Parts for your 2013 Honda Cr-v-Sway bars & links

2013 Honda CR‑V sway bars & links

Yes, the 2013 Honda CR‑V is fitted with front and rear stabiliser (sway) bars and end links. This is documented in Honda’s factory Service Manual for 2012–2014 CR‑V (Front Suspension – Stabilizer Bar and Link, Rear Suspension – Rear Stabilizer Bar) and reflected in the Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue, which lists both front and rear stabiliser links and D‑bushes for the RM‑series CR‑V. These components are standard across front‑wheel drive and AWD variants.

The sway bars and links are there to keep the CR‑V feeling planted. By tying the left and right suspension together, the bar resists body roll in corners, helps the tyres keep better contact with the road, and steadies the car during quick lane changes or when loaded up for a weekend away. The links are the small, jointed rods that connect each end of the bar to the suspension, they transfer the bar’s effort into the strut/arm without binding.

While there’s no fixed replacement interval, these parts do a lot of work and are worth a look at each service. Common signs they’re tired include:

• Clunks or rattles over small bumps, especially at low speed
• Extra body roll or a “floaty” feel through roundabouts
• Split link boots, perished D‑bushes, or visible play in the links

On a 2013 CR‑V, the links use sealed ball joints — they’re not serviceable or greaseable, so replacement is the go once there’s play or noise. When changing links or D‑bushes, it’s smart to do them in pairs across the axle, renew the self‑locking nuts, and torque everything with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid bushing preload. Rubber D‑bushes shouldn’t be lubricated, if they squeak or are cracked, replace them. Polyurethane aftermarket bushes may require appropriate grease, but stick with the supplier’s recommendations.

A quick road test on a familiar loop after the job helps confirm the fix. A wheel alignment isn’t usually required for sway bar work on the CR‑V, as you’re not altering camber or toe settings, still, if you’ve disturbed other suspension hardware or if the steering wheel isn’t dead‑centre, an alignment check is worthwhile. For Kiwi and Aussie conditions — plenty of corrugations, speed humps and occasional gravel — a visual inspection every 20,000–30,000 km is a good habit, with earlier attention if you tow or carry heavier loads.

Popular questions

What are the signs the 2013 CR‑V’s sway bar links need replacing?
Tell‑tales include knocking over bumps, a light rattle at parking speeds, and more lean through corners. If a tech can move the link by hand or sees torn boots or rust‑stained grease, it’s time.

Do worn sway bar bushes or links affect wheel alignment?
Not directly. They can change how the car feels in corners, but they don’t set toe or camber. If other suspension bolts are loosened during the job, get an alignment check to be safe.

How long do sway bar links and bushes last on a CR‑V?
There’s no set life. Many last 80,000–150,000 km, but rough roads, speed humps and heavy loads can shorten that. Regular inspections help catch wear early.