Broken stabilizer bar

[fdunford]

While changing oil I see that the stabilizer bar is broken - completly in two - on the driver side, just past the bracket. Totally unbelievable if you ask me! I did a title search on 'stabilizer bar' and found no windstar hits so I guess this is a freak thing.

I'm looking at replacing it and the only problem I see is getting the stabilizer bar brackets off due to clearence issues (one bracket on either side).

It appears that I need to remove the big nut/bolt that holds the engine/trans frame to the main body frame. Is this the way to go? Any other suggestions?

[wiswind]

I have no experience with this...but this may be helpful.
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d801d3d19.jsp

If the link does not work, go to www.autozone.com
Then select "vehicle repair guides"
Then select your year.
Then select "FORD TRUCKS"
Then Windstar
Then front suspension.
It seems that they may be sometimes calling the front stabilizer bar, the "sway bar".

[fdunford]

Thanks but I already have that bookmarked.

[catvents]

Originally Posted by fdunford

While changing oil I see that the stabilizer bar is broken - completly in two - on the driver side, just past the bracket. Totally unbelievable if you ask me! I did a title search on 'stabilizer bar' and found no windstar hits so I guess this is a freak thing.

I'm looking at replacing it and the only problem I see is getting the stabilizer bar brackets off due to clearence issues (one bracket on either side).

It appears that I need to remove the big nut/bolt that holds the engine/trans frame to the main body frame. Is this the way to go? Any other suggestions?

You have to remove these bolts, lift and support the assembly, until you clear the stabilizer bolts brackets. While you change the bar, replace the stabilizer bar bushings and if you can, install those sold by Ford ( I have installed some from aftermarket and they were good for carbage after less then 1 year). Pay attention also, to the stabiliser
link on each side ( connect the bar to the strut on each side) if you feel any loose on the joint, replace them.

[lidation]

Whow! a broken sway bar? Did you corner your van really hard? But maybe your van hit something from beneath and it end up being 2 pieces? I hope it's not due to cheap parts that Ford uses.

[96wWindstar180K]

I had my sway bar go bad and found that the old one was hollow. I couldnt believe it. I replaced it with a Moog (brand name) Im almost sure its solid and has a life time warranty.

[fdunford]

Originally Posted by lidation

Whow! a broken sway bar? Did you corner your van really hard? But maybe your van hit something from beneath and it end up being 2 pieces? I hope it's not due to cheap parts that Ford uses.

Nope, we hit nothing. The darn thing simply rusted in two. It looks like it was hollow on the inside by design (I'd say the inner 1/3rd was hollow - yikes).

I went with a dealer part for $65 (I didint know Moog was available) and also went with new bushings.

Dropping the sub-frame was the way to get the bar off. I didn't do the work myself myself because I was told it is hard to realign the subframe bolts. It was 0.9 hrs laber and cost $63.00 (not too bad really).