NOLATHANE, REVOLUTION Sway Bar Link Washer for 1998 Nissan Maxima GLE

Nolathane sway bar link washers are hardened cupped washers that support the bushings on your Nissan Maxima's stud-type sway bar end links. These end link washers hold each bushing centered on the link and spread the clamping load evenly, so the bushing can do its job without bulging out of place.

When the washers bend, rust, or dish flat, the bushings lose their support and the link starts to loosen and clunk. Fresh washers restore a firm, even clamp. Each listing shows the outside diameter, inside diameter, and quantity.

The Role of Cupped Washers in a Nissan Maxima Sway Bar End Link

A sway bar, also called a stabilizer bar or anti-roll bar, connects to the suspension through end links. On a stud-type or bolt-through end link, a long bolt or stud passes through the sway bar at one end and a control arm or mount at the other.

At each mounting point, the bar or arm is sandwiched between two bushings. Each bushing is backed by a cupped washer, also known as a cup washer. When the nut is tightened, the washers clamp the bushings against the mount.

The cup shape matters. It cradles the bushing, holding it centered on the bolt and stopping it from spreading sideways. It also spreads the clamping force evenly across the face of the bushing, rather than concentrating it in one spot.

Why Hardened Washers Matter

End link bushings are clamped under constant preload, and the sway bar loads them further every time your Nissan Maxima corners or one wheel hits a bump. That?s a lot of force on a small washer.

A soft washer can?t take it for long. It bends, dishes flat, or cracks under the bushing?s preload. Once it loses its cup shape, the bushing is no longer held in place. It bulges out past the washer, the clamp loosens, and the link starts to move.

Hardened washers hold their shape under that load, so the bushing stays centered and the clamp stays tight.

Signs of Worn Sway Bar Link Washers on Your Nissan Maxima

Worn washers are easy to miss, because the bushings often get the blame. Watch for:

• Washers bent flat, or dished the wrong way
• Cracks or heavy rust on the washers
• Bushings extruding past the edge of the washer
• A clunk or rattle from the suspension over bumps
• A link that stays loose even after tightening

If the washers are damaged, replacing only the bushings won?t fix the problem for long, because the new bushings won?t be properly supported.

Matching Washers to Your Nissan Maxima's Link Bushings

The washers need to match the bushings they support. Each listing shows the outside diameter, inside diameter, and quantity, and the washers are guaranteed to match the dimensions shown in the listing.

Outside Diameter

The washer?s outside diameter should match the face of the bushing, so it supports the whole bushing without a large overhang or an unsupported edge.

Inside Diameter

The inside diameter needs to suit the link bolt or stud, so the washer sits centered without excess play.

Cup Depth and Orientation

The cup should suit the shape of the bushing. When fitted, the cup must always face the bushing, so it cradles it rather than pressing into it with the flat side.

Assembly Order for Nissan Maxima Stud-Type End Links

Assembling a stud-type end link in the right order makes sure every bushing is supported. Working outward from each mount, the general order is:

• A cupped washer, with the cup facing the bushing
• A bushing
• The sway bar or control arm mount
• A second bushing
• A second cupped washer, with the cup facing that bushing

Between the two mounts, a spacer tube on the link bolt sets the correct distance, and a nut at each end holds the assembly together. The key rule throughout is that every washer?s cup faces its bushing.

Tightening Nissan Maxima End Links Without Crushing the Bushing

End links are easy to over-tighten. Tighten them to the specified length or torque, or until the spacer tube seats, whichever the vehicle?s design calls for.

Over-tightening crushes the bushings, whether they?re polyurethane or rubber. A crushed bushing can?t flex as it should, which stiffens the link and shortens the bushing?s life. Fit new lock nuts where the specification calls for them. Qualified fitting is recommended.

Fitting Washers With New Link Bushings on Your Nissan Maxima

The best time to replace sway bar link washers is when you?re replacing the link bushings. Old washers that have bent or dished won?t support new bushings properly, so it makes sense to renew them together.

If you?re fitting polyurethane bushings, grease them as specified. That lets them move smoothly and prevents squeaks.

Nissan Maxima Sway Bar Link Washer Limitations and Trade-Offs

Sway bar link washers restore support for the bushings, but they have limits:

• New washers can?t fix a bent link bolt, worn ball-joint-type links, or a worn sway bar or sway bar bushings
• They suit bolt-through or stud-type end links only
• The sizes must match the bushings

Compliance and Insurance

Make sure your Nissan Maxima meets the inspection requirements of the state where it?s registered, and let your insurance company know about any modifications.

Warranty and Support

Nolathane sway bar link washers are backed by Nolathane?s warranty. If you need help matching washers to your bushings, our local support team can help.

Shop Sway Bar Link Washers for Your Nissan Maxima

Link washers are part of our nuts, bolts and screws selection, and sway bar link bushings replace the worn rubber between them.

Find sway bar link washers sized to your end link bushings, and order online with fast shipping. Every washer is covered by our fitment guarantee to match the dimensions shown in the listing.