Symptoms of Sway Bar End Link Failure

[The Critic]

I have a 96 SL2 w/117k miles. During a brake inspection at the local tire shop, I told the tech to check my sway bar end links. He went underneath and gave them a good "wiggle" in front of me, and suggested that I replace them as they had a lot of play.

I do hear a "clunk" from the rear end occasionally. Usually, it's creaking and not clunking though. Since I was ordering some parts, I went ahead and ordered a set of Moog sway bar end links.

So, are my aforementioned symptoms actual signs of sway bar end link failure? Is excessive "play" when you wiggle the end link, a sign of failure? Or is there nothing wrong with my end links?

Thanks!

[OnDaGround]

having "play" is a sign that your end links are going if not are bad. They should be replaced. They have a tendency to squeak when they go bad (bushings) but, in the rear, you gotta be more specific. It could be a shock. You should try pushing down on the back of your car and see if you can hear a squeak from either side.

[BarnOwl]

Yep, you'll hear a little creaking or bumping from the back end when you complete a hard stop and rock back. This is an extremely easy repair.

[OnDaGround]

Originally Posted by BarnOwl

This is an extremely easy repair.

its like what... 1 little nut and one bolt per side... and depending on the sways the the links may be connected by bolts but most...(well I dont know about most) have threaded ends. well some vdubs do.

[OnDaGround]

check the bushings too. sometimes those go bad as well. they are the rubber mounts that hold the swaybar in place.

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/st...7/2746_7lo.jpg

thats the bushing. they shouldnt be more than 10-15 bucks... at the dealer.

[The Critic]

Thanks guys!