2001 Windstar Swaybar Links

[JCWindstar]

I replaced the swaybar links (two joints with steel bar inbetween) last year on my 2001 Windstar -- both sides as well as the rubber bushings. Within 9 months of NY City driving the joints are clunking again.

I replaced the originals with ones purchased at AutoZone. SInce they lasted less that 10,000 miles, I do not want to purchase from Autozone again.

What brand(s) would you recommed?

Note that NAPA offers a swaybar link kit, but the warranty is only for 3 months, so not excited about that option.

[catvents]

Originally Posted by JCWindstar

I replaced the swaybar links (two joints with steel bar inbetween) last year on my 2001 Windstar -- both sides as well as the rubber bushings. Within 9 months of NY City driving the joints are clunking again.

I replaced the originals with ones purchased at AutoZone. SInce they lasted less that 10,000 miles, I do not want to purchase from Autozone again.

What brand(s) would you recommed?

Note that NAPA offers a swaybar link kit, but the warranty is only for 3 months, so not excited about that option.

If you want aftermarket,
you can go with Moog. They have grease fitting so you can grease them. Available at Advance Auto Parts.

[lidation]

Oh, so the clunking beneath my '98 GL might be the sway bar link then. It usually happens when I am cornering.

[wiswind]

It could be.....or it could be the bushings at the subframe....where the front suspension connects to the front subframe.....
I have pictures posted.....at the end of my pictures that show another member's repair.......The repair being to weld the bushing mounts to the subframe.
I have a picture of the bushing with the nut in place, and the contributed pictures show the location with the nut removed, and the welds.
This is the big nut that you see when you look under there from the front.....one is right next to the oil filter.
The bushing mount works slightly loose in the subframe......permitting a very slight movement.....which results in the clunk that you hear.
The good news is that it is not falling off the vehicle, just an anoying clunk.....so you have plenty of time to get it fixed.
The bushing at the subframe is a very common clunk source on the Windstar.

For the OEM sway bar links, I used the grease needle on my grease gun to get a SMALL amount of grease into the joint.....which I did at the same time that I did the tie rod ends and lower ball joints.
That is the only way to get grease in there without the grease fittings.
It is not as good as pumping some grease into a grease fitting, but it is better than just letting it wear out.
I have only found that it needs to be done, at most, once in a year.....and ONLY just a small amount of grease.

I think that having a good shop check out the front end, such as a front end alignment, once a year is a great thing to do.

There is a LOT that we can do on our own, but some things are best done by a mechanic, with the proper tools.

Some states have required yearly safety inspections which include an inspection of suspension, as well as the brakes.

Other states do not have this, and it is up to the owner to take the time to have it done.......and it often is overlooked.....unfortunately.....until there is a problem.

I recommend a yearly "safety check", which will include a good shake down of the suspension, and a lot of other things.....to be a very good investment that will pay for its self.

[96wWindstar180K]

As Catvents mentioned Moog is good and I believe they have a life time warranty.