Parts for your 2016 Ford Transit-Sway bars & links

2016 Ford Transit sway bars & links – what they do and when to service them

Yes, the 2016 Ford Transit is fitted with sway bars (anti-roll bars) and stabiliser links. Technical references including the Ford Workshop Manual (WSM) for 2015–2019 Transit, Section 204-01 Front Suspension – “Stabilizer Bar—Front,” and Section 204-02 Rear Suspension for applicable variants, detail removal and installation of the bars, D-bushes and links. The Ford parts catalogue and major OEM-equivalent parts listings also show front sway bar links and bushes for this model range, confirming fitment.

On the Transit, the sway bar ties the left and right suspension together to resist body roll in corners and during quick manoeuvres. The links connect the bar to the strut or control arm, transferring load so the van stays flatter, steers more predictably and feels calmer in crosswinds—handy on Aussie outback runs or Kiwi coastal roads. Many 2016 Transits run a front bar as standard, some variants also have a rear bar for extra stability, particularly people-movers and certain higher-GVM setups.

During regular servicing, it pays to inspect the sway bar D-bushes for cracking or compression set, and the link joints for torn dust boots, play or corrosion. Tell-tales of tired sway-bars-&-links include clunks over speed bumps, a knocking on rough surfaces, increased body lean, or a vague front-end feel. Uneven tyre wear isn’t a classic sway bar symptom, but excessive roll can aggravate other issues.

Replacement is straightforward with the right tools. Links often have a hex or Torx provision to hold the stud while loosening the nut—use penetrating oil first if they’re seized. Refit with new self-locking nuts where specified, and torque everything to the Ford WSM specs with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes. If one link is worn, replace links in axle pairs to keep handling balanced. A wheel alignment usually isn’t required for sway bar work, but book one if struts, control arms or subframe bolts have been disturbed.

For vans that see corrugations, heavy loads or plenty of speed humps, consider heavy-duty links and high-quality rubber or polyurethane D-bushes. A quick visual every service and a proper spanner check annually or every 20,000–30,000 km will keep the Transit tracking true and reduce annoying knocks and rattles.

• Listen for clunks over bumps and inspect link boots
• Check D-bushes for cracks, flattening or movement on the bar
• Retorque fasteners at ride height to spec, replace links in pairs

Popular questions about 2016 Ford Transit sway bars & links

How can someone tell if the sway bar links on a 2016 Transit are worn?
They’ll usually hear a light clunk or knock over speed humps or broken surfaces, especially at low speed. A quick check with the wheels on the ground can reveal play—grip the link and try to move it, any obvious looseness is a giveaway. Torn dust boots, rust-stained grease and shiny witness marks on nearby components are other clues.

On a road test, extra body roll or a twitchy feel over mid-corner bumps can also point to a lazy link or squashed D-bushes.

Does every 2016 Transit have a rear sway bar?
Not necessarily. A front stabiliser bar is common across the range, but rear bars are fitted to certain trims and packages—frequently passenger wagons and some higher-GVM or handling packs. Cargo variants may or may not have a rear bar from factory.

The easiest check is a look underneath: a tubular bar running across the rear axle with short links to the suspension arms means it’s fitted. The build sheet or VIN data from a dealer can also confirm equipment.

Do sway bar link replacements require a wheel alignment?
Generally, no. Replacing links or D-bushes doesn’t change alignment angles. However, if any work involves loosening strut-to-knuckle bolts, control arms or subframe fasteners, an alignment should follow.

After fitting new links, recheck fastener torque after the first few hundred kilometres, and always tighten at normal ride height to keep the bushes stress-free.