Sway Bar - Front

Removal and installation of the front sway bar (anti-roll bar) assembly including disconnection from end links and removal of mounting brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Front sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Raise vehicle on lift or support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
3. Remove both front wheels to improve access
4. Allow suspension to hang at full droop if using jack stands, or work at ride height if on a lift with wheels hanging
5. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect driver side sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the lower suspension arm on the driver side. The upper nut secures the link to the sway bar itself. Insert an Allen key (typically 6mm or 7mm) into the top of the link shaft to hold it from spinning. Using a socket wrench, remove the upper retaining nut while holding the Allen key steady. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings for reassembly. Once the nut is removed, pull the link stud free from the sway bar eye.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar end link
   Repeat the process on the passenger side. Insert the Allen key into the end link shaft to prevent rotation, then remove the upper nut securing the link to the sway bar. Keep track of all washers and bushings. Once freed, the sway bar will now be disconnected from both end links and can move independently.
3. 3

   Remove driver side sway bar mounting bracket
   Locate the sway bar mounting bracket on the driver side of the front subframe or crossmember. The bracket clamps the sway bar via a rubber bushing and is secured to the subframe by bolts (verify the exact number of bolts per bracket against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual). Verify the fastener head type on this vehicle before selecting tools; the bracket bolts may be hex-head, socket-head (Allen), or Torx. Remove both bracket bolts completely. Carefully lower the bracket and bushing away from the sway bar. Inspect the bushing for wear, cracking, or compression set. Note: Confirm the bracket bolt head type (hex or Torx) against the actual fasteners before selecting a tool. Note: Verify the bracket fastener head type (hex or Torx) against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual before selecting a tool.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove passenger side sway bar mounting bracket
   Locate the passenger side mounting bracket securing the sway bar to the subframe. Remove the bracket bolts (head type and count verified per step 3) and lower the bracket with its bushing away from the bar. With both brackets removed, the sway bar is now free to be maneuvered out of position.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove front sway bar from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the sway bar downward and toward one side of the vehicle to clear any obstructions such as the steering rack, subframe cross-bracing, or exhaust components. The bar may need to be rotated or angled to navigate around tight clearances. If the bar binds, check for any remaining hardware or interference points. Once clear, remove the sway bar completely from the vehicle and set aside on a clean work surface.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean mounting locations
   With the sway bar removed, inspect the mounting areas on the subframe where the brackets attach. Use a wire brush to remove any rust, corrosion, or debris from the bolt holes and mounting surfaces. Inspect the bracket bolts for thread damage or corrosion; replace if necessary. Check the subframe mounting points for cracks or damage, particularly around the bushing clamp areas.
7. 7

   Prepare new or replacement sway bar
   If installing a new sway bar, verify it matches the original in diameter, bend configuration, and mounting point locations. Install new bushings onto the bar at the correct positions, ensuring the bushing split faces the correct direction (typically toward the rear of the vehicle or as marked). Apply a thin coating of rubber-compatible grease to the inside of the bushings where they contact the bar to reduce friction and squeaking.
8. 8

   Install sway bar into vehicle
   Maneuver the sway bar back into position, reversing the removal path. Angle and rotate the bar as needed to clear steering components, subframe, and exhaust. Position the bar so that the bushing locations align with the mounting bracket positions on both sides of the subframe. Ensure the bar ends are oriented correctly to mate with the end links.
9. 9

   Install passenger side mounting bracket
   Position the rubber bushing around the sway bar at the passenger side mounting location, ensuring the bushing split is oriented correctly. Place the mounting bracket over the bushing, aligning the bracket holes with the subframe mounting points. Hand-thread the bracket bolts (head type and count per step 3) to hold the assembly in position. Do not fully torque at this stage.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install driver side mounting bracket
    Install the bushing and bracket on the driver side using the same process. Ensure the bushing is properly seated around the bar and the bracket aligns with the subframe holes. Hand-thread the bracket bolts (count per step 3) to hold the assembly. With both brackets loosely installed, verify the sway bar is centered and positioned correctly before final torquing.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque sway bar bracket bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten all sway bar bracket bolts to the manufacturer-specified torque (verify bolt count and torque against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual before final tightening). Torque the bolts in a cross-pattern if applicable, or evenly between sides, to ensure uniform clamping pressure on the bushings. Verify each bracket is seated flush against the subframe with no gaps. Note: Using a torque wrench, tighten all sway bar bracket bolts to the manufacturer-specified torque (verify the exact torque value and bolt count against Aston Martin DB9 service data). Note: Using a torque wrench, tighten all four sway bar bracket bolts (two per side) to the manufacturer-specified torque (verify exact value against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual).
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect driver side end link to sway bar
    Align the driver side end link upper stud with the mounting eye on the sway bar. Install any washers or bushings in the correct order as noted during disassembly. Thread the retaining nut onto the stud by hand. Insert the Allen key into the end link shaft to prevent rotation, then torque the nut to the manufacturer-specified value (verify against Aston Martin DB9 service data) using a torque wrench while holding the Allen key steady. Note: Insert the Allen key into the end link shaft to prevent rotation, then torque the nut to the manufacturer-specified value (verify against Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual) using a torque wrench while holding the Allen key steady. Note: Insert the Allen key into the end link shaft to prevent rotation, then torque the nut to the manufacturer-specified value (verify against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual) using a torque wrench while holding the Allen key steady.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Connect passenger side end link to sway bar
    Repeat the connection process on the passenger side. Install washers and bushings, thread the nut, then torque to the manufacturer-specified value (verify against Aston Martin DB9 service data) while holding the link shaft with an Allen key. Verify both end links are secure and the sway bar can articulate freely without binding. Note: Install washers and bushings, thread the nut, then torque to the manufacturer-specified value (verify against Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual) while holding the link shaft with an Allen key. Note: Install washers and bushings, thread the nut, then torque to the manufacturer-specified value (verify against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual) while holding the link shaft with an Allen key.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall front wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels, torquing the lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern. Carefully lower the vehicle from the lift or jack stands. Once on the ground, perform a final torque check on the wheel lug nuts.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Ensure sway bar bushings are properly seated and greased to prevent squeaking
3. Verify end link hardware is installed in the correct order with bushings and washers in original positions
4. Check for adequate clearance between sway bar and surrounding components throughout suspension travel

Verification

• With vehicle on the ground, bounce each front corner and listen for any clunking, rattling, or squeaking from the sway bar area
• Perform a slow test drive over smooth and uneven surfaces, verifying proper handling response and no abnormal noises
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no interference between sway bar and steering components
• Visually inspect all fasteners and connections after test drive to ensure nothing has loosened
• Verify even tire contact with the road and proper steering feel with no pulling to either side

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