Damage from front sway bar removal?

Hey guys, I removed the sway bar on my 2007 DCSB back in March, and since then I've had to replace both CV axle shafts because of noise going over bumps (there was no noise before). I had it up on jack stands yesterday and I could visibly (and audibly) move the driver's side axle shaft with my hand...

The truck has 138k miles on it now, so it's not super surprising that they need to be replaced, it's just the timing that's suspect. I know others have removed their sway bars, but has anyone seen this cause damage?

I guess my question is, 1) did the removal of the sway bar somehow cause this, or 2) did the removal just allow me to notice that the axle shafts were bad by increasing the articulation? I have a 3" Toytec lift fwiw.

 

I would Probably say not directly related but as it was wearing you noticed it quicker.

 

I removed my sway bar for a period of time, approx 2 years and 110K miles, and I kept tearing CV boots.

I suspect the action of putting on a lift from OEM, now having a more capable truck put me in situations where the suspension is articulating more than before (e.g. off roading), and removal of the sway bar exacerbated the issue of torn CV boots, but is not the direct cause.

I have just recently reinstalled the sway bar since I'm more of a pavement pounder and tow rig than trail rig now and am wanting more highway stability when towing and doing the long haul road trips.

In either case, I did not have a CV axle damage (grinding/needing replacement) just torn CV boots.

 

More likely a result of everyday axle shaft angle from additional lift. The amount of time the suspension spends at full-articulation is minimal. Over lifting will kill the boots and the CV's won't be far behind

 

Interesting, thanks for the response, guys.

3" isn't too much of a lift though is it? Do others see faster wear & tear on axles with 3" lift?

 

I’ve had my sway bar removed for at least 3 or 4 years with no issues yet.

 

There's a CV boot mod trick that keeps this from happening. It's fairly easy to do.

 

Also @ebarrere, I just reread your OP. The axle shafts float in the CV's and will move if there is no load on them. It's not an indication that the assemblies are worn out.
You're likely hearing a different noise. My guess is your LCA or UCA pivots need to be torqued. When was the last time you had any front suspension or alignment work done?

 

Yes. Please link if you search and find it

 

I haven't had a sway bar in 8 years. I have right at 3 inches of lift, I can't really check it now I have cut my fenders.
I haven't had any weird CV issues. I think I have only replaced 2 in 135k hard miles.

You need to look into the ECGS bushing that replaces the needle bearing
and also your bushing on the UCA and LCA. I had to replace those too

 

This. like stated the extra articulation from no swaybar plays a MINIMAL role in CV boot wear.

 

Awesome, thanks! Had it at the mechanic today and they said the same thing. I guess that's what I get for playing mechanic on my own — I know just enough to be dangerous Strange thing is the passenger side didn't have any play, and I had that one replaced back in March after a torn boot...

Anyway, alignment has been done recently and there's no play in the control arm bushings at all. Mechanic said everything is fine in the suspension so I'm not going to sweat it too much for now... Probably just freaking out a little in advance of our Canyonlands trip — don't want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead truck!!

 

Awesome, thanks, I will check this out.

 

Passenger side probably had load on it. If you had a recent alignment it's almost a forgone conclusion that the noise is LCA related. RE TORQUE the lower pivot bolts to the factory torque setting and your noise will be cured. Do the boot slide mod or lower your lift a 1/4" and your likely golden there as well.