Parts for your 1987 Suzuki Swift-Sway bars & links

1987 Suzuki Swift sway bars & links — what they do and how to keep them sorted

For the 1987 Suzuki Swift (SA/AA series), sway bars and links are very much a thing. Technical sources including the Suzuki Swift (SA/AA) Factory Service Manual for 1986–1988 (Suspension section), the Suzuki Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC/FAST) for the SA/AA platform, and general repair guides such as the Haynes manual for Geo Metro/Suzuki Swift confirm a front stabiliser (sway) bar with link rods and D-bushes was fitted on this model range. Most trims didn’t run a rear bar, though sportier variants and certain markets sometimes did.

On this little Swift, the sway bar ties the left and right front suspension together to cut down body roll in corners and keep the tyres more planted. The end links connect the bar to the strut or control arm, while the D-bushes clamp the bar to the subframe. When everything’s healthy, steering feels tidier and the car tracks nicely through bends, even with its lightweight chassis.

Servicing these bits is straightforward and pays off. A good rule is to inspect the sway bar links and bushes every 20,000 km or 12 months as part of routine servicing, or sooner if the car cops rough roads. Replace parts in axle pairs to keep handling balanced, and always tighten fasteners at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushings. Using new self-locking nuts is smart practice. Factory torque specs should be followed from the workshop manual.

• Common clues it’s time for attention:
  • Clunks or knocks over small bumps, especially at low speed
  • Excess body roll or a vague, twitchy feel when changing lanes
  • Perished, cracked D-bushes or split link boots on inspection

If the bar itself is fine but the bushes are tired, fresh rubber or quality polyurethane D-bushes can sharpen things up. Links with worn ball studs or sloppy sleeves should be swapped out, many aftermarket options drop straight in. While an alignment isn’t always mandatory after this job, it’s worth checking if other front-end work is done at the same time or if the steering wheel sits off-centre.

Bottom line: on a 1987 Swift, keeping the sway bar and links in good nick is cheap insurance for safe, predictable handling and a quieter ride.

Popular questions about 1987 Suzuki Swift sway bars &, links

Does a 1987 Swift have a rear sway bar?
Most 1987 Swifts have only a front sway bar. Some sport-focused variants and certain markets may have a rear bar. A quick look under the rear beam axle will tell the story—no bar means no rear links or brackets present.

What are the tell-tale signs my sway bar links or bushes are worn?
Regular clunks over potholes, extra body roll in corners, or visible cracks in the D-bushes and torn link boots point to wear. If the front end feels loose or rattly on corrugations, the links are prime suspects.

Do I need special tools or an alignment after replacing links?
Usually just basic hand tools and a torque wrench do the job. Penetrating oil helps on older hardware. An alignment isn’t typically required for links and D-bushes alone, but it’s sensible if other front-end work has been done.