Rusted through rear sway bar link

TR73 · 09-20-2010, 07:26 PM

The driver's side rear sway bar (toyota calls it an antiroll bar) link rusted to the point that the bolt that attaches the link to the lower suspension broke off. Today, I had my dealer replace both links. Looking at the old passenger side link, looks like it was ready to go too! I do live in the rust belt (Chicago area) Anyone had a similar experience? Thanks.

BigSwede · 09-22-2010, 09:58 AM

It rusted THROUGH in only 3+ years?? That is rather amazing...I'll have to keep an eye on mine, I am definitely in the rust belt.

Scoobs · 09-22-2010, 06:03 PM

RAV4Don · 09-22-2010, 09:34 PM

Sorry to hear that. Geez, I wonder how badly the rest of your chassis is rusted.

I don't have any where near that kind of problem on mine in southern IL.

djw479 · 09-23-2010, 09:30 AM

TR73...we sure do live in an area where they love to use the salt on winter roads. First time I have heard of your problem, but something I will watch for in the years ahead.

How does the other areaas of your suspension look rust-wise?

TR73 · 09-23-2010, 09:50 AM

The other areas of the suspension and undercarriage look typical, no problems. At first, I thought the sway bolt struck or got caught up on something and snapped off (my kids do drive the RAV occasionally), as this bolt does sit somewhat low from the suspension. But it's clear it rusted off. My dealer claims they have not seen this before. My next stop is contacting Toyota regional.

jzisman · 09-21-2011, 10:09 PM

I have a 2007 sport v6 I live around the Chicago are. I noticed that the passenger side swaybar mount was broken. I had the dealer replace it. I Asked if this happens alot .They told me that they never seen this before. Two weeks later the driver side broke. I think this is a material problem. Maybe a bad parts suppler or bad design. My rav4 has over 100k and I love it. But I have seen a few problem and wish Toyota would do more about bad materials or design. So if you live where they use salt keep your eye on these mounts.

KTL · 09-22-2011, 08:47 AM

Hmm...I'll have to look underneath to check as well.

**JuneBug** · 09-22-2011, 02:27 PM

I would like to see some pictures of this rusty link so I'll know what to look for and where.

KTL · 09-22-2011, 06:11 PM

These are what I can see without jacking the car up or taking the wheel off.

Driver side.

Passenger side.

09-20-2010, 07:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
TR73 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Rusted through rear sway bar link The driver's side rear sway bar (toyota calls it an antiroll bar) link rusted to the point that the bolt that attaches the link to the lower suspension broke off. Today, I had my dealer replace both links. Looking at the old passenger side link, looks like it was ready to go too! I do live in the rust belt (Chicago area) Anyone had a similar experience? Thanks.

09-22-2010, 09:58 AM	#2 (permalink)
BigSwede Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,114 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	It rusted THROUGH in only 3+ years?? That is rather amazing...I'll have to keep an eye on mine, I am definitely in the rust belt. __________________ ~Steve in Minnesota 08 Base V6 AWD Silver

09-22-2010, 09:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
RAV4Don Advanced Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: rural IL Posts: 2,420 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Sorry to hear that. Geez, I wonder how badly the rest of your chassis is rusted. I don't have any where near that kind of problem on mine in southern IL. __________________ 08 RAV4 Limited AWD V6 05 RAV4 S FWD 5spd -traded for 08 99 RX300 2012 Corvette ZR1 90 454 SS truck 425rwtq

09-23-2010, 09:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
djw479 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Western Chicago Suburbs Posts: 565 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Feedback Score: 0 reviews	TR73...we sure do live in an area where they love to use the salt on winter roads. First time I have heard of your problem, but something I will watch for in the years ahead. How does the other areaas of your suspension look rust-wise? __________________ Other Big-Boy Toys: 1990 ZR-1 2001 Yamaha V-Max(with carb & exhaust upgrades) 1996 HD Road King(fender emblems read RoadKill) 2003 Bombardier Traxter ATV 2001 Skidoo MXZ800 Adrenaline

09-22-2011, 08:47 AM	#8 (permalink)
KTL Senior Member Country: Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 206 Thanks: 3 Thanked 37 Times in 13 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Hmm...I'll have to look underneath to check as well. __________________ How to change: Oil on a V6 (2GR-FE) Driving/Fog Light Bulbs How to install: Auto-dimming Mirror Body Side Moulding Rear Bumper Protector Splash Guards Tube Step

09-22-2010, 06:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
Scoobs Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 492 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews

09-23-2010, 09:50 AM	#6 (permalink)
TR73 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The other areas of the suspension and undercarriage look typical, no problems. At first, I thought the sway bolt struck or got caught up on something and snapped off (my kids do drive the RAV occasionally), as this bolt does sit somewhat low from the suspension. But it's clear it rusted off. My dealer claims they have not seen this before. My next stop is contacting Toyota regional.

09-21-2011, 10:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
jzisman Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I have a 2007 sport v6 I live around the Chicago are. I noticed that the passenger side swaybar mount was broken. I had the dealer replace it. I Asked if this happens alot .They told me that they never seen this before. Two weeks later the driver side broke. I think this is a material problem. Maybe a bad parts suppler or bad design. My rav4 has over 100k and I love it. But I have seen a few problem and wish Toyota would do more about bad materials or design. So if you live where they use salt keep your eye on these mounts.

09-22-2011, 02:27 PM	#9 (permalink)
JuneBug Your Humble Administrator Country: Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 8,995 Thanks: 37 Thanked 629 Times in 520 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I would like to see some pictures of this rusty link so I'll know what to look for and where. __________________ James __________________ 2008 Limited V6 2WD "The Silver Bullet" •Tow Prep •Autodim mirror w/compass •Wade deflector •Weathertech visors •BluLogic Bluetooth •QuickLift hood struts •Auto door locks • (((XM))) radio •Homelink •Unswitched 12V outlets

09-22-2011, 06:11 PM	#10 (permalink)
KTL Senior Member Country: Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 206 Thanks: 3 Thanked 37 Times in 13 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	These are what I can see without jacking the car up or taking the wheel off. Driver side. Passenger side. __________________ How to change: Oil on a V6 (2GR-FE) Driving/Fog Light Bulbs How to install: Auto-dimming Mirror Body Side Moulding Rear Bumper Protector Splash Guards Tube Step

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