Stupid Question

2002 Taurus Sedan

Put back struts in this car about a month ago. It has recently deveolped a clunk that can be heard once in a while going over bumps on the rear passenger side. Everything is tight. The back stabilizer bushing on that side I did not replace and it seems the bushing has warn out allowing the stabilizer bar to have play on the shaft (I'm thinking causing this clunk).

So I got a couple new links. Moog brand.

Which way do the bushings go on the link shaft? (top picture or bottom picture). OEM ones came apart like the bottom picture so I'm inclined to put them in that way. But would rather do it once.

And these Moog links, is there a torque to set the torque wrench to when installing them? Or just snug them up?

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9770/1218101908a.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/6899/1218101909a.jpg

From the photos it looks like you have the bushings correct in both pictures. However, the cone washers in the top photo are the correct way to install them. There may be a torque spec somewhere for the aftermarket end links, but generally you tighten them so the rubber bushings just start to compress.

-Rod

Thanks Rod.

Thats the thing, I think they are poly bushings. I dont think I will be able to compress them unless I reef on them, and its only a grade 5 bolt.

I may go exchange them for the lesser expensive ones. These were the premium ones and were only 2.00 more. I may go exchange them for the regular rubber type.

Even as poly you'll be able to see them compress. If not, the anti-sway bar wouldn't be able to move without breaking the bolt.

-Rod

They go together the way of the top picture a lot of techs just tighten them up with the air tool until they stop but this is a bit slopy and the part is less effective so after that tighten them up by hand until the bushings are snug the link shouldn't break as it's pretty durable also it is a one time install so don't worry about getting the bolts off again:grinyes: