Feel free to delete this if it's somewhere already, and it's not exactly complicated but more for simple info sake, here goes.

Replacing the Sway Bar End Links on the front of an XJ8 is a very straight-forward process. In my case, I did it on my 2003 XJR.

Tools needed:

• Jack and jack stands
• Lugnut Wrench
• 13mm, 15mm, and 18mm sockets and/or wrenches
• 17mm open end wrench
• Optional: Penetrating spray (WD40, PB Blaster, etc)

Step 1: Jack up the front of the car, and support it properly (jackstands, etc). Be sure to not place your jack or supports under your control arms or anywhere else that will cause any excessive force on the suspension components.

Step 2: Remove the wheel and set aside. This gives you easy access to the sway bar link.

Step 3: Remove the nut on the top of the link by using an 18mm socket, and a 17mm open wrench on the opposite side to hold in place. (See attached photo). Use penetrating spray if desired.

Step 4: Using a 13mm socket/wrench on the bolt head, and a 15mm on the lower nut, remove the lower nut from the link. Again, penetrating spray if needed. On mine, one side was a little more stubborn than the other to slide the bolt back.

Step 5: Tap the upper side of the link out of the sway bar. There may be enough tension on the link that you might need to jack up the assembly to remove the tension enough to free the link from the bar. Once that is free, pull the top of the link towards the rotor to clear the sway bar, and then slide the lower off the bolt, and remove the link.

To Install:

Step 6: Install the upper side of the link into the sway bar, and tighten down using the 18mm socket/wrench and the 17mm open wrench. Toque to 60-80 Nm (or 44 - 59 ft/lbs)

Step 7: Using your jack, raise the suspension assembly slowly until you can line up the lower bushing of the link and the bolt, and press the bolt through. Tighten down using the 15mm and 13mm sockets/wrenches. Torque this to 41-54 Nm (or 30-40 ft/lbs).

Step 8: Replace the tire onto the car.

Step 9: Remove your jack stands or supports, and lower the car. Put your tools away, and enjoy the silence of a rattle free front end (unless you have other rattles elsewhere, but I did my part already).

And for anyone who wants to see someone do this in the dark with a handheld flashlight, recording on a phone, and working, all with somehow just two hands, here's the live version:

 

Thanks, can you add the torque values for the fasteners? That's often one of the final things one forgets to look up while sitting there with a greasy wrench in your hands

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And exactly what I forgot too lol. Soon as I get home tonight, I'll try to update with those. Thanks for the reminder!

 

Picking up a little noise in the front, sway bar links are due anyways.