Stabilizer bar links and struts.

[olopezm]

Hi guys,

I would like to ask first if I will need a front end alignment after replacing the struts.

I will also be replacing the stabilizer bar links soon, I fell a funny sensation when going over the road crown while switching lanes and feels like a slight wandering. I know ball joints, wheel hubs and front end bushings are all OK, the only worn parts are the bar links which both have a broken upper boot where it meets the strut. Anything else I should look for ot might be causing the problem?.

The struts will be installed at a later time and I know the nuts for the links should be discarded; the new links come with nylock nuts.

My second question is if installing the nuts and removing them within a month (at much) to install the new strus will render them useless. Can I use the old upper nuts with some threadlocker untill I install the new ones along with new struts?

Thanks in advance,

Oscar.

[phil-l]

Yes, you should get an alignment after replacing struts.

I re-used the nuts on the stabilizer link rods after replacing my Windstar struts without problem. In my experience, nylock fasteners can be re-used - and I wouldn't use threadlocker on them.

At 145K+ miles on my '00, I'm noticing the front end isn't as tight as it should be, in spite of struts that shouldn't be worn out quite yet (replaced 4 years ago). The ball joints seems fine - but I believe new ones would help. I plan to replace the Lower Control Arm (LCA) assemblies (as well as struts, outer tie rods and stabilizer links) - which will also result in fresh bushings on the LCA pivot points. I suspect wear on those bushings contributes quite a bit to a loose feel, even if the bushings appear to be OK.

For reference, here are some pics from my strut replacement project. The second picture in the album shows the top of the stabilizer link detached from the strut.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/560513401mTnRfu

[olopezm]

Thanks Phil,

I replaced the links today but couldn't take it for a test drive, tomorrow will be.

The rest of the front end seems to be fine, balljoints are still tight and the LCA bushings look OK for their age, hopefully those new links will improve the handling.

I will get the new struts and rear shocks ASAP; I've done the replacement once on my Pontiac and the procedure doesn't seems to be much different. I appreciate those pictures.

Oscar.