Front Sway Bar Links

Was dinged on my annual state inspection saying there were tears on the boots of my front sway bar links. I haven't looked at them yet, but if there are tears, I'll replace both. Question: what parts should I use?

The OEM Toyota (discounted) ones (48820-AD010) are $78.25 each from a Toyota dealer online. That sounds a bit "pricy."

Rock Auto sells their "premium" (Dorman) aftermarket ones for $19.97 each. No idea the quality or life expectancy of those Dorman links?

I would love to go with an upgrade to the OEM Toyota one for less, so suggestions? Any other place to look for high (OEM or better) quality ones?

 

As with many other Toyota parts, OEM is more expensive. So, the question is, how long to you want them to last? My son tried to save some money using the Dorman ones on his Scion tC - against my advice. They were squeaking in less than a year. Need I say more?

 

Thanks. That's about what I expected. One thing I didn't expect is the OEM Toyota ones don't come with replacement bushings. I'll probably buy those from Energy Suspension.

 

I bought a cheap set for $40 from Rock Auto five years ago, and they're still going strong. The ball joints are still stiff, and I live in Connecticut, so they get hit with plenty of road salt.

 

For a 5-lugger? ACDelco is good enough: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1151489&cc=1431546&pt=7580&jsn=501

If you completely removed your front sway bar leaving no trace and took it to another inspection station, do you think they'd notice?