when you grease them. Tbh if it's loose it's ideal, no friction. What you dont want is axial play, which causes the clunking.

[@ysosrsss102]

@@speedkar99 ok. Thank you. Btw, where is your shop located?

[@gjjcgmail9930]

Great video... How are those Mevotech links working for you? Any better than Moog or ACDelco?

[@speedkar99]

They are doing good

[@oceanpointedistributorscor4051]

@@speedkar99 Thanks!

[@jwiqo2brbskqpfr4428]

You chewed up the mating surface

[@dariog36th]

I hear a lot of clunking over bumps and but there is no clunking if I press the brakes when I go over a bump. what could that be?

[@speedkar99]

+Dario Gomez loose caliper brackets

[@dariog36th]

speedkar99 is that just a case of tightening the caliper or will it be the caliper all together?

[@MrTangolizard]

Dario Gomez sometimes it’s the slider pins in the caliper where they have worn a egg shape hole where there should be a circle

[@TheGivebackmyworld]

Thanks for the video. Just a question, when installing the link, should the wheels be on the ground level or lifted off the ground?

[@josephgarcia3767]

Great video. Would you have the website for the stabilizer link components?

[@nicholaswilliamsart]

Have you had any problems with these parts science you bought them?

[@speedkar99]

+Nicholas Williams Well its only been a week, so not yet. But with that rear noise gone, I can now hear another noise over bumps coming from the front right...

[@nicholaswilliamsart]

speedkar99 okay cool. i went ahead and changed all four of mine. one did end up slipping so i was just curious. i have the exct same solara as you so i really appreciate all your videos, your the go to guy when i need to change stuff out.

[@speedkar99]

Cool thanks. What slipped, the stabilizer linkage stripped? What brand did you use?

[@nicholaswilliamsart]

+speedkar99 same brand you used. yes the stabilizer link stripped i fixed it, this was caused by the lower power steering rubber hose was wore out and spraying all over lubricating it and causing it to strip. i think.

[@VILSONDUSEVIC]

You must remove the blue covers that go over the boots.

[@speedkar99]

Boot protector

[@ScubaCat3]

How's the mevotech link and other parts by them holding up a few years later?

[@speedkar99]

I don't have this car anymore today, but I've heard Mevotech is pretty good

[@ScubaCat3]

@@speedkar99 I was just wondering because I recently installed the mevotech control arms with the ball joint included. I hope they hold up. They seem pretty well made but I guess time will tell.

[@xshadowxec]

@@ScubaCat3 how did it hold up? lol

[@raczyk]

Does it matter if you grease the end links before or after their installation?

[@speedkar99]

+razz P no

[@tiger7419]

can this stabilize end link cause death wobble on a 1998 toyota 4runner?

[@wilsonfinlayson]

Such a joy working on ur car in Canada when summer is over...ur one tough Canuk

[@HFTYKCK]

Do i really have to cut it off when it starts free spinning??

[@CluelessEngineer]

Good wideo. 🚗🚗👍

[@charpruitt6869]

Mines got replaced and still shaking please help

[@speedkar99]

Shaking is due to tire balance

[@thesqaanalyst]

great video with perfect instructions

[@speedkar99]

+theAnalyst thanks I'm glad you enjoy them

[@afara2000]

Excellent video. I will be changing all 4 links on my Toyota soon. Thanks

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome. What links are you going to use?

[@afara2000]

@@speedkar99 I bought 4 new Unity Automative complete struts assemblies and 4 new Mevotech supreme stabilizer links for about $250. Haven't had a chance to install them yet.

[@mikexcanxjerk]

Pirouz Farhani what you made but all 4 links ? I would like to know your reason , what the links actually do with the ride quality ?

[@Ppp-kk6hw]

One of mine won't come off as well. Grinder time

[@speedkar99]

I grinded the front links off on mine last week

[@sunj8286]

change the link can significantly reduce the body roll ?

[@speedkar99]

+jiaxing sun No, for that you need to change the sway bar, which runs across The width of the vehicle.

[@MattJonesYT]

@@speedkar99 Wouldn't it increase body roll if the links were bad?

[@mrsemifixit]

Do those new ones come with grease in them?

[@speedkar99]

Yes

[@melcoeb]

thanks for this, well done video.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@tylerz9291]

Very helpful. Whoever had my ES330 before me put the fronts on SO STINKIN' TIGHT!

[@speedkar99]

They are all on too tight

[@elvatocavron1118]

U could use a 6 mm hexagon wrench

[@speedkar99]

Strips out

[@Charkatak]

Any idea is worn out/old shock can produce thumping noise in the back?

[@xshadowxec]

yes

[@livelife6214]

Its really helpfully how you tall us what tools you using

[@Nikolasto77]

My steering wheel shakes when braking (‘99 ES300) I have new rotors. Can sway links be a cause?

[@speedkar99]

You need to bed in your brakes

[@Nikolasto77]

@@speedkar99 it's been a few months since the brakes and rotors were installed and I commute 50 miles a day for work. They are bedded in. Maybe my front suspension is so worn that it is causing the shaking. I do have 280k miles on my car.

[@mookaala]

Just in time to solve my problem of rear end clunk on my Camry that was annoying me even after replacing the rear struts with Monroe quick struts. Thanks a ton. Love all your videos.

[@speedkar99]

+Manu Lakhaney Thanks

[@ScubaCat3]

+Manu Lakhaney Unfortunately those monroe quick struts like to clunk on their own for no particular reason. Still, though, good to change out the links. The bushings may be worn by now too.

[@mookaala]

+ScubaCat3 yeah I had to change those brand new quick struts twice due to bad mounts. Now changed the end links with moogs. Bushings look ok but I still hear a dull clunk over small bumps from rear right. I don't know what to do next.

[@ScubaCat3]

+Manu Lakhaney The bar wears the hole in the bushings ever-so-slightly-bigger causing that little thump. Try replacing them and see if it goes away. You may be surprised.

[@speedkar99]

Manu Lakhaney Check your strut mounts, they could be banging against the body of the car driving over bumps: www.toyotanation.com/forum/104-5th-6th-generation-2002-2006-2007-2011/555946-diy-gen-6-6-5-rear-clunk-fix-strut-assembly-replacement.html

[@wilescoful]

Thanks. I need to do this to my 99 Camry.

[@speedkar99]

+Danté Smith Fix that annoying clunk :)

[@HashimJavedsofakinggood]

awesome video, very helpful.

[@speedkar99]

Your welcome

[@SC-sz9ms]

Excellent thank you very much

[@All-about-everything]

more lexus / toyota vids!

[@speedkar99]

Sure...I have a Toyota 3SGE engine and a Camry transmission sitting here before teardown

[@AliShaarawi]

Nice Work :)

[@asaadluaibi2111]

great work

[@samsonn25]

good job

[@speedkar99]

+Sam Sonn why thank you

[@sergedenovo4873]

See now, you use antiseize and others use loktite.

[@speedkar99]

+Rasputin 883 yep, I'd rather have bolts come loose than be rusted tight

[@sergedenovo4873]

Dude, I don't know... The way I look at it is, would it be more inconvenient for me to struggle getting off a seized bolt in the comfort of my garage, - with all my tools at my disposal - or having my suspension/steering come apart on the expressway, while I'm going 70 mph. You know what I mean? :)

[@ehonda2718]

You’re*

[@jesbsnrn]

awesome

[@speedkar99]

+jesbsnrn it sure is 😊

[@gjjcgmail9930]

How is that brand Mevotec working for you so far?

[@speedkar99]

Going great!

[@DavidHernandez-ue4fz]

@@speedkar99 what happens if don't put the grease on it?

[@harryballz6358]

MOOG versions are stout.

[@speedkar99]

+Harry Balls Great