How to tell Your Sway Bar/Swing Arm End Links Are Bad

PROW355 · #1 06-30-2011, 07:48 AM

Can someone help explain how to visually or physically inspect the sway bar/swing arm end links to tell when they have gone bad?

I have been hearing the intermittent knocking when driving over random terrain. I can't seem to find any indicator explaining how to tell the end links have gone bad.

I have lifted the beast and taken off the wheel in which to get to the Control arm, Sway bar/Swing Arm, etc. and I can see that the end links have some cuts in the rubber bushing, but I dont feel any looseness in the Swing Arm/Sway Bar. Do I need to lift both sides of the vehicle in order to release tension thus enabling the ability to feel the true tightness/looseness of the way bar/Swing Arm?

I love this Forum and everyone's advice has been so greatfully appreciated. I have learned so much and still have so much to learn. Thanks in advance.

z168 · #2 06-30-2011, 10:42 AM

If you can swing the end links left to right then its done. When its new or in working order it should be firm

PROW355 · #3 06-30-2011, 10:54 AM

Would you be able to elaborate on this matter. I cant tell if its the struts or the end links. After jacking both sides up and wheels off i couldnt seem to feel any looseness and Im kinda stumped. I took some pics and would like some feedback if you or anyone else have knowledge to share in this matter I would much greatly appreciate it.

Here are the pics of my end links, and they dont seem to be that bad.

I did buy the vehicle with 86,000 miles and am rolling past 111,000 miles now. The struts are kinda old looking as you can see below. So it may just be time for the struts to be replaced.

Any thoughts/advice?
TIA

PROW355 · #4 06-30-2011, 11:06 AM

OK...So if you can turn or twist the end links, than they are bad? I can turn or twist them from left to right. Does this mean they are bad?

gitchies · #5 06-30-2011, 11:17 AM

Be interested to know aswell....i just took my car in, and i kinda think i have to replace those...however, i know mine were replace about 2 years ago....so to replace again?......

PROW355 · #6 06-30-2011, 11:59 AM

Also, there are alot of aftermarket sway bar end links but I'd rather buy OEM, anyone out there try aftermarket sway bar end links?

z168 · #7 06-30-2011, 12:19 PM

Unlike the balljoints and engine support, a good indicator of the condition is how off tangent the rubber is. The end links could sometimes have a perfectly aligned boot but the innards are done. There might be other problems with your suspension but the thud when going over a speed bump is symptomatic of sway bar end links going bad

here is what I meant earlier. If the end links sway fairly easy, then they need to be replaced

PROW355 · #8 06-30-2011, 12:25 PM

And mine do EXACTLY that...Thanks Z168! Great Pic.

z168 · #9 06-30-2011, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PROW355

And mine do EXACTLY that...Thanks Z168! Great Pic.

youre welcome. glad I could help

It doesnt have to be original. Theres really no point upgrading the end links on factory stock sway bars. OEM is fine

TheGodfather · #10 06-30-2011, 03:11 PM

God I love this forum. I went to a BMW specialist Indy yesterday for this exact same problem.

A thread relating to my issue is always miraculously on the front page when I need it.

The owner of the shop (worked at Calgary BMW for 7 years) took it for a ride, and immediately diagnosed it as end links. I complained of a hollow knock on the drivers side almost immediately under the left foot. This occurs when going over speed bumps, dips etc.

75 for the link + 3 hrs labour? Fair?