[ThaTRUF]

So, I finally received my #171616s in the mail from amazon Monday. Tuesday I started my work. I first did a Clinton flush to relieve the lack of heating while stopped, then went on to replacing the struts (the rear drivers side spring is broken btw). I get to working on getting the old ones out. The top 13mm nut on the pass side (on what I think is called the tension rod) refuses to release itself, however the bottom gives way just fine. I spray a lil more PB on it, and move on to the driver's side in the meantime.

No sooner than I loosen the top three mount nuts and take off the tire, do I notice that the BOTTOM HALF OF THE ROD AND ITS BUSHINGS ARE MISSING! The top half, its bushing, and its nut are there, but no sign of the bottom! I have no idea when this happened, but its taken me aback. I have tried to get the technical name of the part and the bushings, but have had no such luck. I really need to get this done soon, seeing as today is my last day off until next Wed., and this is my wife's car.

Does anyone have the part number so that I may call the local stealerships and see if they even have them in stock? I might as well replace the pinch bolts, bushings and all seeing as now the entire ass'y will be new with the exception of the brake lines, etc.

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[paker]

Do you mean the 1/4" (about) steel rod about 7-8" long that sits vertically behind the strut? Isn't it called end link? You can get the bushings separately or the whole end link.

 

[ThaTRUF]

That is precisely the piece that I'm talking about. I was however under the impression that they were called strut rods and strut rod bushings. But that is the very piece I'm talking about. I will eventually replace the endlinks as well, but I thought those were the cheap, white, plastic pieces that run vertically in the front. The struts I'm replacing are in the rear.

 

[danhasenauer]

The rear sway bar end links are metal. I had the same thing happen on my wife's Taurus, it was gone. Don't panic, it won't stop the car from being driven, she's been driving around without it already, right? You can get them at any auto parts store. I usually replace end links when doing struts, as it is real easy to just bust them off rather than trying to gingerly remove them, they are not expensive, and if you live in the Salt Belt, they can be a bitch to get off. You can also get metal front end links made by Moog. The tension rod runs from the rear knuckle to the rear subframe, and they are a much larger piece of metal. Just a hint, when you think there isn't enough room to get your new end link onto the strut, use a floor jack to push the strut up and it will drop right into place. Just work your pinch bolts loose nice and easy, don't break the heads off. Sometimes turning them back in a little while backing them out helps free them up. After you get the old strut out you can also use a large flat screwdriver or brake spoon tool in the slot of the knuckle to work it open a little farther to help with getting the new strut in place in the knuckle. Coat EVERYTHING with never-seize before reassembly, you'll be glad you did down the road. Good luck! (easy job, rear struts)

Here is a heavy duty, one piece G3 end link, G4's are very similar:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Sway-Bar-Link-Kit-Moog_20517305-P_78_R|GRPCHASAMS_1545464593___

 

[loudsho92]

This is the rear endlinks: Ingalls Rear Endlink Set Rod Style

 

[paker]

Don't be surprised there are many Tauruses that don't have the end link. No need to panic. Even worse, these cars don't even have the sway bar.

By the way, why does my 05 not have the sway bar? Is it one of the cost saving measures? Can I get one from junk yard and retrofit?

 

[sheila]

^ No swaybar = no endlink.