Parts for your 2013 Volvo Xc60-Sway bars & links

2013 Volvo XC60 sway bars & links — what they do and when to replace them

Based on Volvo VIDA (Workshop Information, Suspension section for the P3 XC60), the Volvo Genuine Parts catalogue for 2013 XC60, and widely used service references for the model range (e.g., Haynes/Autodata and OEM parts diagrams), this vehicle is factory-fitted with both front and rear stabiliser (sway) bars and corresponding end links. So yes, sway bars & links are relevant to the 2013 Volvo XC60.

The sway bar and its links are there to keep the XC60 flatter and more stable through corners. They tie the left and right suspension together, reducing body roll and sharpening steering feel. The links use small ball joints to connect the bar to the strut (front) or control arm (rear), and the bar itself pivots on chassis-mounted bushes. When those joints or bushes wear, the XC60 can start to clunk over bumps, wander a touch on the motorway, or feel a bit floaty in quick lane changes.

For everyday motoring around Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to have these components inspected every 20,000–30,000 km or at each major service, especially if the car sees rough roads, corrugations, or speed humps. Tell-tales include knocking noises on small bumps, uneven tyre wear, vague steering, and visible play or torn dust boots on the links. The rubber D-bushes on the bar can also harden or split with age, creating squeaks and extra roll.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech. The trick is to torque the link nuts and the bar’s bush brackets to factory spec with the vehicle’s weight on its wheels, so the bushes sit neutrally and don’t pre-load. Penetrating fluid on old fasteners helps, and if one link is gone, it’s usually worth doing the pair on that axle. An alignment isn’t typically required for sway bar work on the XC60, though if multiple suspension jobs have been done, a quick check never hurts.

Choosing quality links with proper dust boots and grease retention will pay off in longer life. After fitting, a short road test on mixed surfaces is ideal to confirm the clunk is gone and the steering feel is crisp again. Keeping this setup healthy helps the XC60 track straight, corner confidently, and look after its tyres.

• Listen for clunks over low-speed bumps and driveway entries.
• Check link ball joints for play and split boots, inspect bar D-bushes for cracks or shine/polishing.
• Replace in axle pairs when wear is evident, re-torque with the car on the ground.

Popular questions about 2013 Volvo XC60 sway bars & links

What are the common symptoms of worn sway bar links on a 2013 XC60?
Owners often notice a light knocking over small bumps, especially at parking speeds, plus a slightly loose or delayed steering response. On inspection, a worn link will usually show play at the ball joint or a torn boot letting grease out and moisture in.

Left alone, the noise can get worse and the car can feel less planted in quick corners. Replacing the affected links restores that tidy, confident handling the XC60 is known for.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing sway bar links?
Not usually on the XC60. The links don’t set camber or toe. If the front link attaches to the strut, proper refit and torque to spec is the key, and an alignment isn’t commonly required.

If multiple suspension components have been changed, or if there’s uneven tyre wear or a pull, an alignment check is sensible for peace of mind.

Is it safe to drive with a broken or very worn sway bar link?
If a link fails, the XC60 will typically make more noise and roll more in corners. It’s generally driveable at reduced speed, but handling is compromised, especially in sudden manoeuvres.

Best practice is to replace the faulty link as soon as possible and inspect the opposite side and the bar bushes at the same time.