Panhard Bar/Track Bar

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear Panhard bar (track bar) on the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, which controls lateral axle movement and maintains proper rear axle alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Panhard bar/track bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Panhard bar mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — M14 x 2.0 bolts

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Spray penetrating oil on both Panhard bar mounting bolts and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear differential. Once at working height, place jack stands under the frame rails on both sides behind the rear axle mounting points. Lower vehicle onto jack stands while keeping jack under differential with slight upward pressure to support axle weight.
2. 2

   Remove rear wheels
   Remove the loosened lug nuts completely and remove both rear wheels. This provides better access to the Panhard bar mounting points and allows inspection of brake components.
3. 3

   Locate Panhard bar
   The Panhard bar runs diagonally from the driver side frame rail to the passenger side of the rear axle housing. Identify both mounting points: the frame bracket on the driver side and the axle bracket on the passenger side. Inspect mounting points for damage or excessive wear.
4. 4

   Support rear axle
   Position the floor jack directly under the rear differential housing with a block of wood between the jack and differential to prevent damage. Apply slight upward pressure to take the load off the Panhard bar while maintaining the axle in its natural position. This prevents the axle from shifting laterally when the bar is removed.
5. 5

   Remove frame-side mounting bolt
   Using an 18mm wrench to hold the nut and a 21mm socket on the bolt head, remove the Panhard bar mounting bolt from the driver side frame bracket. The bolt passes through the Panhard bar bushing and frame bracket. Remove the bolt completely and set aside. If reusing, inspect threads for damage.
6. 6

   Remove axle-side mounting bolt
   Using an 18mm wrench to hold the nut and a 21mm socket on the bolt head, remove the Panhard bar mounting bolt from the passenger side axle bracket. Remove the bolt completely. The Panhard bar is now free and can be removed from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Remove Panhard bar
   Carefully lower and remove the Panhard bar from the vehicle. Note the orientation of the bar for installation of the replacement. Inspect the mounting brackets on both the frame and axle for cracks, excessive wear, or damage. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush if they will be reused.
8. 8

   Prepare new Panhard bar
   Compare the new Panhard bar to the old unit to verify correct part. Check that bushings are properly seated in the bar ends. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the bolt threads to prevent future corrosion and ensure accurate torque readings.
9. 9

   Install new Panhard bar
   Position the new Panhard bar with the driver side end to the frame bracket and passenger side end to the axle bracket. Ensure the bar is oriented correctly with bushings properly aligned in the mounting brackets. Insert both mounting bolts finger-tight but do not torque yet.
10. 10

    Align and torque mounting bolts
    With the vehicle weight supported by the jack stands and the axle in its natural position under slight jack pressure, verify the Panhard bar is not binding or twisted. Torque both mounting bolts to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) using the torque wrench. Hold the nut with the 18mm wrench while torquing the bolt head. This specification assumes the bolts are Control Arm Bolts per the torque database.
    ℹ️Panhard bar bolts must be torqued with the suspension at ride height to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
11. 11

    Reinstall rear wheels
    Install both rear wheels onto the hubs. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading, then snug them in a star pattern with the socket. Do not fully torque yet.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle
    Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground so the full weight is on the wheels. Remove the floor jack from under the differential.
13. 13

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    Using the torque wrench, tighten all rear wheel lug nuts to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheels. Make at least two complete passes in the star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all tools and parts are removed from under the vehicle
2. Remove wheel chocks and release parking brake
3. Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify no unusual noises or handling issues

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm both Panhard bar bolts are tight and properly installed
• Drive the vehicle in a straight line and verify the rear axle tracks properly with no lateral shift or dog-tracking
• Check for any unusual noises from the rear suspension during turns or over bumps
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check torque on both Panhard bar mounting bolts to ensure they have not loosened

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