WHITELINE, SUPERPRO, RIVAL, FOX Bulk Sway Bar Link Bushes

Bulk sway bar link bushes are trade packs of replacement bushes for bush-type sway bar links. Each pack contains 100 loose bushes, sized by dimension rather than by vehicle, so workshops, mechanics and fleet operators can keep common link bushes on the shelf for routine suspension repairs.

Sway bar link bushes are small parts, but they play an important role in how the sway bar works. Having the right size on hand means a worn link can be rebuilt as soon as it's found, without waiting for parts.

What Are Sway Bar Link Bushes?

A sway bar, also called an anti-roll bar, connects the left and right sides of the suspension to reduce body roll when cornering. Sway bar links, sometimes called end links or drop links, connect each end of the sway bar to the suspension.

On many vehicles, the sway bar link is a bush-type link. Instead of ball joints, it uses a threaded rod or bolt that passes through a hole in the sway bar and a hole in the suspension mount, with bushes clamping each side. These sway bar link bushes:

• Cushion the joint between the link and the sway bar or suspension
• Allow small movements as the suspension travels and the sway bar twists
• Hold the link firmly in position so load is transferred between the sway bar and the suspension
• Reduce noise and vibration between metal components

Sway bar link bushes are different from sway bar mount bushes. Mount bushes hold the sway bar to the chassis, while link bushes sit at the ends of the bar, where the links connect.

How Bush-Type Sway Bar Links Are Assembled

A typical bush-type sway bar link is made up of:

• A threaded rod or bolt, sometimes with a spacer sleeve
• Bushes, fitted in pairs either side of each mounting hole
• Washers, which sit against the outside of each bush
• Nuts, which clamp the washers and bushes together

Because each mounting point is clamped between two bushes, a single link usually uses four bushes, two at the sway bar end and two at the suspension end. A pair of links, one for each side of the vehicle, uses eight bushes. This is one reason link bushes are used in large quantities in a busy workshop.

Why Buy Sway Bar Link Bushes in Bulk?

For workshops that regularly service suspension, bulk sway bar link bushes offer practical advantages:

• Parts on the shelf. Worn link bushes can be replaced during a service or inspection without ordering parts for each job.
• One size, many jobs. Because the bushes are sized by dimension, a single pack can be used on any bush-type link that matches its measurements.
• Enough for multiple vehicles. With four bushes per link, a pack of 100 bushes covers many link rebuilds.

Bulk packs are designed for trade and high-volume users. If you only need bushes for a single vehicle, vehicle-specific sway bar link bush kits are also available.

Understanding Sway Bar Link Bush Dimensions

Bulk sway bar link bushes are chosen by size, so it's important to understand how they're measured. Link bushes are usually listed with four dimensions:

• Outside diameter (OD). The overall diameter of the main body of the bush.
• Inside diameter (ID). The diameter of the hole through the centre, which suits the threaded rod, bolt or sleeve.
• Length (L). The overall height of the bush.
• Locator OD. The diameter of the smaller stepped section that sits inside the mounting hole and locates the bush.

The bulk packs in this range have a 10 mm inside diameter and an 18 mm length, and come in two fixed sizes: 28.5 mm OD with a 14 mm locator OD (W21014/100), or 28 mm OD with an 18 mm locator OD (W21013/100), so you can match the bush to the size of the mounting holes in the sway bar and suspension.

How to Match a Bush to a Link

When choosing a bulk pack, check:

1. The rod or bolt diameter matches the bush's inside diameter.
2. The mounting hole diameter suits the bush's locator OD, so the locator sits snugly in the hole.
3. The washer size suits the bush's outside diameter, so the washer supports the face of the bush.
4. The available length on the link allows the bushes, washers and nuts to be fitted and tightened correctly.

If you're not sure which size you need, measure the existing bushes and mounting holes, or compare against the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.

Signs Sway Bar Link Bushes Need Replacing

Sway bar link bushes work constantly as the suspension moves. Over time, they can wear, compress or crack. Common signs include:

• Knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps, particularly from the front or rear suspension
• Visible cracks, splits or perished material in the bushes
• Flattened or squashed bushes that no longer hold the link firmly
• Movement or play in the link at the sway bar or suspension mount
• Washers or nuts that are loose, or bushes that have moved out of position

Knocking noises can also come from other components, such as sway bar mount bushes, ball joints or shock absorbers, so inspect the whole suspension before replacing parts.

Fitting Sway Bar Link Bushes

When rebuilding a bush-type sway bar link:

• Inspect the threaded rod, washers and nuts. Replace any that are bent, corroded or damaged.
• Fit the bushes with the locator facing the mounting hole, so it sits inside the hole on each side.
• Use washers that suit the bush's outside diameter, so the bush is evenly supported.
• Tighten to the specification for the vehicle or kit. Over-tightening can distort the bushes, while under-tightening can leave the link loose.
• Replace link bushes in pairs on both sides of the vehicle, so the sway bar works evenly.

After work on the suspension, check that the sway bar and links have clearance from other components through the full range of suspension travel.

Other Trade Packs

Bulk sway bar link bushes are part of Fulcrum's trade packs range, which also includes bulk alignment shims, camber bolt packs, leaf spring bushes and shock absorber bushes. Stocking several trade packs together helps workshops keep common suspension parts on hand.

Find Bulk Sway Bar Link Bushes

Browse the bulk sway bar link bush packs and compare the outside diameter, inside diameter, length and locator OD with the links you service. All products are covered by a national warranty, and a fitment guarantee.

Need the work done for you? Book a suspension service with our suspension specialists.