Replace Sway (Stabilizer) Bar Bushings and Links C CLK Class W203 W209

This repair guide will show you how to replace the sway bar bushings and sway bar links at the front of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203 or a CLK-Class W209. Mercedes-Benz sway bar bushings and links typically need replacement around 100,000 miles. As they wear and tear, they tend to cause rattling and clunks when driving at low speeds. The primary purpose of the sway bar is to avoid body roll. Because the sway bar is connected to the suspension, every time you hit a bump, it’s not only the strut or shock that takes the hit, but also the sway bar bushings and links. Wonder how bad sway bar bushings look? Here is an example:

Picture of a damaged sway bar bushing, visible to the naked eye.

How do you know you need your sway bushings and links replaced?

You hear knocking, clunks, and rattling noises coming from the front of the car when going over bumps. While sometimes you can visibly see a damaged sway bar bushing or link, this is not always the case. When the sway bar bushings or links have played due to wear, the sway bar moves excessively, causing clunks and rattles. It could also be that even though the bushings seem intact, the integrity of the rubber bushing is compromised, and thus it needs to be replaced. You will know you need them as the car feels less stable, especially during cornering, and is noisy when driving on bumpy roads. Sway-bar bushings and links are wear components. Inspect them periodically and replace them when excessive play, cracking, deterioration, or noise is found.

Too many times, the sway bar bushings get misdiagnosed. The front struts get replaced to cure the clunking and rattling. Replacing the sway bar bushing significantly improves the ride quality and is much cheaper, and often solves the problem. So, before you let your mechanic replace your struts/shocks, have them check these bushings first. Since this is an easy and cheaper task, you may want to replace these bushings as a wear-and-tear item at around 100k miles.

Parts & Cost

Here is a list of the parts you will need. You can CLICK on any of them if you need any parts and check the current price on Amazon. Front stabilizer-bar bushings are available in different diameters depending on the vehicle configuration. Verify the correct bushing by VIN or measure the stabilizer-bar diameter before ordering.

The cost of replacing the sway bar bushings and links on a Mercedes-Benz.

Using our free instructions, you can replace the sway bar bushings and links on your Mercedes-Benz for under $100. You can order a sway bar kit from Amazon. Click the link below to order your sway bar bushings and links for under $100.

Applicable Models

Models:
W203 C230 C240 C320 C32 AMG
W209 CLK320 CLK500 CLK55

Years: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007
Applicable W203/W209 models and production years vary by engine, suspension configuration, and stabilizer-bar diameter. Verify fitment by VIN/part number before ordering.

Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures

Replacing the sway bar bushings on the C Class W203 or the CLK W209 is easy. If you can change your oil, you can also do this job. The difficulty level is around 4, and you may need up to 4 hours. A good mechanic with the right tools can finish this job in less than an hour.

To complete this job, you will need the following:

Torx Bit T-Socket Set
You can get a set on Amazon for under $20; see this set, for example.
Combination Wrench Set
Which you most likely have. If you don’t, check out this set.

INSTRUCTIONS

Get your car on level ground and loosen the lug nuts before you raise the vehicle.
Raise the vehicle using a suitable jack if you have one, or your car’s jack stand. Supporting both front sides helps unload the stabilizer bar. If the stabilizer-bar link is under tension and the bolt will not come out easily, support or slightly reposition the appropriate suspension component to relieve the load. Do not force the fastener against significant side load. Make sure to put jack stands under the vehicle. Always use jack stands.
Remove the front wheel.
Remove the two bolts on the sway bar link. You may need to hold the bolt in place so it doesn’t spin as you remove the nut. Using some WD-40 on the bolts helps a lot.
Remove the two bolts that hold the sway bar bushing bracket in place. To get to these bolts, you may need to remove the undercarriage cover by removing several 8 mm bolts that hold it in place.
Slide out the old sway bar bushing while you are at it. Inspect the bar where the bushing sits for excessive wear, corrosion, scoring, or deformation, then install the new one.
Install the new sway bar link.
Reinstall in reverse order.

Torque Specifications

Stabilizer-link torque varies by chassis, model, and fastener size. Verify the torque specification for the exact W203/W209 configuration. Do not select torque solely from bolt diameter. You will need a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

W203 common M10 link configuration: 60 Nm
W203 special M12 configuration: 80 Nm
W209: 55 Nm for M10×1.5
W209: 100 Nm for M12×1.5