Parts for your 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer-Sway bars & links

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sway Bars & Links (CJ) — What They Do and When to Replace

Technical sources confirm the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer (CJ) is factory-fitted with front and rear stabiliser (sway) bars and end links. Mitsubishi Lancer 2008–2013 Service Manual (Group 33A Front Suspension, Group 34 Rear Suspension) details the stabiliser bar and link assemblies, the Mitsubishi ASA/Global Parts Catalogue for CJ-series (2007–2010) lists front stabiliser links (e.g., 4056A005/4056A006) and rear links (e.g., 4056A031, trim-dependent), and the Haynes Mitsubishi Lancer 2007–2015 Repair Manual covers inspection and replacement of anti-roll bars, links and D-bushes. So yes — sway bars & links are absolutely relevant on a 2009 Lancer.

Sway bars and their links keep the Lancer tidy through corners by tying left and right suspension together and resisting body roll. The links join the bar to the control arm/strut, so when a link or the bar’s D-bushes wear, you’ll often hear knocks over small bumps or feel the car lean more than it should. On the CJ, the front links are a common wear item, especially with high city kays or rough roads.

As part of routine servicing, it pays to visually check:

• Link ball-joint boots for splits, play, or grease seepage.
• D-bush condition and bracket security on the bar mounts.
• Bar coating for rust where it passes through the bushes.

Typical symptoms of worn links or bushes include clunks at low speed over sharp bumps, squeaks over speed humps, wandering on the motorway, and extra body roll. If any play is present, replacement is the fix — these parts aren’t serviceable.

When replacing sway bar links on a 2009 Lancer, do both sides on the same axle to keep handling balanced. Use quality parts and new self-locking nuts. Tighten fasteners at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes, and follow the service manual torque specs. A wheel alignment usually isn’t required for links or D-bushes alone, but it’s a good shout if other suspension work has been done or the car still feels off.

Maintenance-wise, there’s no regular lubrication, just inspect every 10,000–15,000 km during scheduled services. Many owners see 80,000–150,000 km from links depending on road conditions. If chasing a clunk, don’t forget to check the rear — the CJ’s rear links and bushes can make similar noises.

Popular questions about 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer sway bars & links

How do you tell if the sway bar links are worn on a 2009 Lancer?
Look for a light knock over small, repeated bumps, especially at parking speeds, and listen for a clack when turning into driveways. A mechanic can confirm by levering the link and feeling for play or seeing a split boot with lost grease. Excess body roll compared with how the car used to feel is another giveaway.

Should both sway bar links be replaced at the same time?
Yes, it’s best practice to replace links in pairs on the same axle. If one has worn, the other is usually close behind. Doing both keeps the Lancer’s handling even and saves time on repeat labour.

Do you need a wheel alignment after changing sway bar links or D-bushes?
Not normally — links and D-bushes don’t alter alignment settings. If steering still feels vague after the repair, or if other suspension components were touched, an alignment check is sensible.