Sway Bar Bushing - Rear

Replace the rear sway bar bushings on a 1992 Dodge Viper to restore suspension performance and eliminate noise from worn bushings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushing kit (2 bushings) × 1 — Mopar 4509559 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. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at differential housing or rear crossmember
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails behind rear axle
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar bracket bolts and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if fasteners show corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar brackets
   The rear sway bar runs laterally across the rear of the vehicle, mounted to the tubular frame/chassis with links to the independent rear suspension control arms (the Viper has independent rear suspension, not a solid rear axle). Identify the two U-shaped brackets that secure the sway bar to the mounting points. Each bracket is held by 2 bolts and captures one bushing.
2. 2

   Mark bushing orientation
   Before removal, note the orientation of the bushing split (the seam where the bushing opens). The split should face toward the rear of the vehicle on both sides. Mark with a paint pen or take a photo for reference during installation.
3. 3

   Remove first sway bar bracket
   Using the correct socket or wrench (verify size — commonly 13mm or 15mm on this application), remove the 2 bolts securing the first sway bar bracket to the mounting point. The bracket will come free along with the old bushing. Note that the sway bar may shift slightly when the bracket is removed due to residual tension.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove first bushing
   Separate the old bushing from the sway bar bracket if it did not come off with the bar. Inspect the bushing for cracking, tearing, compression set, or other deterioration. Check the sway bar surface for corrosion, scoring, or damage where the bushing sits.
5. 5

   Clean first mounting area
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar surface where the bushing mounts, removing any rust, old rubber residue, or debris. Clean the inside of the bracket and the mounting surface on the frame/axle. Ensure all mating surfaces are clean and smooth.
6. 6

   Repeat for second bracket and bushing
   Repeat steps 3-5 for the second sway bar bracket and bushing on the opposite side of the vehicle. Both brackets and bushings should now be removed.
7. 7

   Prepare new bushings
   Inspect new bushings to confirm they match the original design and size. Identify the split in each bushing. Apply a thin coat of silicone-based lubricant to the inside surface of each new bushing (the area that contacts the sway bar) to ease installation and reduce future squeaking. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants as they degrade rubber.
8. 8

   Install first new bushing
   Open the split in the first new bushing and wrap it around the sway bar in the original location, ensuring the split faces toward the rear of the vehicle as marked earlier. The bushing should be centered on the cleaned mounting area of the sway bar.
9. 9

   Install first bracket
   Position the U-shaped bracket over the installed bushing, aligning the bracket mounting holes with the frame/axle mounting points. Insert the 2 bracket bolts and thread them by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten bolts in an alternating pattern (one turn on each bolt) to evenly compress the bushing, then torque both bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install second bushing and bracket
    Repeat steps 8-9 for the second bushing and bracket on the opposite side. Ensure bushing split orientation matches the first side and that both brackets are torqued to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully torque yet.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then carefully lower vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight fully on wheels, torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the procedure steps above
2. Ensure bushing splits face toward the rear on both sides
3. Verify all bracket bolts are torqued to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in star pattern with vehicle on ground

Verification

• Test drive vehicle over mild bumps at low speed and listen for squeaks or clunks from rear suspension
• Verify no rattling or loose components when driving over uneven surfaces
• Visually inspect both sway bar brackets after test drive to ensure bolts remain tight and bushings are properly seated
• Check for even bushing compression on both sides when viewed from below

More procedures for this vehicle