loose stabilizer bar link

[kmlayton]

I own a 2001 Ford Taurus SES. A few months ago I got my wheels aligned and new tires at Big O Tires. At that time, he told me that a link bar was loose. I asked him what it would cost to fix that and he said around 100 - 150 dollars. I should have asked him at the time why it would cost that much, but I didn't know any better. He told me it wasn't that big of a deal so I haven't worried about it much. I do notice it though whenever I hit a bump in the road I can hear it rattling.

I have two questions. My first is, if it is just loose can't I just tighten it with a wrench for free or is there something else I don't know about that accounts for the cost the mechanic mentioned?

Can the stabilizer bar link affect other parts going bad such as rotors/brakes, alignment, etc?

[RickMN]

He means that it's loose, as in worn out. It will not affect your alignment or your brakes. But when it breaks, it will affect how your car handles in turns. It can also make a clunking sound that sounds worse than it actually is. You can pick up a Moog end link kit from www.rockauto.com for about $16 each. This is a DIY job. But to make it easier, pick up a Lisle #34110 stabilzer link removal tool. It's worth every penny. Lisle 34110

I have a post on my blog for end links on Dodge Carvan. Yours is similar.

Rick