How to Replace Front Sway Bar End Links: 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Summary

To replace front sway bar end links on a 2009 – 2018 Dodge RAM 1500, you’ll need brand-new sway bar end links, penetrating oil, jack stands, and a handful of other tools.
Replacing sway bar end links involves removing the wheels, unscrewing the old links, and installing the bushing and washer.
The exact price of a sway bar link can vary depending on several factors, such as your vehicle’s year, make, and model. On average, however, you can expect to spend anywhere from $10 to $2,570 for a brand-new sway bar link.
Your truck’s engine can still run, but it’s best to avoid driving until you can replace the broken sway bar link. A damaged sway bar link can interfere with your vehicle’s steering and damage other parts of your truck.

Watch this video to learn how to replace the front sway bar end links on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500.

Replacing Front Sway Bar End Links on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY replacement job? Remember that all the parts in this guide can be found on CarParts.com. Check out all the products that fit your vehicle right here.

Parts Checklist

Sway bar end links
Penetrating oil

Tightening Torques

Link-to-control arm nuts: 75 Ft-lbs
Link-to-stabilizer bar nuts: 20 Ft-lbs

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Dodge RAM 1500: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

Hydraulic jack
Jack stands
Wheel lug wrench
Wire brush
18mm wrench
Ratchet
8mm socket
18mm socket
Torque wrench

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Turn off your engine and set the parking brake.

Step 2: Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Step 3: Lift the front of your vehicle using a suitable jack. Refer to the video on “How to jack your RAM 1500 safely” for guidance.

Step 5: Place the vehicle on the jack stands.

Step 6: To change the sway bar end links, remove the wheels for complete access to the suspension system.

Step 7: Don’t forget to put the wheels under the vehicle.

Step 8: You can now see your car’s sway bar end link.

Step 9: The sway bar end link connects the sway bar to the lower control arms to keep the wheels firmly on the ground at all times.

Step 10: The components to be removed are often seized, so use a brush and penetrating oil for easier removal.

Step 11: Using an 18 mm wrench, unscrew the nut on the upper ball joint.

Step 12: Restrict the rotation of the ball joint using a ratchet and an 8 mm socket.

Step 13: If you’ve lifted one side of the vehicle, slightly raise the lower control arm with a jack to compensate for the tension exerted by the sway bar on the end link.

Step 14: Finish unscrewing the nut, remove the washer and bushing, then remove the jack.

Step 15: Repeat the operation on the lower ball joint using a ratchet and an 18mm socket, then remove the link.

Step 16: Fit the new link and unscrew the nuts supplied with it, remove the washer and bushing.

Step 17: Install it in the sway bar, then in the lower control arm.

Step 18: Start by tightening the nut on the lower ball joint until it makes contact. Use an 18 mm wrench to keep the ball joint from rotating.

Step 19: Using the jack, raise the lower control arm so that the upper nut can be installed.

Step 20: Install the bushing and washer, then screw back on the nut until it’s tight. Remove the jack.

Step 21: Tighten the nuts with a torque wrench.

Step 22: Put the wheels back on your vehicle.

Step 23: Lower the car to the ground and block the wheels properly.

Step 24: The operation is now complete.

Compatible Vehicles

The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles:

Important Reminders

The sway bar end link connects the sway bar to the lower control arms to keep the wheels firmly on the ground at all times.
The components to be removed are very often seized up, so don’t hesitate to brush and to use penetrating oil to make removal easier.

How Much Does a Sway Bar Link Cost?

The exact price of a sway bar link can vary depending on several factors, such as your vehicle’s year, make, and model. For example, a 2012 Ram 1500 sway bar link will typically cost somewhere between $10 and $170. On average, however, you can expect to spend anywhere from $10 to $2,570 for a brand-new sway bar link.

Can I Drive My Truck With a Broken Sway Bar Link?

Your truck’s engine can still run, but it’s best to avoid driving until you can replace the broken sway bar link. A damaged sway bar link can interfere with your vehicle’s steering. You’ll notice your truck might understeer or oversteer when cornering.

Furthermore, the broken sway bar is likely to move around under your truck, flopping as you drive and possibly hitting other parts.

Disclaimer:

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