Suspension problem I don't know how to identify.

[lowstrife]

This is underneath the drivers side front wheel. Directly behind it is (obviously) the axle, directly below is the LCA. Now... I don't know what this thing is? The top of it is connected to the top of the spring (if memory serves me).

The joining of these two items is a knuckle joint (ball & hole).



Thanks! Hopefully it's an easy fix... Drivability didn't seem to be effected when it popped out earlier. Happened during a turn full lockout right hand turn at ~5mph. I heard and slightly felt a pop, but no feeling left the steering wheel.

[fenixus]

seems like your sway bar end link got detached from the ball stud (which is part of it) and is hanging alone instead of being bolted to the sway bar.

Deeza (check rockauto.com) makes decent sway bar end links - both greasable and OE style non-greasable types. just replace both front sway bar end links (or all 4 around) and be done with it.

on gen4, the top part of sway bar end link is connected to the strut tower, while the bottom is connected to very ends of sway bar. gen3 is different, but yours look like gen4 to me.

[pmesfun]

^+1, it would help to soak the nuts in PB Blaster before you tried to get them off.

[JohnGD]

Looks like that sway bar link joint has been dry for a while. Use the Deeza non-greasable ones will save you from greasing them every oil change. It's just easier for many.

[bolink654]

He wont have to use the allen key on that one - just grab the ball with some vice grips/pipe wrench/channel locks

[lowstrife]

Originally Posted by bolink654

He wont have to use the allen key on that one - just grab the ball with some vice grips/pipe wrench/channel locks

Yeah it's a Gen4, 97'.

So I should grease up the joint again and pop the ball back into it's socket, or will I be replacing the entire sway bar? Doesn't sound like too complicated a job either way.

Thanks guys!

[pmesfun]

No, you need a new one, $20+ shipping from RockAuto.

DEEZA Part # LEL605

[lowstrife]

Ran across this thread:
Old OEM sway bar end links vs new Deeza links

Amazon has the part I need, but not Rock Auto:

Amazon

Amazon

That is the part I need; I.E for my 97 Camry Le with the 5S-FE engine?



If indeed I have everything I need, then excellent I'll be on my way to fixing this ASAP!

[pmesfun]

RockAuto does have it and so does Amazon, doesn't matter where you get the part from.

If the left link is the one broken you need, DEEZA Part # LEL603. Right size DEEZA Part # LEL605

[lowstrife]

Originally Posted by pmesfun

RockAuto does have it and so does Amazon, doesn't matter where you get the part from.

If the left link is the one broken you need, DEEZA Part # LEL603. Right size DEEZA Part # LEL605

Huh I couldn't find it then. I searched the part number and the full name and nothing came up. I'll look into that then...

I'll be replacing both because the right link has a ton of give in it (just like the createor of the thread I linked to); plus it'll give me free shipping... So may as well.



One more quick question while I'm here too... I need to replace my radiator coolant as it's starting to get fairly discolored, and flushes from a shop are out-of-this-world expensive; where would be a good guide on how to do it? My searchings have been unsuccessful.

EDIT: Found it, herp derp:
DIY: Coolant flush and change on 4 cylinder Gen 4

[Mister_Perkins]

Grab a blue-wrench to get those old sway bar links off. Much easier than trying to use the allen wrench and box end wrench.

Does anyone know if the Gen4 Sway bar links are the same as the Gen3?

I replaced Gen4 ones on my uncles 98 Camry a few weeks ago and they are simply just bolted in place. No Allen head

[fenixus]

yeah, that above pic is from my car hehe
Deeza makes excellent links, they look beefier than OEM and are just $18-19 each (+s/h from rockauto, amazon has free shipping above $25).

I just checked, rockauto has them, use Part Number search tab, part numbers LEL605 & LEL603, both in stock.
however for warranty replacement/refund reasons, I suggest you select your car first from catalog and then look for suspension - stabilizer end link category and select them from there.

also use 5% off discount code for rockauto, most current ones are always here:
RockAuto Discount Code

and one more thing, you NEED to jack up the whole front of car at once (both wheels off ground), because tension on stabilizer bar will make it impossible to bolt back in if only one corner is in the air, been there, tried that hehe

[BMR]

Originally Posted by Mister_Perkins

Grab a blue-wrench to get those old sway bar links off. Much easier than trying to use the allen wrench and box end wrench.

"Blue-wrench" LOL!!! Where I'm from we called it a gas-axe.

[Mister_Perkins]

Lol .. Either way it gets the job done!

I guess if its 4th gen, u dont need to do that though. I love using the torches to heat up stuck on nuts. Expands the nut from the stud and breaks the rust loose. Then when it cools it comes right off!