2013 RDX All Wheel Drive Front Sway Bar Links
04-07-2024, 08:40 PM
#1
2013 RDX All Wheel Drive Front Sway Bar Links
Hi Everyone,
I guess this is a bit of a rant, sorry in advance!
I purchased my 2013 RDX with 60k on her, currently, she is at 91k.
During my one and only dealer oil changes at 86k miles, they found the rubber boots on the sway bar end links ripped, after 5,500 miles. Acura gave me a quote of $450 to replace the two front end links. I did not want to pay that amount of money, so I bought Moog end links with grease fittings from Napa for about $140.
The rubber boot seems to be the weak link, it will always tear at some point. So why should I continue to replace with a part is going to fail at the rubber boot?
I am thinking of buying 2 - adjustable end links with spherical bearings. My thinking is no rubber boot, no grease fitting, no issues. I have spherical end links on my motorcycle ride height rod, it can handle the elements, grease, water etc.
I have in mind Spulen Adjustable end links for about $140. It is adjustable from 300mm-350mm. I just have to take measurements, and see if it is all going to work out. If not, back to the tire shop, pay them $350 to install OEM end links. Which most likely will rip again...
Thanks
I guess this is a bit of a rant, sorry in advance!
I purchased my 2013 RDX with 60k on her, currently, she is at 91k.
During my one and only dealer oil changes at 86k miles, they found the rubber boots on the sway bar end links ripped, after 5,500 miles. Acura gave me a quote of $450 to replace the two front end links. I did not want to pay that amount of money, so I bought Moog end links with grease fittings from Napa for about $140.
The rubber boot seems to be the weak link, it will always tear at some point. So why should I continue to replace with a part is going to fail at the rubber boot?
I am thinking of buying 2 - adjustable end links with spherical bearings. My thinking is no rubber boot, no grease fitting, no issues. I have spherical end links on my motorcycle ride height rod, it can handle the elements, grease, water etc.
I have in mind Spulen Adjustable end links for about $140. It is adjustable from 300mm-350mm. I just have to take measurements, and see if it is all going to work out. If not, back to the tire shop, pay them $350 to install OEM end links. Which most likely will rip again...
Thanks
Last edited by 234ValeDucati; 04-07-2024 at 08:50 PM.
04-08-2024, 09:36 PM
#2
That would be interesting if they fit. Let us know if you succeed in installing them. At the same time I almost always lean toward using the same parts. I don't like the risk of unknows in using different types.
04-13-2024, 03:48 AM
#3
emry, I agree that putting the same part on a car is smart most of the time. If I had lowered my Acura, I would be putting on adjustable sway bar end links for sure.
On a whim, I went into my local Napa store, where I bought the Moog sway bar links. Told them I purchased 6k miles ago, tire shop told me they were ripped. The store manager said they would order me replacements, all I had to do is pay for the new ones, they would refund my money on the damaged Moog parts 100%.
Parts came in yesterday, I went ahead paid for the Napa brand bar links, told the manager I would be back later with the Moog parts for my refund.
I took out the Moog parts, I inspected the rubber boots for rips. I found no evidence of any of them to be ripped at all. What I did find out, the boot doesn't seal the grease 100% in on both sides. Only one side of the rubber boot 100% sealed from any grease pushing thru. It appears that the shop who installed, over pumped the links with grease, which upon the tire shop's inspection, looked like they were ripped.
Good thing I went ahead and inspected the Moog parts. I only lost a little of my time, taking out, cleaning up and reinstalling the links.
If any one is needing to replace their front sway bar links, I would recommend the Moog with grease fittings. They also have a lager diameter center bar that I would assume have less flex than the OEM units.
On a whim, I went into my local Napa store, where I bought the Moog sway bar links. Told them I purchased 6k miles ago, tire shop told me they were ripped. The store manager said they would order me replacements, all I had to do is pay for the new ones, they would refund my money on the damaged Moog parts 100%.
Parts came in yesterday, I went ahead paid for the Napa brand bar links, told the manager I would be back later with the Moog parts for my refund.
I took out the Moog parts, I inspected the rubber boots for rips. I found no evidence of any of them to be ripped at all. What I did find out, the boot doesn't seal the grease 100% in on both sides. Only one side of the rubber boot 100% sealed from any grease pushing thru. It appears that the shop who installed, over pumped the links with grease, which upon the tire shop's inspection, looked like they were ripped.
Good thing I went ahead and inspected the Moog parts. I only lost a little of my time, taking out, cleaning up and reinstalling the links.
If any one is needing to replace their front sway bar links, I would recommend the Moog with grease fittings. They also have a lager diameter center bar that I would assume have less flex than the OEM units.
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