Front Sway Bar Link - drivers side bushings keep failing

[Ashrev]

I replaced my sway bar links last month and noticed the drivers side bushings were completely torn up after 300 miles. So I replaced with new ones and 15 miles later, the upper bushing - the one on top of the sway bar is already cracked again.
I thought I might have torqued them up too tight the first time, so I checked with a mechanic and he advised 15 - 20 lbs-ft. So this time I checked both sides were 17 lbs-ft. Upper and lower Control arms and ball joints are brand new. Shocks are brand new. Coil springs are brand new. Tie rod ends are in good condition. Sway bar mount bushings appear to be OK. Passenger side link is fine.
Does anyone have any idea why my link bushings are getting torn up so quickly?

 

[pjtoledo]

pics please, and check out the metal surfaces for nicks, gouges or stuff that snags.

 

[Ashrev]

I thought about that when I put them in. Everything seemed quite smooth. Looks like the lower bush under the control arm has split again too.

 

[Bill]

They're too tight. The bushings shouldn't bulge out like that.

 

[Bgunner]

I agree with Bill, all visual signs point to them being over tightened when installed.

 

[Ashrev]

Thanks very much for the advice. Thankfully they are relatively inexpensive and super easy to replace.

 

[pjtoledo]

the cupped washers should be as big as, or bigger than the bushings.
when the ends cycle they move in an arc, not straight up & down.
that puts pressure on one side and cuts into the bushing.

 

[Ashrev]

Understood, thanks. I've replaced the broken ones and backed them off accordingly.

 

[MaicoDoug]

Energy Suspension 9.8105R End Link Grommet
Having the same issue you are having, But after only a year. I believe the rubber formulation is not the same as OEM Ford. So I'm installing these most likely today. Good luck.

I'll chime in here and give results in a couple of weeks. EDIT Amazon lies again, the washers need to be step drilled out to .443" for clearance from the supplied .375". The urethane bumpers will fit snug.

 

[superj]

those urethane ones are great for hte sway bars.

some owner prior to my uncle put urethane sway bar link bushings on my ranger and they look brand new if you wipe off the road grime.

 

[MaicoDoug]

The front sway bar in my Ranger is working well with these so far today. 1-1/8th. Was a hassle to have to drill & deburr these as a so called "direct fit". Installing the undersized red urethane bushings on the OEM stand off was a chore with some 18" channel lock pliers up in thereafter the first step of going through the bar end, however from what I've seen these normally go on fairly snug, so overall I'm ok, especially the sway bar. The year & a half black old "rubber" bushings were toast pretty quick, and I know these Energy Suspension units will last forever. Just barely snugged down is working perfect.

 

[Ashrev]

I'm happy to report mine are looking good now. I've put a few miles on since loosening them off and no new cracks or splits.
I've read varying reviews on the Energy Suspension stuff. It sounds like you guys have had good results. My next job is replacing body mounts - looks like Energy Suspension have a set of those. Just starting my research now.

 

[MaicoDoug]

One word of caution regarding only the body mounting is that the newer urethane material is a much higher "durometer" rating, stiffness if you will, so personally IF the original OEM stuff was not available, then I would consider the newer urethane material, their much stiffer. Some folks like 'em, some don't for the body mounting application.

 

[Ashrev]

Thanks for the heads up. I have just been reading some other comments along the same lines. I'm leaning towards a softer ride if possible. I'm sure the original OEM material will out last me.