Sway Bar Bushing - Front

This procedure covers the replacement of the front sway bar bushings on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, requiring removal of sway bar bracket bolts and installation of new bushings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing kit (2 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels

Procedure

1. 1

   Access sway bar bushings
   Locate the sway bar bushing brackets on the front subframe. There are two brackets, one on each side of the vehicle center, that secure the sway bar to the subframe with U-shaped clamps. Spray penetrating oil on the bracket bolts if they show corrosion.
2. 2

   Remove driver side bushing bracket
   Using a 13mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the driver side sway bar bushing bracket to the subframe. Note the orientation of the bracket and bushing split-line before removal. Remove the bracket and old bushing from the sway bar.
3. 3

   Clean and inspect driver side
   Clean the sway bar surface where the bushing sits using a wire brush to remove any rust, dirt, or old bushing material. Inspect the sway bar for cracks, excessive wear, or damage. Check the bracket for damage or distortion.
4. 4

   Install new driver side bushing
   Position the new bushing around the sway bar with the split-line facing downward or toward the rear of the vehicle as originally oriented. Place the bracket over the bushing and align the bolt holes with the subframe. Start both bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment.
5. 5

   Torque driver side bracket bolts
   Using a torque wrench and 13mm socket, torque both sway bar bracket bolts to specification in an alternating pattern. Ensure the bushing is centered on the sway bar and the bracket is seated flush against the subframe.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove passenger side bushing bracket
   Using a 13mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the passenger side sway bar bushing bracket to the subframe. Note the orientation of the bracket and bushing split-line before removal. Remove the bracket and old bushing from the sway bar.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect passenger side
   Clean the sway bar surface where the bushing sits using a wire brush to remove any rust, dirt, or old bushing material. Inspect the sway bar for cracks, excessive wear, or damage. Check the bracket for damage or distortion.
8. 8

   Install new passenger side bushing
   Position the new bushing around the sway bar with the split-line facing downward or toward the rear of the vehicle as originally oriented. Place the bracket over the bushing and align the bolt holes with the subframe. Start both bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment.
9. 9

   Torque passenger side bracket bolts
   Using a torque wrench and 13mm socket, torque both sway bar bracket bolts to specification in an alternating pattern. Ensure the bushing is centered on the sway bar and the bracket is seated flush against the subframe.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but do not bear full weight yet.
11. 11

    Final torque and completion
    With wheels on the ground, torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench and 19mm socket. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all sway bar bracket bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify bushings are properly seated and centered on the sway bar
3. Confirm no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells or under the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and listen for any clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension
• Perform several slow turns in both directions to verify the sway bar operates smoothly without binding
• Visually inspect the installed bushings to confirm they remain properly positioned after test drive
• Check that there is no excessive play or movement in the sway bar when pushing on it

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