Sway Bar Bushing - Front

Replace the front sway bar bushings on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine to restore proper anti-roll bar function and eliminate clunking noises from worn bushings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing set × 1 — Use OEM specification for 13/16 inch diameter bar
• Sway bar bracket hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification or stainless steel replacement

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at front crossmember
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails behind front wheels
5. Spray all sway bar bracket bolts with penetrating oil and allow 15 minutes to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate front sway bar and mounting brackets
   The front sway bar runs across the front of the vehicle and is mounted to the frame rails with two U-shaped brackets. Each bracket holds a split bushing around the bar. Identify the bracket mounting bolts that secure each bracket to the frame.
2. 2

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Using a 9/16 inch socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts securing the driver side sway bar bracket to the frame. The bracket may be stuck to the frame due to corrosion. Gently tap with a rubber mallet if needed to separate the bracket from the frame.
3. 3

   Remove driver side bushing
   With the bracket removed, pull the split bushing halves away from the sway bar. Note the orientation of the bushing split relative to the bar. Inspect the sway bar surface for rust, corrosion, or damage where the bushing seats.
4. 4

   Clean driver side mounting area
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar surface where the bushing mounts, removing any rust or debris. Also clean the frame mounting surface and inspect the bracket for cracks or damage. Clean bracket bolt threads with wire brush.
5. 5

   Install new driver side bushing
   Position the new bushing halves around the cleaned sway bar with the bushing split facing toward the rear of the vehicle. Ensure the bushing is centered in the mounting location and seats fully around the bar diameter.
6. 6

   Reinstall driver side bracket
   Place the bracket over the bushing and align mounting holes with the frame. Start both bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten bolts evenly in a cross pattern to compress the bushing uniformly. Torque to manufacturer specification if available, or snug firmly (approximately 25-30 ft-lbs for this application).
7. 7

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Using a 9/16 inch socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts securing the passenger side sway bar bracket to the frame. Remove the bracket and note any shims or spacers that may be present between the bracket and frame.
8. 8

   Remove passenger side bushing
   Pull the split bushing halves away from the sway bar. Compare the wear pattern to the driver side bushing. Uneven wear may indicate alignment issues or bent sway bar.
9. 9

   Clean passenger side mounting area
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar surface, frame mounting area, and bracket. Remove all rust, old rubber residue, and debris to ensure proper seating of the new bushing.
10. 10

    Install new passenger side bushing and bracket
    Position the new bushing halves around the sway bar with the split facing rearward. Place the bracket over the bushing, reinstall any shims that were present, and start both bolts by hand. Tighten bolts evenly to compress the bushing uniformly and torque to the same specification used on the driver side.
11. 11

    Inspect sway bar end links
    While under the vehicle, inspect the sway bar end links that connect the bar to the lower control arms. Check for worn bushings, loose hardware, or damaged components. Address any issues found before completing the repair.

Reassembly

1. Verify all bracket bolts are properly tightened and no tools remain under vehicle
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove supports
3. Bounce front end of vehicle several times to settle suspension and seat new bushings

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed over bumps and during turns to verify elimination of clunking noises
• Verify improved handling response and reduced body roll during cornering
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check bracket bolt tightness as new bushings may settle slightly

More procedures for this vehicle