[stezieb]

So I have a 2003 LX Sedan SPI 2.0 SOHC, it had stock 14" wheels and tires, however. One day I came out and someone had stolen my front driver side tire/wheel. I called a friend, and bought his stock SVT tires/wheels off of him. I have 16" wheels now, specifically 205/50/16.

Since getting the new wheels about a month ago, I have replaced the Sway bar links/bushings TWICE! I'm using cheap Duralast aftermarket replacement from AutoZone part number sl259. They are under warranty, so they just keep giving them to me free every time my car starts squeaking/creaking. Any suggestions for stopping this from happening so frequently?

 

[syntheticGT]

Moving to suspension....

 

[trailbikerider]

I highly doubt the wheels have anything to do with your problem. I replaced my rear sway bar links with autozone ones back in April and have had absolutely no problems.

 

[SkoitchFocus]

I concurr. I don't think switching tire size should affect that at all. I switched to 17" Rage Breakers and never had a problem(till I jacked my car on a curb
Double check and make sure you are getting the right part. Sometimes they forget to ask if its a SOHC, although I don't think that matters either, all foci have nearly identical suspension systems.

 

[CTZX3]

switch to Moog front sway bar links, from advanced Autoparts
I did and love them, the best quality links you can buy!

 

[Focus126]

maybe something is causing your endlinks to wareout so fast... perhaps your struts are bad, or have broken springs, ... check your suspension... its not normal to replace them 2x in one month. perhaps youre replacing the wrong part, it's 2003 you didn't provide your milage so anything could cause your "squeaking/creaking" noise if you have over 80K on it... replace your struts, and when you are there, don't forget strut mound, and bearing. you can find very usefull info on the front struts, on this site ...

links usualy make taping noise that you can feel it through steering wheel going over small bumps on the road, with your wheels straigh ahead.

 

[justin_jkj]

i know when i took my stock 14's off and put 205 50 r 16's on my rear sway bar end links really showed how bad they were wore out but they werent noticed with 14's and they only got really worse over time. is there anyway to keep them from wearing? stiffer sway bar?. or slow down for turns?...lol