Sway Bar - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings (pair) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar end links (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at rear differential or frame lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails behind rear axle
6. Remove both rear wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar components
   The rear sway bar is mounted to the rear axle housing with two U-shaped brackets. Identify the sway bar, mounting brackets on top of the axle, and the end links connecting the sway bar ends to the frame or body mounts on each side.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   If hardware appears corroded, spray penetrating oil on all sway bar link nuts and sway bar bracket bolts. Allow to soak for 10-15 minutes before proceeding.
3. 3

   Disconnect driver side sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar end link on the driver side. Use a 13mm wrench to hold the link shaft and a 15mm wrench to remove the upper or lower link nut (depending on access). Disconnect the link from the sway bar. If the link is seized or damaged, it may need to be cut off or replaced.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar link
   Repeat the same process on the passenger side. Use a 13mm wrench to hold the link shaft while removing the link nut with a 15mm wrench. Disconnect the link from the sway bar end.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove sway bar bracket bolts
   Locate the two U-bracket bolts securing the sway bar to the rear axle housing. These brackets are typically located near the center of the axle. Use a 15mm socket to remove both bracket bolts. Support the sway bar with one hand as you remove the second bracket to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Support sway bar before removing final bracket bolt to prevent it from dropping
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   Once both brackets are removed, carefully maneuver the sway bar down and out from the rear axle area. You may need to rotate or angle the bar to clear the axle housing, exhaust components, and frame rails. Note the orientation of the bar for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Inspect and replace bushings
   Remove the old rubber bushings from the sway bar. Inspect the bar for cracks, damage, or excessive wear. Clean the mounting surfaces on the sway bar where the new bushings will sit using a wire brush. Install new bushings onto the sway bar in the same orientation as the old ones, ensuring the split in the bushing faces the correct direction (typically toward the front or rear).
8. 8

   Install sway bar to axle
   Position the new or cleaned sway bar up into place on the rear axle housing. Ensure the bar is centered and the ends are oriented correctly to align with the end links. Install the U-brackets over the bushings and start both bracket bolts by hand before tightening either one.
9. 9

   Torque sway bar bracket bolts
   Using a torque wrench and 15mm socket, tighten both sway bar bracket bolts to specification. Tighten evenly, alternating between bolts to ensure even bushing compression.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect sway bar end links
    Attach both sway bar end links to the sway bar ends and their upper mounting points. Start the link nuts by hand. Use a 13mm Allen key or wrench to hold the link shaft while tightening the nuts with a 15mm wrench or socket. Torque both link nuts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Use a torque wrench to tighten lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts190 Nm (140 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Lower vehicle
    Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to remove jack stands. Carefully lower vehicle completely to the ground. Remove wheel chocks.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify sway bar end links move freely without binding
3. Check that sway bar bushings are properly seated in brackets

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and listen for any clunking or rattling from rear suspension
• Perform figure-eight maneuvers in parking lot to verify sway bar is functioning and reducing body roll
• Visually inspect all connections after test drive to ensure nothing has loosened
• Verify no contact between sway bar and exhaust, frame, or axle components during suspension travel

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