Parts for your 2013 Ford Falcon-Sway bars & links

Understanding and Maintaining the Sway Bars & Links on Your 2013 Ford Falcon

The 2013 Ford Falcon is a vehicle that's known for its robust performance and smooth handling. Integral to this renowned stability and handling are the sway bars and links, often referred to as anti-roll bars and their connecting links. These components are designed to improve the vehicle's balance during turns and keep the car level, particularly important when driving through corners or over uneven surfaces.

For those unfamiliar, sway bars are a key component in a vehicle's suspension system. They connect opposite wheels using short links joined by a steel bar, working to distribute and balance the weight transferred to each side of the car. This counteracts the tendency of the vehicle to lean excessively during corners. As a result, the ride is more comfortable for passengers and the handling during turns is much improved. On the Ford Falcon, these sway bars are essential to ensuring the vehicle handles as the engineers intended.

Over time, like any mechanical component, sway bars and their links can wear out or suffer from fatigue, requiring maintenance. Let's dig into how you can maintain and potentially replace these parts on your Ford Falcon to keep it in top driving condition.

• Maintenance Checks: Conducting regular inspections of your sway bars and links is crucial. Look for visible wear and tear or any abnormal looseness in the links. Listen for clunking noises when driving over bumps or while cornering, as this can be indicative of a problem.
• Testing the Links: When conducting a visual inspection, use an appropriate tool like a pry bar to gently lever the sway bar links. If there's excessive movement, it's often a sign that they are worn out and require attention.
• Replacing Worn Parts: Replacing sway bar links is not overly complicated and can often be a DIY job if you're so inclined. First, ensure the vehicle is safely raised and supported on stands. Start by removing the old links using a wrench to unbolt them. Once removed, the new links can be fitted into position and appropriately torqued to the manufacturer's specifications.

It's always advised that you refer to the vehicle's service manual for specific details related to torque settings and any other unique procedures pertinent to the 2013 Ford Falcon. For sway bar itself, generally speaking, unless it's damaged or you're looking to upgrade for performance reasons, it will have a longer lifespan than the links.

• Upgrading Your Sway Bars: Enthusiasts looking to improve their Ford Falcon's handling further might consider upgrading to a larger or stiffer sway bar. This can improve performance by reducing body roll even more. However, note that stiffer bars can create a harsher ride, so it's important to consider your driving style and needs.
• Balance and Alignment: After replacing sway bar links or upgrading your sway bars, it's a good idea to have a wheel alignment done. Changes in the suspension can affect alignment, which can then affect handling and tyre wear.

Choosing quality parts made from durable materials is vital for longevity. Many aftermarket sway bar links offer improved designs that use better materials than the original parts. Options like polyurethane bushings can offer improved performance and longevity compared to rubber, although they might transmit more noise and vibration into the cabin.

Routine check-ups as part of your vehicle's regular servicing should ideally include a quick glance at these components. Sway bar links are not only affordable but are an easy replacement that can save you from more costly repairs in the long run due to their impact on tyre wear and handling performance.

It's also worth mentioning that any suspension work should be done using appropriate safety methods and tools. If you're unsure or not comfortable working on your vehicle's suspension, seeking the assistance of a professional mechanic or service centre is always the best course of action.

By keeping on top of your 2013 Ford Falcon's sway bars and links, you ensure that your vehicle remains safe, comfortable, and a pleasure to drive. These components, although small, play a large role in how the vehicle performs, particularly when driving conditions are less than ideal. Regular attention and timely replacements or upgrades will keep your Falcon performing as you'd expect it to, delivering that signature control and smoothness Ford Falcons are renowned for.