Can you replace just the bushings on a sway bar link?
When sway bar link bushings fall apart, drivers are left wondering if they can swap just the rotten bushings or if they need to replace the entire link assembly. Driving with a completely detached link makes it unclear if the vehicle is safe for local trips or how difficult the repair will be to tackle.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Replacing the entire sway bar link part rather than attempting to change out individual bushings.
- 2Avoiding taking turns at high speed
- 3Waiting for parts to ship from cheaper online retailers like RockAuto instead of buying locally
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“You can see the lower bushings fell off in the last couple of days.”source ↗
“Is this thing safe to drive around town?”source ↗
“Can the bushings be replaced?”source ↗
“If the whole thing needs replaced do you have any recommendations on the brand?”source ↗
“Not sure if this post is against the rules, but is this supposed to be attached to something?”source ↗
“It isn't attached on either side and I can just move the entire thing up and down. Probably gonna get a ride to get some parts before I put tires back on. Or is this going to be a big job? I haven't looked it up yet so I don't know.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 4Finding a mechanic to rebuild struts instead of quick struts
- 5Finding individual brake parts for an older car
- 2Mechanic refused to fix rusted control arm and subframe
- 3Control arm won't line up or fit during installation
- 2Replacement CV axle won't fit or fully seat
- 3How to replace a rotted section of a support beam