Sway Bar Bushing - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of worn front sway bar bushings on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing set (2 bushings) × 1 — ACDelco 46G0766A or equivalent
• Sway bar bracket bolts (if corroded) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at factory lift points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under frame rails
5. Remove both front wheels for better access to sway bar brackets

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate sway bar and brackets
   The front sway bar runs horizontally across the front suspension. Identify the two sway bar mounting brackets that secure the bar to the frame. These are located approximately mid-way along the sway bar on each side, attached to the frame with two bolts each.
2. 2

   Inspect current bushings
   Examine the existing bushings for cracks, tears, or compression. Note the orientation of the bushing split (typically faces toward the rear or front of vehicle). Take a photo if needed for reference during installation.
3. 3

   Remove first sway bar bracket
   Starting with the driver side, remove both bracket bolts securing the sway bar bracket to the frame. The bracket and old bushing will come off together. If bolts are seized, apply additional penetrating oil and allow to soak.
4. 4

   Remove old bushing from first side
   Separate the old bushing from the sway bar. Note any corrosion or debris on the bar surface. Clean the sway bar surface with a wire brush where the bushing contacts the bar, removing all rust, dirt, and old rubber residue.
5. 5

   Install new bushing on first side
   Position the new bushing around the sway bar with the split facing the correct direction (match original orientation). Apply a light coating of silicone-based lubricant to the inside of the bushing to prevent squeaking. Do not use petroleum-based products as they degrade rubber.
6. 6

   Install first bracket
   Place the bracket over the new bushing and align with the mounting holes in the frame. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque the bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Repeat for passenger side
   Remove the passenger side bracket bolts, remove the old bushing, clean the sway bar surface, and install the new bushing with the split oriented correctly. Install the bracket and torque bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Verify installation
   Inspect both bushings to ensure they are seated properly in the brackets with no gaps or misalignment. Verify the sway bar sits centered in both bushings and moves freely without binding. Check that all bracket bolts are tight.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels
   Mount both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Lower vehicle until tires just contact the ground but weight is still supported by jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final lowering
    Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground. Perform a final check of all lug nuts with torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both sway bar bracket bolts are torqued to 59 Nm (44 lb-ft) on each side
2. Confirm wheel lug nuts are properly torqued in a star pattern to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
3. Verify no tools or parts are left under the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and perform gentle turns to verify no clunking or squeaking from front suspension
• Listen for any unusual noises from the sway bar area during suspension articulation
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle after first 50-100 miles to confirm brackets remain tight and bushings are properly seated

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