They transmit torsional forces occurring between the body and the chassis to the stabilizer of the particular axle. Depending on the design of the front or rear axle, they form the necessary connection for optimal interplay between wheel guidance and stabilizer. The body roll of the vehicle during cornering is minimized, ensuring safe roadholding.

Defective stabilizer link? The symptoms

New stabilizer links

While driving, the following signs may indicate a faulty stabilizer link:

  • Rattling and thumping noises on rough roads
  • Imprecise vehicle handling
  • Stronger inclination of the vehicle during cornering

If the stabilizer link is found to be defective, it should be replaced as described below.

Note: The pictures used in this practical tip and the procedure described for changing the stabilizer link on a Mercedes Benz C220 (S204) are examples and may vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer and axle design.

How-to-guide

Step 1
Spray fastening nut
  • Raise vehicle and remove front wheels.
  • Tip: Always check both stabilizer links and replace them in pairs if necessary.
  • Spray fastening nuts of the stabilizer link with rust remover and let act for a few minutes.
Loosen fastening nut at stabilizer and remove it.
  • Loosen the lower fastening nut of the stabilizer link at the stabilizer and remove.
  • Tip: If the ball stud also starts to turn, hold it with a suitable tool.
  • Press stabilizer link out of torsion bar.
Loosen fastening nut at suspension strut and remove it.
  • Loosen the upper fastening nut of the stabilizer link at the suspension strut and remove it.
  • Tip: If the ball stud also starts to turn, hold it with a suitable tool.
Loosen stabilizer link from suspension strut.
  • Press stabilizer link at suspension strut out of bracket.
Insert the stabilizer link.
  • Insert new stabilizer link at suspension strut.
Tighten stabilizer link at suspension strut.
  • Tighten stabilizer link at suspension strut to the tightening torque specified by the vehicle manufacturer!
  • Tip: Secure the ball stud against twisting with a suitable tool!
Tighten the stabilizer link.
  • Insert new stabilizer link at stabilizer.
  • Tighten stabilizer link at stabilizer to the tightening torque specified by the vehicle manufacturer!
  • Tip: Secure the ball stud against twisting with a suitable tool!
Mount wheel
  • Remount the front wheels. Lower the vehicle and tighten the wheel studs to the tightening torque specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
  • Tip: Even if replacing the stabilizer link does not directly affect the chassis setting, we recommend checking the axle setting and adjusting if necessary after working on the suspension.
  • Conclude with a test drive.

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