What is the consensus on sway bar links? Is it advisable to pay the extra for the OEM (about $125 each side at my local dealership)? Not that it necessarily matters, but I noticed the OEM stabilizer bar links are made in China. Or, is there a better aftermarket brand that is recommended? My car: 2009 Prius base model with 182k rust belt miles. Sway bar links/bushings are original. Getting some squeaks, so figured it is time to replace bushings and links.
For high-demand parts such as this, Toyota often arranges for locally-produced substitutes. In photos I’ve seen, the original service part (48820-47010) is labeled “Made in Japan”; the version sold at Toyota dealers in the U.S. (48820-02030) is labeled “Made in USA with Imported and Domestic Materials”; still another version (48820-02060) is labeled “Made in Thailand”; and there are at least three more versions that I didn’t bother to track down. It’s reasonable to assume they’re all suitable for the application. If you don’t need the parts right away, you could buy the original parts (list price ¥4470, or about $39 each at today’s rate) from an exporting company such as IMPEX JAPAN. Even with shipping (perhaps $25), the total cost would be lower, though you also wouldn’t get the 12-month Service Part Warranty good at U.S. dealers.
Yes. I meant that the Toyota genuine parts are made in China. Genuine Toyota 48820-02030 Stabilizer Link Assembly Made in China
Thanks for this info. I guess my question is which links are best (in terms of quality)? I don't have my heart set on using OEM. I just want something that will last as long as the original set, and I prefer a sealed design where I don't have to add grease every oil change.
Who manufactures the front sway bar link ends for Toyota? When it comes to shocks/struts, many on this forum have suggested just buying KYB, as they are the original OEM manufacturer for Toyota and it may cost less buying KYB struts vs. genuine parts at the dealer. I would like to know the manufacturer for the stabilizer bar link ends, and purchase those vs. buying at the dealer. Is it Sankei 555? Thanks.