rear suspension noise

Yes, the joints on the end links freeze up over time and cause weird noises. I believe that each runs about $40 from a Saturn retailer's parts department.

Lane [ lane (at) evilplastic.com ]

Just had my rear sway bar links replaced last week due to the exact same noise. Parts ran about $120 (links+bushings X2, not done at the dealer but I got them at close to cost) and were non-stock locally, so it took 4 days to get them in. I also had the rear struts replaced since they had the backend ripped apart anyway; should have had them replace the fronts too.

Lane,

Is this job hard to do? Do both or can I get away with just the noisy one? Any other tips?

The reason I ask is that this is on my list, and surprisingly neither Chilton's, Haynes, nor even the factory manual have much to say about it. I assumed that was because it was easy and obvious, just two bolts--but then my dealer quoted me $288 to change the pair! This is an hour+ labor per side, so I'm wondering if there's more to it?

Thanks,

Max

"Lane" wrote:

Literally, it's a 10 minute job per side, and that includes removing the wheel. It's two nuts on each. Sometimes the nuts are difficult to remove, so some penetrant and a good set of tools (air tools if you have 'em) make it easier. Be careful not to bend the bracket which connects them to the strut body when you're removing that nut.

You can replace just one, but if one is currently bad, the other is soon to follow. Might as well do both as long as you're at it.

That price they quoted is stupid insane, even if it does include the parts themselves. With a price like that, I'd look for a different dealer.

Lane [ lane (at) evilplastic.com ]

The UNPROTECTED ball joints in those links are nothing but crap and freeze up in less than a year. I put big gobs of grease on mine and then tied plastic freezer bags over them with fine wire to protect them from dirt. They've lasted 3 yrs so far.

I must be doing something wrong. Mine are still original on my 1998 SW2 with 118k miles.

-DanD