Sway bar link

[SHO93OFF]

Ive been having a popping sound when turning, at frst it was every once in a while and only when i turned the wheel completly, now it happenes everytime i turn left or right even slightly, hard braking, and somtimes hitting bumps. At first i suspected the rack but it looks like its in really good condition the boots look pretty new, then i read about the whole crossmember problem and the repair kit soo i figured it was that but when i check the crossmember is fine. What i did find when i was down there is the stabilizer links look pretty bad the rubber on them was torn or seprated i was just wondering if bad stabilizer links would cause this condition

 

[hawkeye18]

In a word: yes. Change them.

 

[Roady94]

- Second opinion. First, if the end links are shot, they should definitely be replaced as hawkeye18 suggests, but I don't see a difinitive diagnosis of the noise yet, and replacing them may not yield the quiet ride you are looking for.

When you checked the Strut Rod Bushings did you take the forward nut off and slide the front bushings away from the cross member? If you didn't, then you haven't checked thoroughly. Mine looked perfect until I took that closer look.

What about the ball joints on the LCA's? These make an obvious popping noise when they are worn, in need of grease, or both.

If the end links are not in need of immediate replacement, you can disconnect them, secure them and the sway bar out of the way, and take a short drive. If the noise is still present, you can narrow your search and then spend your money on the item that needs immediate attention.

- Jay

 

[SHO93OFF]

i havent looked at the strut bushings, and the lca ball joints didnt look terrible but ill give them a double check, iam hoping its the links but iam 0leaning towards the strut bushing since it happens over bumbs and during noise dives during hard braking. If this was the case what kinda job iam i looking at. (weekend mechanic, frontyard, limited tools)

 

[Roady94]

. . . . If this was the case what kinda job iam i looking at. (weekend mechanic, frontyard, limited tools)

- Not a bad job at all. You should be warned that it is one of those jobs that can quickly escalate from bushings to a new Strut Rod, to a new LCA, etc. That's what happened to me. I'm doing a write-up on this but I haven't finished yet.

Do a search for "Cross Member Repair Kit" or "Strut Rod Bushings". A few others here have posted a wealth of knowledge on this subject. Reading their posts is what led me to check my bushings.

- Jay

 

[mastar91169]

I am going to inspect my Strut Rod Cups today and if they are in good enough condition to be welded, then I'll have that done very soon. I just don't see the need to spend $150 for a repair kit if it's not necessary.

I am very interested in this write up because I, along with everyone else, do not wish to replace the strut rod, LAC and other components. Thanks.

 

[SHO93OFF]

well i got a better look and i like i said the stabalizer link looks bad and the ball joint rubber boot on both control arms and broken, the strut rods look ood but will torque them anyway, iam afraid those lca's have to be changed:cry: