Sway Bar Bushing - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar bushings on a 2005 Dodge Viper, requiring vehicle lift and access to the rear suspension components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushing set (2 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Mopar equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (if removing wheels for access)
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at approved lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified support points
6. Remove rear wheels if necessary for improved access (optional but recommended)
7. Spray sway bar bracket bolts with penetrating lubricant if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar and bushing brackets
   Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle. The rear sway bar runs laterally across the rear suspension, mounted to the rear cradle/chassis. Identify the two bushing brackets that secure the sway bar to the vehicle. Each bracket is a clamp retained by its mounting bolt(s); verify the exact bolt count for this vehicle before removal.
2. 2

   Remove driver side bushing bracket bolts
   Using the appropriate socket, remove the bolt(s) securing the driver side sway bar bushing bracket to the chassis (verify count per bracket for this vehicle). Support the bracket as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling. Remove the bracket and the old bushing from the sway bar.
3. 3

   Remove passenger side bushing bracket bolts
   Repeat the removal process for the passenger side bushing bracket. Remove the bolt(s) securing the bracket (verify count for this vehicle), then remove the bracket and old bushing from the sway bar. The sway bar will now be free to move at the mounting points.
4. 4

   Clean sway bar mounting surfaces
   With the bushings removed, use a wire brush to clean the sway bar surface where the bushings make contact. Remove any rust, old rubber residue, or debris from the bar. Also clean the mounting surfaces on the chassis and inspect the bracket bolts for damage or excessive corrosion.
5. 5

   Inspect sway bar and brackets
   Examine the sway bar for cracks, bends, or damage. Check that the bushing brackets are not bent or cracked. Verify that the bolt holes in the chassis are not damaged or wallowed out. Replace any damaged components before proceeding.
6. 6

   Install new bushings on sway bar
   Position the new bushings on the sway bar at the mounting locations. Most bushings have a split design that wraps around the bar. Ensure the split or seam in each bushing faces toward the rear or as indicated by the bushing manufacturer's instructions. The bushings should be centered on the areas where the brackets will clamp them.
7. 7

   Install driver side bushing bracket
   Place the driver side bracket over the new bushing, aligning the bolt holes with the chassis mounting points. Start the bracket bolt(s) by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten evenly to the manufacturer-specified torque (verify the exact value in the Viper service manual before final tightening).
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install passenger side bushing bracket
   Place the passenger side bracket over the new bushing, aligning the bolt holes with the chassis mounting points. Start the bracket bolt(s) by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten evenly to the manufacturer-specified torque (verify the exact value in the Viper service manual before final tightening).
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Verify bushing installation
   Check that both bushings are properly seated in their brackets and centered on the sway bar. Verify that the brackets are flush against their mounting surfaces and all bolts are fully torqued. Gently move the sway bar by hand to confirm it moves smoothly within the new bushings without binding.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    If wheels were removed, reinstall them and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower the vehicle from jack stands using the floor jack, then remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all sway bar bracket bolts are torqued to 47.0 Nm (35 lb-ft)
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are properly torqued after lowering vehicle
3. Remove wheel chocks before test driving

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle over varied road surfaces and listen for any clunking or rattling from the rear suspension
• Drive through corners at moderate speed to verify the sway bar is functioning properly and there are no unusual noises
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check the torque on the sway bar bracket bolts to ensure they have not loosened
• Inspect for any signs of bushing movement or oil/grease leakage from the bushing area

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