Sway Bar - Rear

Remove and replace the rear sway bar assembly on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including disconnecting the end links and removing the mounting brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings (pair) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bracket bolts × 1 — Reuse unless damaged
• Sway bar link nuts × 1 — Reuse unless damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points
4. Support vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified support points
5. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven
6. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts, allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the rear sway bar
   Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle with adequate lighting. Locate the rear sway bar running laterally across the rear suspension. Identify the sway bar end links connecting the bar to the suspension components on each side, and the mounting brackets securing the bar to the chassis or subframe.
2. 2

   Disconnect driver side sway bar link
   Locate the fastener securing the driver side sway bar end link where it connects to the suspension. Depending on the link design, hold the link stationary (using an Allen key in the stud end if equipped, or a backing wrench) and remove the nut with a wrench or socket. Remove any washers and bushings, noting their orientation for reassembly. If the link is also bolted at the sway bar end, repeat the process to disconnect it from the bar.ocess to disconnect it from the bar.
3. 3

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar link
   Repeat the disconnection process on the passenger side sway bar end link. Insert an Allen key into the link shaft, remove the nut while holding the shaft, and remove washers and bushings. Keep hardware from each side organized separately if there are any differences in configuration.
4. 4

   Remove sway bar mounting bracket bolts
   Locate the sway bar mounting brackets that secure the bar to the chassis or subframe. There are typically 2 brackets, one on each side of center. Note the number of bolts per bracket (commonly 1 or 2). Remove all bracket bolts while supporting the sway bar to prevent it from dropping. Verify the exact bolt count against the factory service manual for the 2005 Dodge Viper.
5. 5

   Remove mounting brackets and bushings
   With bolts removed, take off the mounting brackets. Remove the rubber bushings from the sway bar, noting their position and orientation. The bushings typically have a split that faces a specific direction. Inspect bushings for cracking, compression set, or deterioration.
6. 6

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   Carefully lower and maneuver the sway bar out from its mounting position. The bar may need to be rotated or angled to clear suspension components, exhaust components, or chassis members. Guide it out slowly to avoid damaging brake lines, fuel lines, or wiring. Set the old bar aside. Note: Socket set (metric and SAE)
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar mounting areas on the chassis or subframe where the brackets attach. Remove rust, dirt, and old bushing material. Clean the bracket bolt holes and inspect threads for damage. Ensure mounting surfaces are clean and flat for proper bracket seating.
8. 8

   Install new sway bar bushings
   Install the new rubber bushings onto the new sway bar. Position them at the same locations where the old bushings were mounted. Ensure the split in each bushing faces the correct direction (typically toward the front or rear of the vehicle, matching the original orientation). Apply a light coating of rubber-compatible grease to the inside of the bushings if recommended by the bushing manufacturer.
9. 9

   Install sway bar into position
   Maneuver the new sway bar into position, reversing the removal process. Route the bar carefully to avoid interference with suspension components, exhaust, brake lines, and wiring. Align the bushings with their mounting locations on the chassis or subframe. The bar ends should be positioned to align with the end link attachment points.
10. 10

    Install mounting brackets and torque bolts
    Position the mounting brackets over the bushings and align bolt holes with the chassis or subframe. Install all bracket bolts hand-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, torque each bracket bolt to specification in a cross-pattern if applicable.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect driver side sway bar link
    Install bushings and washers onto the driver side end link in the correct order (match the orientation from removal). Position the link between the sway bar and suspension arm. Install the upper nut onto the link shaft. Insert an Allen key into the shaft to hold it stationary, then tighten the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect passenger side sway bar link
    Repeat the end link connection process on the passenger side. Install bushings, washers, and nut in correct order. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Confirm sway bar moves freely through its range of motion without binding or interference
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground
4. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Visually inspect all connections to ensure hardware is fully seated and properly torqued
• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle and listen for any unusual noises indicating loose hardware or improper installation
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, making gentle turns to verify proper sway bar function and absence of clunking or rattling noises
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all sway bar fastener torque values to ensure nothing has loosened

More procedures for this vehicle