FORMULA, WHITELINE, MSA, RIVAL Sway Bar Link Washers

Sway bar link washers are the shaped metal washers that clamp and support the bushes on a bush-type sway bar link. They sit on the outside of each bush and spread the clamping load evenly, keeping the bush in place as the suspension moves.

This range includes universal sway bar link washer kits with hardened, cupped washers sized for 10 mm link rods. Each kit contains eight washers, enough for a pair of bush-type sway bar links.

What Do Sway Bar Link Washers Do?

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 connect each end of the bar to the suspension.

On a bush-type sway bar link, a threaded rod or bolt passes through a hole in the sway bar and a hole in the suspension mount. A bush sits on each side of each hole, and a washer sits on the outside of each bush. When the nut is tightened, the washers clamp the bushes against the mounting point.

Sway bar link washers have three main jobs:

• Support the bush. The washer gives the bush a firm surface to press against, so the clamping load is spread across its face.
• Prevent bush extrusion. A cupped washer helps stop the bush from being squeezed out sideways under load.
• Hold the link assembly together. Washers keep the bushes in the correct position as the sway bar twists and the suspension moves.

Without the right washers, even new bushes can distort, wear quickly or work loose.

Why Cupped Washers Are Used

Sway bar link washers are usually cupped rather than flat. The cup surrounds the edge of the bush and helps contain it when the link is tightened and loaded. This helps prevent the bush from extruding, or being pushed out, around the edge of the washer, and helps maintain the correct geometry of the link assembly.

Cupped washers are fitted with the cupped side facing the bush, so the bush sits inside the cup.

Why Hardened Washers Matter

Sway bar link washers carry constant loads as the suspension moves and the sway bar works. Hardened washers are designed to resist the wear and loads that sway bar link washers are exposed to. A washer that bends or flattens no longer supports the bush properly, which can allow the bush to distort or move.

How Many Washers Does a Sway Bar Link Need?

A typical bush-type sway bar link uses four bushes, two at the sway bar end and two at the suspension end. Each bush is supported by a washer on its outer face, so one link usually needs four washers.

Most vehicles have two sway bar links per sway bar, one on each side. A pair of links therefore usually needs eight washers, which is why sway bar link washer kits are commonly supplied in sets of eight.

If you're rebuilding links on both the front and rear sway bars, check how many links you're working on and order enough washers to suit.

Sway Bar Link Washer Dimensions

Sway bar link washers are universal parts, chosen by size rather than by vehicle. When selecting a washer kit, check:

• Inside diameter (ID). The ID must suit the threaded rod or bolt on the link. The washer kits in this range have a 10 mm ID to suit 10 mm link rods.
• Outside diameter (OD). The OD should suit the size of the bush, so the washer supports its whole face. The washer kits in this range have an OD of approximately 32 mm.
• Shape. Check whether the link is designed for cupped or flat washers. The kits in this range use cupped washers.
• Quantity. Check how many washers are included and how many your job needs.

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

Matching Washers to Sway Bar Link Bushes

Washers and bushes work together, so they should be matched to each other as well as to the link:

• The washer ID and bush ID should both suit the diameter of the link rod.
• The washer OD should suit the bush's outside diameter, so the bush is fully supported.
• The cup shape should suit the bush, so the bush sits evenly inside the washer.

Replacement sway bar link bushes are available individually and in bulk. Browse universal sway bar link bushes and washers for bush kits, or bulk sway bar link bushes for workshop trade packs.

Signs Sway Bar Link Washers Need Replacing

Sway bar link washers are often overlooked, but worn or damaged washers can shorten the life of the bushes they support. Check washers whenever you inspect or rebuild a sway bar link. Look for:

• Bent, flattened or distorted washers that no longer hold their shape
• Rust or corrosion on the washer faces or edges
• Bushes squeezing out around the edge of the washer
• Missing washers, or flat washers fitted where cupped washers are required
• Loose link assemblies, where the washers and bushes can move on the rod

Knocking or rattling from the suspension can come from worn link bushes or washers, but it can also come from sway bar mount bushes, ball joints or other components. Inspect the whole suspension before replacing parts. A free suspension check can help find the cause.

Fitting Sway Bar Link Washers

When rebuilding a bush-type sway bar link:

• Replace washers with the bushes. Fitting new bushes against old, bent or corroded washers can shorten their life.
• Fit cupped washers with the cup facing the bush, so the bush sits inside the cup.
• Make sure each bush is centred in its mounting hole and washer before tightening.
• Tighten to the specification for the vehicle or kit. Over-tightening can distort the bushes, while under-tightening can leave the link loose.
• Work on both sides of the vehicle, so both links are in the same condition.

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

Find Sway Bar Link Washers for Your Vehicle

Washers suit the bush-type links in our universal sway bar links range.

Select your vehicle to see the sway bar link washer kits available for it, or compare the inside diameter, outside diameter and quantity of each kit with the links you're rebuilding. Not sure what you need? Talk to your nearest Fulcrum workshop about the condition of your sway bar links and bushes. Every product we supply is backed by our warranty, a fitment guarantee and the support of a nationwide workshop network.