The Arbiter

Hiya Folks,

2012 V6, 45K on the odometer. Driven leisurely (mostly). 2 miles to work, 2 miles to local community college, occasional trips on the Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Drive (speed limit is 45MPH)

Now, I am hearing clunka-clunka clunk in rear end area when I hit a pot hole, speed bump, etc. Took to local dealership, was told the rear sway bar linkages have gone bad and require replacement to the tune of $45 a pop, plus labor.

Is this normal? I know there was a TSB regarding the front suspension and bad bushings, which I had replaced. Anyone know anything about the rear end? And isn't 45K awfully soon???

Thanks, I appreciate any insight, thoughts...whatever.

KonaMustangGT

I'm not aware of a TSB for the sway bar links, but I've replaced mine. I did both rear at the time, the lower right bushing had loosen up enough to cause the noisy clunk. I also replaced the LF link for noise as well. I don't think it's unheard of.

MRGTX

FWIW, it shouldn't be too tough of a job. Assuming you have basic tools, you probably can save the cash on the labor.

Maybe this is a good opportunity to upgrade your sway bars and endlinks?

Call Steeda.

wanted33

Mine went out at approx. 19K. Thankfully it was under warranty. Haven't heard of any TSB's.

The Arbiter

WOW, I guess we were lucky to make it to 45K then. Still, seems to be an inherently flawed design or something. Before he became a helo pilot for them, my brother was a Trooper for the Va State Police... It was not uncommon for him to get 120K out of a patrol car with no major issues. Why can't the Mustang parts be that reliable. I dare say that we are a much more loyal lot when it comes to shows of affection for our cars. Wish Ford would put a little more effort into the little things. You know...pony up a little ..... :::::rimshot:::::

Anyway, thanks every body. I feel a little better now and I certainly have a plan of action (re: upgrades while I am under there and dirty)

SplitSecond

Mine are bad at 14k. I noticed some squeaking from them around 6k that persisted for a while getting worse.

wanted33

I agree Jeff, we could run our Crown Vics for 150K without any of these little nit picky things going wrong. That shows Ford knows how, if they only would. Hell, the Lower control arms on the stang went out at less than 5K.

The Arbiter

I guess Crown Vic parts are not as lucrative as Mustang parts.

Mr. V

This was my experience as well. I went with a whiteline away bar set and all is well now.