Sway Bar Bushing - Rear

Replace the rear sway bar bushings on a 2008 Dodge Viper to restore proper anti-roll bar function and eliminate suspension clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushing set × 1 — Use OEM specification or Mopar equivalent
• Sway bar bushing bracket bolts × 1 — Inspect and replace if corroded

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 on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at rear differential or approved lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under rear frame rails
6. Remove rear wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar and bushings
   Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle with adequate lighting. The rear sway bar runs laterally across the rear suspension, mounted to the rear suspension cradle/subframe. Identify the two sway bar bushings with their metal retaining brackets, located where the bar is clamped to the cradle. Note the orientation of the bushing splits before removal. Note the orientation of the bushing splits before removal.
2. 2

   Remove driver side bushing bracket
   Starting with the driver side, locate the bushing bracket bolts securing the U-shaped bracket to the frame or cradle. Remove the bracket bolts using the correct socket size (verify against the 2008 Viper service manual before purchase). Keep track of any washers or spacers. Once bolts are removed, lift the bracket away from the bushing and sway bar.
3. 3

   Remove driver side bushing
   Pry or pull the old bushing off the sway bar. The bushing is split and should separate with moderate force. If the bushing is seized or deteriorated, carefully cut it away without damaging the sway bar surface. Inspect the sway bar for corrosion, scoring, or damage where the bushing was seated.
4. 4

   Clean sway bar mounting surface
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar surface where the bushing mounts, removing any rust, old rubber residue, or debris. The bar should be smooth and clean for proper bushing fit and to prevent premature wear. Wipe clean with a shop towel.
5. 5

   Install new driver side bushing
   Take the new bushing from the set and identify the split opening. Position the bushing around the sway bar in the correct location, ensuring the split faces the direction noted during removal (typically toward the rear or front of vehicle, per manufacturer design). The bushing should snap into place around the bar. Apply a light coating of silicone spray to the inside of the bushing if desired to ease installation and reduce future squeaking, but do not use petroleum-based lubricants.
6. 6

   Reinstall driver side bracket
   Position the metal bracket over the new bushing, aligning the bracket holes with the mounting holes in the frame or cradle. Install the bracket bolts with any washers or spacers that were present. Hand-tighten the bolts first to ensure proper alignment, then torque to the value specified in the 2008 Viper service manual. Do not overtighten, as this can crush the bushing and cause premature failure. Do not overtighten, as this can crush the bushing and cause premature failure.
7. 7

   Remove passenger side bushing bracket
   Move to the passenger side and repeat the removal process. Remove the bracket bolts using the correct socket size (verify against the 2008 Viper service manual), then lift the bracket away from the bushing and sway bar.
8. 8

   Remove and clean passenger side
   Remove the old passenger side bushing by prying or pulling it off the sway bar. Clean the sway bar surface thoroughly with a wire brush, removing all rust and debris. Inspect the bar for any damage.
9. 9

   Install new passenger side bushing
   Install the new bushing around the sway bar, ensuring the split orientation matches the driver side installation and manufacturer specifications. The bushing should seat fully around the bar.
10. 10

    Reinstall passenger side bracket
    Position the bracket over the new bushing and install the 2 bracket bolts with any washers or spacers. Hand-tighten first, then torque to the value specified in the 2008 Viper service manual.
11. 11

    Inspect end links and hardware
    While under the vehicle, visually inspect both rear sway bar end links for torn boots, excessive play, or damaged ball joints. Check all hardware for tightness. This is an opportune time to address any additional wear items without requiring another lift procedure.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands using floor jack until wheels contact ground but vehicle weight is not fully transferred
3. Torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern
4. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands and chocks
5. Perform a final torque check on lug nuts after vehicle is on the ground

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speeds over gentle bumps to verify elimination of clunking or rattling noises from rear suspension
• Perform figure-eight maneuvers in an empty parking lot to confirm proper sway bar function and no abnormal noises during body roll
• Re-inspect bushing bracket bolt tightness after 50-100 miles of driving

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