Swaybar Endlinks
Swaybar Endlinks
So I noticed that I have too much play in the swaybar links on all four corners. I was a bit surprised to see that they are $70 each from the Lexus dealer that I use. Does anyone have a recommendation on which brand to stick with and where to get them? I want something that will last and perform as well as OEM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 26,027
Likes: 4,321
From: Alberta
I would strongly recommend you stick with OEM parts here. I've read too many stories of people going with Moog etc., and ending having to replace them again in short order. The problem with some of these aftermarket parts is you can't be sure of the quality, they can be made in different factories from different suppliers, so you may get a quality part, and you may get a very substandard unit. Moog is especially bad for this from what I've read.
So unless you want to do the job twice, just stick with OE parts.
edit - if I were to go with any aftermarket part here, I would go with Beck Arnley. Just my opinion.
So unless you want to do the job twice, just stick with OE parts.
edit - if I were to go with any aftermarket part here, I would go with Beck Arnley. Just my opinion.
Last edited by LeX2K; Jul 21, 2011 at 07:57 PM.
I see, it seems like everything on Toyotas should be only replaced with OEM. This is one of the reasons why I like this company, everything they make is done with quality in mind.
Now about the rear swaybar, mine is a litle corroded in the middle (under the gas tank). It seems like surface rust and not much else. Do you recommend replacing the whole thing since it's only $60 or maybe just sanding/painting over it?
Now about the rear swaybar, mine is a litle corroded in the middle (under the gas tank). It seems like surface rust and not much else. Do you recommend replacing the whole thing since it's only $60 or maybe just sanding/painting over it?
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 26,027
Likes: 4,321
From: Alberta
The rust doesn't really do any harm, I did a quick sand job and painted mine with a small brush, but only because I didn't like the way it looked. Paint or replace it only if you are worried about the appearance.
I also painted the end links, they come with a brass (I think) coating, but that won't last too long, so I lightly sanded them, masked the joints and painted with black automotive paint.
I also painted the end links, they come with a brass (I think) coating, but that won't last too long, so I lightly sanded them, masked the joints and painted with black automotive paint.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 250
From: AZ
I personally think the OEM ones are a waste. $140 for a pair of sway end links on a car that supposed to ride like a Buick? No thanks.
I got a pair at NAPA for something like $40, and it's worked great. Sway links are hardly rocket science, and they all eventually wear out. My factory ones were completely shot, and I didn't even notice until I went under the car and poked around. It takes all of ten minutes to change them out. Will the OEM ones last longer? Maybe, but my guess is I will still get several years out of them.
On some parts I understand only going OEM, and if money is of no concern, go for it. But on a car that's worth around $5,000, I'd have a hard time justifying it. If you're interested in crisper handling, you'd see a MUCH bigger difference with an aftermarket rear sway bay that's larger with cheaper aftermarket sway links, and it would also cost close to the same. Adding a larger rear sway bar really wakes up handling, and it has almost no ride penalty.
I got a pair at NAPA for something like $40, and it's worked great. Sway links are hardly rocket science, and they all eventually wear out. My factory ones were completely shot, and I didn't even notice until I went under the car and poked around. It takes all of ten minutes to change them out. Will the OEM ones last longer? Maybe, but my guess is I will still get several years out of them.
On some parts I understand only going OEM, and if money is of no concern, go for it. But on a car that's worth around $5,000, I'd have a hard time justifying it. If you're interested in crisper handling, you'd see a MUCH bigger difference with an aftermarket rear sway bay that's larger with cheaper aftermarket sway links, and it would also cost close to the same. Adding a larger rear sway bar really wakes up handling, and it has almost no ride penalty.
I personally think the OEM ones are a waste. $140 for a pair of sway end links on a car that supposed to ride like a Buick? No thanks.
I got a pair at NAPA for something like $40, and it's worked great. Sway links are hardly rocket science, and they all eventually wear out. My factory ones were completely shot, and I didn't even notice until I went under the car and poked around. It takes all of ten minutes to change them out. Will the OEM ones last longer? Maybe, but my guess is I will still get several years out of them.
On some parts I understand only going OEM, and if money is of no concern, go for it. But on a car that's worth around $5,000, I'd have a hard time justifying it. If you're interested in crisper handling, you'd see a MUCH bigger difference with an aftermarket rear sway bay that's larger with cheaper aftermarket sway links, and it would also cost close to the same. Adding a larger rear sway bar really wakes up handling, and it has almost no ride penalty.
I got a pair at NAPA for something like $40, and it's worked great. Sway links are hardly rocket science, and they all eventually wear out. My factory ones were completely shot, and I didn't even notice until I went under the car and poked around. It takes all of ten minutes to change them out. Will the OEM ones last longer? Maybe, but my guess is I will still get several years out of them.
On some parts I understand only going OEM, and if money is of no concern, go for it. But on a car that's worth around $5,000, I'd have a hard time justifying it. If you're interested in crisper handling, you'd see a MUCH bigger difference with an aftermarket rear sway bay that's larger with cheaper aftermarket sway links, and it would also cost close to the same. Adding a larger rear sway bar really wakes up handling, and it has almost no ride penalty.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 7
From: Ontario
THE OEM REAR SWAY BAR LINKS ARE THE WORST EVER!!!!!!!!
i repeat....DO NOT GET OEM REAR SWAY BAR LINKS!
the best replacement u can get are MOOG problem solver rear sway bar links
or Deeza Rear sway bar links. they both have a upgraded design that will make sure that u can remove it with ease.
i repeat....DO NOT GET OEM REAR SWAY BAR LINKS!
the best replacement u can get are MOOG problem solver rear sway bar links
or Deeza Rear sway bar links. they both have a upgraded design that will make sure that u can remove it with ease.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 7
From: Ontario
u can see the links on the top left corner
the reason why i stress that they are better is that they have a better design.
OEM links, u tighten them by sticking a hex key in the middle of the bolt at the same having wrench off the nut. this is very very bad design because the hex hole always strips. I've had to grind/cut off 3 OEM rear sway bar links now because of this problem.
the moog problem solver has a different design where they built a welded in nut at the bottom of the bolt so u can stick ur wrench between the rear sway bar and the joint and simply wrench away and tighten it. u can easily take it off the same way.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 372
Likes: 29
From: CT
I'm definitely in the camp that the Lexus/Toyota branded ones are overpriced, especially for this type of part.