Sway Bar Bushing - Front

Remove and replace the front sway bar bushings on a 2008 Dodge Viper, requiring access from underneath the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing set (2 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Sway bar bushing bracket bolts × 1 — Replace if corroded or damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, firm ground and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points on front subframe.
4. Secure vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified support points.
5. Verify vehicle stability before working underneath.
6. Allow exhaust components to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate front sway bar and bushings
   Position yourself under the front of the vehicle. The front sway bar runs transversely across the front suspension, typically mounted to the front subframe or crossmember. Identify the two sway bar bushings, which are split rubber or polyurethane bushings held in place by U-shaped brackets. Each bracket is secured by 2 bolts to the frame.
2. 2

   Remove driver side bushing bracket
   Locate the driver side sway bar bushing bracket. Remove the bolts securing the bracket to the frame using the correct socket size (verify against service manual). Support the bracket as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling. Remove the bracket and set aside.
   ℹ️Bolts may be tight due to corrosion. Do not force if resistance is excessive; apply more penetrating oil and allow time to work.
3. 3

   Remove driver side bushing
   With the bracket removed, the split bushing should be accessible. Carefully pry or pull the old bushing off the sway bar. If the bushing is seized or deteriorated, use a flat pry bar to carefully work it off. Clean the sway bar surface with a wire brush and shop towel, removing all old rubber residue, dirt, and corrosion from the mounting area.
4. 4

   Remove passenger side bushing bracket
   Move to the passenger side of the vehicle. Remove the bolts securing the passenger side bushing bracket to the frame using the correct socket size (verify against service manual). Support the bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Remove passenger side bushing
   Remove the passenger side bushing from the sway bar using the same method as the driver side. Clean the sway bar surface thoroughly, ensuring all mounting surfaces are free of debris and old bushing material.
6. 6

   Inspect sway bar and brackets
   Inspect the sway bar for cracks, bends, or damage. Check the bushing brackets for cracks, excessive corrosion, or deformation. Inspect bracket bolt threads and holes in the frame for damage. Replace any components that show signs of wear or damage.
7. 7

   Install new driver side bushing
   Position the new driver side bushing around the sway bar in the correct location. Ensure the split in the bushing faces the correct direction (typically downward). If bushings came with grease, apply a light coat to the inside diameter of the bushing where it contacts the bar. Seat the bushing fully onto the bar.
8. 8

   Install driver side bracket
   Place the bushing bracket over the installed bushing, ensuring the bushing is properly seated in the bracket. Align the bracket with the mounting holes in the frame. Start both mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the bolts in an alternating pattern to seat the bracket evenly. Torque both bolts to specification once initial seating is achieved.
   ℹ️Do not fully torque one bolt before starting the second, as this may cause bracket misalignment.
9. 9

   Install new passenger side bushing
   Install the new passenger side bushing onto the sway bar using the same method as the driver side. Ensure proper orientation of the bushing split and full seating on the bar.
10. 10

    Install passenger side bracket
    Install the passenger side bracket over the bushing, align with frame mounting holes, and start both bolts by hand. Tighten bolts in an alternating pattern, then torque to specification.
11. 11

    Verify installation
    Visually inspect both bushing installations to ensure brackets are flush against the frame, bushings are properly seated without gaps or twisting, and all bolts are secure. Manually check that the sway bar can rotate slightly within the bushings without binding.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands using floor jack.
2. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to ground.
3. Remove wheel chocks.
4. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper suspension operation and listen for any noise from the sway bar area.

Verification

• Start vehicle and turn steering wheel fully left and right while stationary, listening for any clunking or binding from sway bar area.
• Drive vehicle over small bumps at low speed and verify no rattling or knocking sounds from front suspension.
• Perform a figure-eight maneuver at low speed in a parking lot to verify sway bar is functioning properly during body roll.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check bracket bolt torque to ensure fasteners have not loosened.

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