Sway Bar - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, including disconnecting the sway bar links and removing the mounting brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Sway bar link assemblies (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level, solid surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels.
3. Power off the vehicle completely and remove the key fob from the area.
4. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground (do not remove).
5. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the proper lift points.
6. Support the vehicle securely on jack stands at the manufacturer-specified jacking points.
7. Remove both rear wheels completely.
8. Spray all sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts with penetrating oil if corrosion is present and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the rear suspension on the passenger side. Using an Allen key to hold the shaft of the link from rotating, use a socket to remove the upper nut connecting the link to the sway bar. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove passenger side link from suspension
   Remove the lower nut connecting the sway bar link to the rear suspension arm, again holding the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Remove the link assembly completely and set aside. Inspect the link for wear, torn bushings, or play in the ball joints.
3. 3

   Disconnect driver side sway bar link
   Repeat the process on the driver side. Using an Allen key to hold the shaft, remove the upper nut connecting the link to the sway bar. Keep hardware organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove driver side link from suspension
   Remove the lower nut connecting the driver side sway bar link to the rear suspension arm while holding the shaft with an Allen key. Remove the link assembly and inspect for wear or damage.
5. 5

   Remove sway bar bracket bolts
   Locate the two sway bar mounting brackets that secure the sway bar to the rear subframe or chassis. Remove the bolts securing each bracket. There are typically two bolts per bracket. Support the sway bar by hand as you remove the final bolts to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠Support the sway bar as you remove the final bracket bolt to prevent it from falling and causing injury or damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove sway bar and bushings
   Lower the sway bar from the vehicle. Remove the mounting brackets and rubber bushings from the sway bar. Note the orientation of the bushings - they typically have a split that faces forward or rearward. Clean the sway bar mounting areas with a wire brush, removing any rust or debris.
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare new sway bar
   If installing a new sway bar, compare it to the old unit to ensure correct fitment and matching link mounting positions. Install new rubber bushings onto the new sway bar in the same orientation as removed. Apply a light coating of silicone grease to the inside of the bushings to reduce squeaking (do not use petroleum-based grease).
8. 8

   Install sway bar into position
   Lift the sway bar with bushings installed into position under the vehicle. Align the bushings with the mounting locations on the subframe. Install the mounting brackets over the bushings, ensuring the bushing splits are properly oriented.
9. 9

   Install and torque bracket bolts
   Install the sway bar bracket bolts through the brackets and into the subframe. Thread all bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Torque all bracket bolts to specification in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even clamping pressure on the bushings.
   Torque spec

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

    Connect driver side sway bar link
    Position the driver side sway bar link between the sway bar and the suspension arm. Install the lower nut first, threading it by hand. Then install the upper nut connecting the link to the sway bar. Using an Allen key to hold the link shaft, torque both nuts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect passenger side sway bar link
    Position the passenger side sway bar link between the sway bar and the suspension arm. Install the lower nut first, then the upper nut. Using an Allen key to hold the link shaft from rotating, torque both nuts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but not fully torqued. Carefully raise the vehicle slightly to remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle completely to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners have been torqued to specification using a calibrated torque wrench.
2. Double-check that both sway bar links are securely connected at both the upper and lower mounting points.
3. Verify that no tools or parts have been left in the wheel wells or under the vehicle.

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle to verify the suspension moves smoothly without binding or unusual noises from the sway bar area.
• Take the vehicle for a test drive on a smooth road, then over some gentle bumps to verify the sway bar is functioning properly without clunking or rattling.
• Perform a figure-eight maneuver in a parking lot at low speed to verify proper sway bar operation during cornering without noise.
• After the first 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts for proper torque, as new bushings may settle.

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