Suspension
Sway Bar Link
A sway bar link connects the stabilizer bar to the control arm or strut, and a worn one is a common source of clunks. We list 36 links from $11 to $253 for 1972-2017 vehicles, from Moog, Mevotech, Dorman and AC Delco, including many for the Chevrolet Equinox.
Shop sway bar link by vehicle
How sway bar links fail
Each end of a sway bar link has a small ball joint or bushing. Over time, the joints wear loose or the boots tear and let in water and grit. The bar then knocks against the joint every time the suspension moves.
Symptoms include a rattle or clunk over rough roads, especially at low speed, and a loose feeling in turns. You can check a link by grabbing it with the wheel off the ground and feeling for play, or by looking for torn boots.
Front, rear, left or right
Many vehicles use the same link on both sides, but some list a front left and a front right part with different lengths or mounting angles. Rear links are usually separate parts from the front.
Check the Position field and buy links in axle pairs. Some listings are sold as a pair already, and some kits include the sway bar itself, brackets and hardware. Finishes such as powder coat or corrosion resistant coatings help in states with road salt.
Installation tips
Raise the vehicle and support it on stands. Many links use a nut on a ball stud that spins when you loosen it, so you may need to hold the stud with a hex or Torx bit while turning the nut.
Tighten the new links with the suspension at normal ride height if the factory procedure calls for it. That stops the joints from being preloaded at an odd angle. Check the fitment table for your engine and suspension package before ordering.
Sway Bar Link questions
Can I drive with a broken sway bar link?
You can usually drive gently to a repair shop, but body roll increases and the loose link can hit nearby parts. Replace it soon for safe handling in turns and emergency moves.
Do I need an alignment after replacing sway bar links?
No. Sway bar links do not change alignment angles. You only need an alignment if you also replaced tie rods, control arms or other parts that set toe or camber.
Should sway bar links be replaced in pairs?
It is good practice. Both links on an axle have the same age and mileage, and replacing them together keeps the bar balanced and avoids a second repair soon after.