Remove and replace the front sway bar bushings on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette to restore proper anti-roll bar function and eliminate clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing set (2 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM specification or polyurethane upgrade
• Sway bar bracket bolt set × 1 — Use OEM specification if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Apply penetrating oil to sway bar bracket bolts and allow to soak for 15 minutes if hardware appears rusty

Procedure

1. 1

   Lift and support vehicle
   Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack at the front crossmember. Lift high enough to provide working clearance under the frame. Place jack stands under the frame rails just behind the front suspension crossmember. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and verify stability before proceeding.
2. 2

   Locate front sway bar and bushings
   Position yourself under the front of the vehicle. The front sway bar runs laterally across the front suspension, mounted to the frame with two U-shaped brackets. Each bracket secures a split rubber bushing that surrounds the sway bar. The bushings are located approximately 12 inches inboard from each sway bar end link.
3. 3

   Remove driver side bushing bracket
   Locate the driver side sway bar bushing bracket. Remove the bolt(s) securing the U-bracket/clamp using the appropriate socket. Verify the exact bolt count and mounting location against the factory service manual before proceeding. If bolts are seized, apply additional penetrating oil and allow to soak. Once bolts are removed, lower the bracket away from the sway bar.
4. 4

   Remove driver side bushing
   With the bracket removed, the split bushing will be loose around the sway bar. If the bushing is in two separate halves, remove both pieces. If the bushing is deteriorated and stuck to the bar, carefully pry it off using a flat blade screwdriver. Avoid damaging the sway bar surface. Inspect the bar for rust, corrosion, or damage where the bushing was mounted.
5. 5

   Remove passenger side bushing bracket
   Move to the passenger side and locate the corresponding bushing bracket. Remove the 2 bolts securing the U-bracket to the frame using a 9/16" socket. Lower the bracket away from the sway bar and set aside.
6. 6

   Remove passenger side bushing
   Remove the split bushing from around the sway bar. If deteriorated rubber is bonded to the bar, scrape it clean using a flat blade screwdriver or wire brush. The sway bar surface should be clean and smooth before installing new bushings.
7. 7

   Clean sway bar mounting areas
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar where the bushings mount, removing any rust, old rubber residue, or corrosion. Clean the inside surfaces of the U-brackets, removing dirt and rust. Inspect brackets for cracks or damage and replace if necessary. The mounting surfaces on the frame should also be cleaned.
8. 8

   Install new driver side bushing
   Take one new bushing and open the split. Position it around the sway bar at the driver side mounting location, with the split facing downward or toward the rear of the vehicle. The bushing should be centered where the original was located. If using polyurethane bushings with grease, apply the supplied grease to the inside diameter before installation.
9. 9

   Install driver side bracket
   Position the U-bracket over the bushing, aligning the bolt holes with the frame mounting points. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the bracket bolt(s) evenly until the bracket is snug against the mount and the bushing is properly compressed. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the bushing or strip threads. Confirm bolt count, socket size, and torque spec against the factory service manual.
10. 10

    Install new passenger side bushing
    Position the second new bushing around the sway bar at the passenger side mounting location, with the split facing downward or toward the rear. Center the bushing at the original mounting location. Apply grease if using polyurethane bushings.
11. 11

    Install passenger side bracket
    Position the U-bracket over the bushing and align with the frame mounting holes. Start both bolts by hand, then tighten evenly in an alternating pattern using a 9/16" socket until snug and the bushing is properly compressed.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and perform final check
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to unload the jack stands. Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With the suspension at normal ride height, perform a final inspection of both bushing installations to ensure brackets are secure and bushings are properly seated.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both U-brackets are tightened evenly with bushings properly compressed around the sway bar
2. Verify no tools or parts were left under the vehicle before lowering
3. Check that sway bar moves freely through the bushings without binding

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or interference
• Drive the vehicle over moderate bumps at low speed and verify elimination of clunking or rattling from the front suspension
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check bracket bolt tightness to ensure they have not loosened

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