DIY: BMW E39 Rear Sway Bar Link Replacement

8.5K views on YouTube

Car Repair

Video tutorial on how to replace a sway bar link. Failing sway bar links can cause various problems such as squeaking, knocking, and if completely broken, decrease handling performance. For this vehicle, they have failed completely. Depending on the vehicle, sometimes they can be replaced with the vehicle on ramps. If you are working with the front, they can be replaced with simply turned the wheel to one side and accessing it through the fender well opening. Other times such as this vehicle, it will need to be safely elevated and have the wheel removed. Install an axle stand as well. This particular vehicle I am working with here today is a 1997 BMW 540i.

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Tools/Supplies Needed:
-wrenches
-ratchet with socket set
-breaker bar
-new replacement sway bar links
-jack
-axle stands
-penetrating oil
-wire brush

Procedure:
-access the sway bar link accordingly whether the vehicle can be left on the ground, driven on ramps, or elevated using a jack
-when elevating one side of the vehicle, there is tension on the sway bar and end link
-in order to remove the tension, here I have blocked up the underside of the lower control arm, then will be lowering the jack which will bring the control arm back up
-if you are removing a connected end link, this will also need to be done as it makes it easier for removal and will prevent the sway bar from spring back
-you may need to clean up the threads with a wire brush and apply a little penetrating oil
-sway bar links are usually equipped with some type of locking nut, these one has a stover lock nut, so there will be resistance when removing it
-for the sway bar side, I am able to use a ratchet with a 16mm socket on the nut portion, to lock the threaded portion, it has a spot for a 16mm wrench
-some other designs of sway bar links will need a wrench on the nut and an allen wrench or torx driver at the tip of the threaded portion
-remove the control arm side now
-considering it’s a tight space, I will need to use two 16mm wrenches instead
-sometimes you may find there is a washer installed in the assembly, so take note of the location and a new one should be supplied with the new link
-pair up the links and ensure they are the same length
-make sure the mounting surfaces are clean.
-install the replacement link
-you may find you will need to adjust the ball joint so the threaded portions will align with the holes
-then install the nuts so the link stays in place
-finally tighten everything down
-considering the wrench does have a wider jaw, this may or may not push the rubber boot off the link’s ball joint
-if it does this, push it back into place, otherwise dirt can get inside and cause premature failure
-ensure everything is tight
-while we’re here, it’s also a good time to check any other suspension parts which may need to be addressed

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