Replace the sway bar links on your 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 | O'Reilly Auto Parts

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Your GMC Sierra 1500’s sway bar links connect the sway bar to the control arms to help balance and stabilize your truck when it turns or corners. Replacing worn sway bar links on your 1999-2007 GMC Sierra (as well as select 1999-2005 Chevrolet pickups) is a straightforward repair that can help ensure you are able to drive safely. If you need to replace your GMC Sierra’s sway bar links you experience swaying when turning at higher speeds, knocking sounds when going over bumps at low speeds, or you may notice damage to the bushings or dust boots. It’s recommended that both the sway bar links on your GMC Sierra 1500 be replaced at the same time, since the linkage has been used for the same amount of time and they are likely to wear out at the same interval. Failing or malfunctioning sway bar links can cause problems with handling in your GMC Sierra, and could put you and others in danger. Our detailed step-by-step instructions will help you perform sway bar link replacement on your 1999-2007 GMC Sierra.

Tools & Materials List

Step by Step Instructions

Additional Resources

We will be working on this 2004 GMC Sierra, and procedures will be similar on a lot of Chevy and GMC vehicles from 1999 to 2007, but be sure to know the specifics for your vehicle before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.

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Step 1.1 Lift the front end and remove the wheel

Step 1: Remove the Old Sway Bar Link

Before beginning, make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface. Carefully remove the plastic caps on your lug nuts with a 21mm socket, if your truck has them. Then loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with your 22mm socket. Jack up the front end and put it on stands. Remove the lug nuts and wheels.

Do It Right: Check out our video on how to properly lift and support your vehicle here.

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Step 1.2 locate your sway bar link in the front of the control arm

Locate your sway bar link. In the case of this truck, it’s located near the front of the control arm.

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Step 1.3 using a socket and ratchet, remove the sway bar link nut from the top of the link

Using your socket and ratchet, remove the sway bar link nut from the top of the link.

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Step 1.4 remove the sway bar bolt along with the insulators and spacers

Remove the sway bar bolt, along with the insulators and spacers. Inspect the sway bar link and bushings for any damage.

Do It Right: Compare the size and shape of the old link with the new one to make sure you have the right part.

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Step 2.1 to install the new sway bar link, apply threadlocker to the threads

Step 2: Install the New Sway Bar Link

To install the new sway bar link, first apply threadlocker to the threads on the sway bar link bolts.

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Step 2.2 install the first washer on the bolt, then the insulator , the insert through control arm.jpg

Install the first washer on the bolt. Then the insulator, then insert the bolt through the control arm.

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Step 2.3 install another insulator and then another washer

Install another insulator and then another washer.

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Step 2.4 slide the long spacer over the bolt, install the washer and insultor

Slide the long spacer over the bolt and install another washer and another insulator. Once the bolt is passed through the hole in the sway bar, install the final insulator and washer. Then, hand-tighten the nut.

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Step 2.5 torque the nut and replace the wheels, lower the truck

Torque the nut to 89 inch pounds and ensure that 2-4 threads have protruded past the top of the nut. Replace your wheels and finger-tighten the lug nuts. Now you can lower the truck and use your 22mm socket to torque the lug nuts to 120 foot pounds. Replace the plastic caps, if your truck is equipped with them.

Do It Right: We recommend replacing sway bar links in pairs, so repeat these steps on the other side.

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These step-by-step instructions and video detail a sway bar link replacement on your 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 GMC Sierra 1500. The replacement procedures will be similar for select Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 2500 models from 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005, as well as Chevy Avalanche models between 2002 and 2006, Chevy Tahoes between 2000 and 2006, and Yukon and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 models from 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. Replacing worn sway bar links helps you maintain a safe, working suspension system, and can help you avoid an accident. If you hear knocking when turning at low speeds, or notice body roll when cornering, it is important to replace the sway bar linkage as soon as possible.

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The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.