Panhard Bar/Track Bar

Removal and replacement of the rear panhard bar (track bar) on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV to restore proper rear axle lateral positioning and handling characteristics.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Panhard bar/track bar assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Panhard bar mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer frame lifting points
5. Remove both rear wheels
6. Spray panhard bar mounting bolts with penetrating oil if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the panhard bar
   The panhard bar is mounted transversely across the rear suspension, connecting the rear axle beam to the chassis. It is typically located behind the rear axle assembly. Identify both mounting points: one on the chassis/body and one on the rear axle beam.
2. 2

   Support the rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the center of the rear axle beam with a block of wood between jack and axle. Raise jack just enough to take slight pressure off the panhard bar, ensuring the rear suspension is at approximately ride height position. This reduces binding during removal.
3. 3

   Remove chassis-side mounting bolt
   Locate the panhard bar mounting bolt at the chassis/body side. Using appropriate socket and wrench, remove the bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings. The bolt may be tight due to load; maintain support with the jack while removing.
4. 4

   Remove axle-side mounting bolt
   Locate and remove the panhard bar mounting bolt at the rear axle beam side. Again note orientation of all washers and bushings. If bolt is seized, apply additional penetrating oil and allow time to soak before attempting removal with increased force.
5. 5

   Remove panhard bar
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully extract the panhard bar from the vehicle. You may need to slightly raise or lower the rear axle using the floor jack to align the bar for removal. Inspect mounting points on both chassis and axle for damage, rust, or deformation.
6. 6

   Inspect bushings and mounting points
   Examine the bushings at both ends of the old panhard bar for cracking, tearing, or excessive wear. Inspect the mounting brackets on chassis and axle for cracks, elongated bolt holes, or corrosion. Clean mounting surfaces with wire brush if necessary. Replace any damaged components.
7. 7

   Install new panhard bar
   Position the new panhard bar between the chassis and axle mounting points. Ensure bushings are properly oriented. Start both mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Do not fully tighten at this stage. Verify the bar moves freely through its range of motion.
8. 8

   Align suspension geometry
   Adjust the floor jack to position the rear axle at normal ride height (suspension neither compressed nor extended). This ensures the panhard bar bushings are torqued in their neutral position, preventing premature bushing wear. The vehicle body should be at approximately the same height as when resting on wheels.
9. 9

   Torque mounting bolts
   With the rear suspension at ride height, torque both panhard bar mounting bolts to specification. While no specific torque is provided in the database for panhard bar bolts on this vehicle, use the Mounting Bolts specification as reference or consult factory service manual for exact values. Torque chassis-side bolt first, then axle-side bolt.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially to prevent cross-threading. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern.
11. 11

    Lower vehicle and final torque check
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle completely to ground. With full vehicle weight on wheels, perform final torque check on wheel lug nuts in star pattern. Remove wheel chocks.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with vehicle at ride height
2. Verify panhard bar has proper clearance throughout suspension travel
3. Check that no brake lines, wiring, or other components contact the panhard bar

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, checking for unusual noises or handling characteristics
• Verify rear axle tracks properly with no lateral shifting sensation during acceleration or braking
• After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on panhard bar mounting bolts
• Schedule four-wheel alignment to ensure rear axle positioning is correct and within specification

More procedures for this vehicle