How to Replace a Stabilizer Link in a Toyota Tacoma

Toyota introduced the Tacoma in 1995. Since then it's been a favorite in the compact pickup market, especially among used-vehicle shoppers. The 2001 Tacoma made its debut with the double cab body style, lots of room and four doors. Toyota continued to add to Tacoma's impressive options list through the end of the first generation in 2004. These steps details the installation of a new stabilizer bar and link in the four-wheel drive models.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mechanic's toolset, including a full socket set, wrenches and screwdrivers
• Torque wrench
• Ball joint separator
• Replacement parts

1. Raise the vehicle on a rack or on secure supports. Remove the front wheels and tires. Loosen the nuts that connect the stabilizer bar links to the lower control arm. Remove the nuts and disconnect the links from the lower control arm.

2. Stabilize the link with a wrench. Take off the nut and remove the retainers, cushions and link. Pull the bolts then remove the stabilizer bar along with the brackets and cushions.

3. Put the new stabilizer in position. Install the two cushions and the two brackets. Tighten the bolts to 19 to 22 foot pounds.

4. Steady the stabilizer bar link with a wrench. Put the link on the lower control arm. Install a new nut. Torque the nut to 10 to 14 foot pounds.

5. Put the front wheels and tires back on the vehicle. Lower the vehicle. Road test the vehicle to assure proper handling. Have the alignment checked by a professional.

Tips & Warnings

• On models with links that require a hexagon wrench, use new nuts to connect both sides of the stabilizer bar. Torque to 55 to 70 foot pounds.

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on 9/26/2009 2010 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
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