1996 Corolla Stabilizer Bar Links/Bushings

[mcmerulla]

Okay, so I finally had my struts replaced after 287,000 miles on the original ones! Decided on the Monroe Quick Struts after a bit of research and inquiry. Plus, it helped that they were offering an $80 rebate when you purchased all 4 of them. Had those installed, and the ride has significantly improved, although it is still somewhat loud in the rear of the car when going over bumps and the like. But the problem now is that every so often, I hear a grinding noise coming from the RR strut area. This has only happened so far when I went over a bumpy stretch of road, and when I was turning sharply. I have to go back to get the stabilizer bar links and bushings done anyways, so I will see what they have to say. Slightly bummed about that...but hopefully it will be remedied.

Now, when it comes to the stabilizer bar links and bushings, I was quoted by the dealer approximately $90 per link for the front, $70 per link for the rear, and about $10 for each bushing. Since there are 4 links and bushings per axle (please correct me if I'm wrong), the cost starts adding up quickly. Is this the going price on these nowadays, or do you think I can get them cheaper elsewhere? I'd really rather go with genuine Toyota parts when it comes to these, and I HAVE looked online at some Factory Toyota Parts websites, but some of them are confusing as all hell to navigate. Is there a preferred site by the members on this forum, or is it simply one of the sites listed on the homepage here?

Thanks again for all your help!

[ganda1f]

Hmm, are you sure about the number of parts? Each stabilizer bar is attached to the underside of the car by 2 bushings. As for the links they are also 2 for each stabilizer bar.
The links being metal rods, roughly 5 inches long with a joint at each end.

That would make it 4 links and 4 bushings in total, not per axle.
The rear links are attached to the struts, one on each side.
The front links connect to the lower control arms, also one on each side.