Sway Bar Bushing - Rear

Remove and replace the rear sway bar bushings on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette to restore proper suspension articulation and eliminate clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushing set (2 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent polyurethane upgrade
• Sway bar bushing clamp bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front tires.
3. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the differential housing.
4. Support the vehicle with jack stands placed under the frame rails behind the rear axle.
5. Lower the jack slightly so the vehicle weight rests securely on jack stands.
6. Allow suspension to hang freely for easier access to sway bar components.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar and bushings
   Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle. The rear sway bar runs laterally across the vehicle and is mounted to the frame with two bushing brackets, one on each side. The sway bar end links connect to the differential carrier or trailing arms.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   Spray penetrating oil on both bushing bracket bolts and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. These fasteners may be corroded after decades of exposure to road elements.
3. 3

   Remove driver side bushing bracket
   Using a 9/16" socket and ratchet, remove the 2 bolts securing the driver side bushing bracket to the frame. Support the sway bar with one hand while removing the second bolt to prevent it from dropping. Remove the bracket and note the orientation of the bushing split.
4. 4

   Remove driver side bushing
   Slide the old rubber bushing off the sway bar. If the bushing is deteriorated and stuck, carefully cut it with a utility knife to remove it. Clean the sway bar surface with a wire brush, removing any rust, old rubber residue, or corrosion.
5. 5

   Remove passenger side bushing bracket
   Using a 9/16" socket and ratchet, remove the 2 bolts securing the passenger side bushing bracket to the frame. Support the sway bar with one hand while removing the second bolt. Remove the bracket and set aside with hardware.
6. 6

   Remove passenger side bushing
   Slide the old rubber bushing off the sway bar. If necessary, cut the bushing to remove it. Clean the sway bar surface thoroughly with a wire brush until bare metal is visible in the bushing contact area.
7. 7

   Inspect sway bar and mounting locations
   Examine the sway bar for cracks, bends, or surface damage. Check frame mounting points for cracks or rust damage. Inspect the bushing brackets for distortion or cracks. Replace any damaged components before proceeding.
8. 8

   Install new driver side bushing
   Apply a light coating of silicone spray lubricant to the cleaned sway bar surface and the inside of the new bushing. Slide the new bushing onto the sway bar in the driver side mounting location. Orient the bushing split to face downward or rearward, matching the original orientation.
9. 9

   Install driver side bracket
   Position the bushing bracket over the bushing, aligning the bolt holes with the frame mounting points. Thread both bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment, then snug them finger-tight. Do not fully tighten yet to allow the bushing to settle under vehicle weight.
10. 10

    Install new passenger side bushing
    Apply silicone spray lubricant to the sway bar surface and inside of the new bushing. Slide the new bushing onto the sway bar in the passenger side mounting location, orienting the bushing split to match the driver side installation.
11. 11

    Install passenger side bracket
    Position the bushing bracket over the bushing and align with frame mounting holes. Thread both bolts by hand, then snug them finger-tight. Do not fully tighten yet.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle to load suspension
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to unload the jack stands, then remove the jack stands. Carefully lower the vehicle until the rear suspension is at normal ride height with the tires just touching the ground. This loads the bushings in their normal operating position.
13. 13

    Torque bushing bracket bolts
    With the suspension loaded at normal ride height, tighten all 4 bushing bracket bolts firmly using a 9/16" socket and ratchet. Tighten the bushing bracket bolts evenly to the factory specification, alternating between the two bolts on each bracket to ensure even clamping pressure. Verify the correct torque value against the factory service manual before final tightening. This prevents binding and premature bushing wear.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle completely to the ground and remove wheel chocks.
2. Rock the vehicle side-to-side to allow suspension components to settle into their natural positions.
3. Perform a final inspection under the vehicle to verify all brackets are secure and bushings are properly seated.

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or unusual noises from the rear suspension.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed over uneven pavement and through turns, listening for clunking or rattling from the rear sway bar area.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect all bushing bracket bolts to ensure they remain tight.
• Visually inspect bushings for proper seating and alignment after initial break-in period.

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