Your Selected Vehicle
Parts for your 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer-Sway bars & links
Explore 4WD & Adventure
1997 Mitsubishi Lancer sway-bars-&-links
Yes, the 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer is built with sway-bars-&-links. The factory service literature for the CE/CJ/CK-series Lancer specifies a front stabiliser (sway) bar with link rods as standard, and many trims also include a rear stabiliser bar. This is documented in Mitsubishi’s workshop manual (Front Suspension Group 33A, Rear Suspension Group 34A), supported by listings in the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for CJ/CK Lancer, and mirrored by aftermarket fitment guides from Haynes repair manuals and major suspension catalogues used in Australia and New Zealand.
On this Lancer, the sway bar ties the left and right suspension together to cut body roll in corners. The links connect the bar to the struts or control arms, letting the bar twist and stabilise the car when one side compresses more than the other. The result is tidier turn-in, better tyre contact, and more confidence on bumpy, cambered Kiwi and Aussie roads.
As the car ages, it’s common for the link ball-joints to loosen up and the rubber bushes on the bar to harden or crack. That’s when clunks over speed humps, light steering shimmy, or extra body roll can show up. During routine servicing, it’s worth a look under the front (and rear if fitted) for split bushes, torn link boots, or play in the joints. Many owners find that fresh bushes and links sharpen the Lancer’s feel more than they’d expect for a relatively quick, low-cost job.
- Inspection tips: check bush condition, link boot integrity, and fastener torque, look for shiny rub marks on the bar where it’s been moving in the D-bushes.
- When to replace: noticeable clunking, vague cornering, uneven tyre wear, or failed WOF/rego safety checks for suspension play.
- Parts choices: OEM-style rubber bushes for comfort, or polyurethane for crisper response, quality links with greaseable joints can extend life.
- Torque matters: re-torque link and bracket fasteners at ride height to avoid preloading the bushes.
For a 1997 Lancer doing mixed city and highway kilometres, have the sway-bars-&-links inspected every 20,000–30,000 km or annually, and replace in pairs per axle to keep handling balanced. A quick wheel alignment after suspension work helps the car track straight and preserves tyres.
Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Lancer CE/CJ/CK Factory Service Manual (Groups 33A/34A), Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue (CJ/CK Lancer), Haynes Mitsubishi Lancer 1996–2005 repair manual, major AU/NZ suspension catalogues listing stabiliser bars, D-bushes and link-rod applications for 1997 Lancer.
Popular questions about 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer sway-bars-&-links
Does my 1997 Lancer have a rear sway bar?
Many trims do, but not all. Base models often have only a front bar, while higher-spec variants are more likely to include a rear bar. A quick under-car look for a bar running across the rear axle with D-bush brackets will confirm it.
What are the signs the sway bar links are worn on a 1997 Lancer?
Common symptoms include clunks over potholes and speed humps, extra body roll, light steering vibration, or a knock turning into driveways. If the link boots are torn or there’s play at the ball-joint, replacement is due.
Should I choose rubber or polyurethane bushes?
Rubber keeps the factory ride and noise levels, ideal for daily driving. Polyurethane firms up response and lasts longer, with a slight increase in road feel. For most Aussie and Kiwi commuters, either is fine, enthusiasts often prefer poly on the front bar.
