Ford Thunderbird Center (Drag) Link Replacement at your home or office.

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Center (Drag) Link Replacement Service

How much does a Center (Drag) Link Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford Thunderbird Center (Drag) Link Replacement is $245 with $150 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1963 Ford ThunderbirdV8-7.0LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$414.43Shop/Dealer Price$499.29 - $731.37
1980 Ford ThunderbirdV8-5.0LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$541.31Shop/Dealer Price$662.91 - $1005.16
1993 Ford ThunderbirdV8-5.0LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$541.31Shop/Dealer Price$662.91 - $1005.16
1991 Ford ThunderbirdV6-3.8LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$394.43Shop/Dealer Price$479.29 - $711.36
1988 Ford ThunderbirdV8-5.0LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$541.31Shop/Dealer Price$662.92 - $1005.19
1996 Ford ThunderbirdV8-4.6LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$394.43Shop/Dealer Price$479.31 - $711.40
1975 Ford ThunderbirdV8-7.5LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$399.43Shop/Dealer Price$484.17 - $716.16
1968 Ford ThunderbirdV8-7.0LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$399.43Shop/Dealer Price$484.54 - $716.82
Show example Ford Thunderbird Center (Drag) Link Replacement prices

What is the Center (Drag) Link all about?

The center link, also known as a drag link, converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel of a vehicle into the corresponding direction of the wheels when turning. You can find the drag link connected to the pitman arm, which attaches to the steering column. The other end of the drag link connects to the steering arm and eventually to the tie rods, which play a major part in pivoting the wheels that steer the vehicle.

In some vehicles, the drag link connects directly to the tie rod assembly via a ball joint instead of to a steering arm. Drag links come in either a solid single-piece or as an adjustable design.

Keep in mind:

  • In addition to the drag link, our expert mechanic will also check the ball joints connecting the drag link to the pitman arm and the steering arm or tie rod assembly for wear or cracking.
  • Many drag links feature replaceable ends so you do not have to replace the whole part.
  • One of our expert mechanics will also inspect the shocks and struts when checking the drag link to make sure these parts remain in good shape.

How it's done:

  • The vehicle front wheels are turned straight and the vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands
  • The defective center drag link is removed
  • The new center drag link is installed
  • The vehicle is removed from jack stands
  • The vehicle is road tested and checked for proper steering operation

Our recommendation:

By following your vehicle's regular maintenance schedule, you should have the linkage beneath the vehicle, including the drag link, inspected whenever you have the vehicle lubed. Most often, though, today's ball joints, tie rods, and other parts are sealed and require little to no maintenance. In this case, have one of our expert mechanics inspect the drag link when performing a tire rotation or change, a vehicle alignment, or whenever your vehicle displays symptoms that might indicate a problem is developing with the drag link or any of its related components.

When inspecting the drag link, the mechanic will look for any excessive play, a strong indicator that the part needs replacing.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Center (Drag) Link?

  • Vibration while driving
  • Wobbling while driving

How important is this service?

The drag link is an important component in the operation of your vehicle. A faulty drag link can cause your vehicle to vibrate or wobble while driving, affecting the handling, stability, and alignment of the vehicle, making it more difficult to drive. If the faulty drag link is not replaced, the vehicle will eventually become inoperable.

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Excellent Rating

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Rating Summary
149
3
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149
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Jay

37 years of experience
968 reviews
Jay
37 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-6.4L - Starter - Ontario, California
Jay has been personable and efficient each time he’s been called. I appreciate his demeanor, attention to detail and professionalism.

Benji

22 years of experience
277 reviews
Benji
22 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-6.4L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Mesa, Arizona
Benji went through a flooding situation to inspect my car. His inspection was thorough and professional. I emailed him numerous times, and he answered each and every one of them. He even has a good sense of humor. Thanks to his hard work and thorough inspection, I was saved from buying a potential lemon. Thanks, Benji.

Brian

23 years of experience
696 reviews
Brian
23 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-6.4L - Car is not starting - Jacksonville, Florida
Awesome

Claud

8 years of experience
519 reviews
Claud
8 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-4.6L - Crankshaft Position Sensor - Detroit, Michigan
Claud works very fast and efficient.

Excellent Rating

(157)

Rating Summary
149
3
2
0
3
149
3
2
0
3
Number of Ford Thunderbird services completed
1727+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Ford MECHANICS
1700+
experts on our platform

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