Correctly Identifying Front Stabilizer Shaft Link During Replacement in Service

This bulletin is being issued to alert all dealership technicians to the difference between the right and left hand side front stabilizer shaft link and the importance of using the correct part for the required application.

Use of incorrect parts (right hand to left hand) may result in over-travel, fracture to the ball joint and dislocation of the link.

It is important to note that the left hand side and the right hand side are very similar parts. There is a top and bottom end to each link - hex end (top) and round end (bottom). If the orientation is incorrect or the wrong side of the link is installed, a dislocated link can result.

If the links have been mixed up, the correct vehicle side and orientation can be determined as follows:

Determining Which Side is Correct

1. The link must be installed into the stabilizer bar from the outside in. The arrow in the picture above shows the direction of the link.
2. The link must be installed into the strut from its rear side

Determining Which Side is Up

The end which has the hexagonal extension is the top of the link and should be installed to the strut.

Pay close attention during installation because It is possible to install the hexagonal extension to the stabilizer bar (bottom) which is incorrect.

The picture above shows the hexagonal end of the link.