This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear track bar (Panhard bar) on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD, which controls lateral rear axle movement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Track bar/Panhard bar assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Track bar mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. If bolts show heavy corrosion, spray both track bar mounting points with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground but do not remove

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear axle differential. Once raised to working height, place jack stands under the frame rails behind the rear axle. Lower vehicle onto jack stands. The rear axle should hang freely to relieve tension on the track bar. Leave the floor jack under the axle but not supporting weight.
2. 2

   Remove rear wheels
   Remove the lug nuts from both rear wheels and remove the wheels. This provides better access to the track bar and allows visual inspection of the rear suspension.
3. 3

   Locate track bar
   From behind the vehicle, locate the track bar running laterally from the driver side frame rail to the passenger side of the rear axle housing. Inspect both mounting points for excessive rust, wear, or damage. Check the bushings at both ends for cracking, tearing, or excessive play.
4. 4

   Support rear axle position
   Position the floor jack under the rear axle to provide slight upward pressure. This will help align the new track bar during installation. Do not lift the axle, just provide light contact to prevent lateral movement.
5. 5

   Remove frame side mounting bolt
   Using an 18mm socket and breaker bar, remove the bolt securing the track bar to the driver side frame bracket. The bolt passes through the track bar bushing and frame mount. If the bushing spins, you may need to use a pry bar to apply pressure while loosening. Remove the bolt completely and retain any washers or spacers.
6. 6

   Remove axle side mounting bolt
   Using an 18mm socket and breaker bar, remove the bolt securing the track bar to the passenger side axle bracket. This bolt also passes through a bushing. You may need to slightly shift the axle position with the floor jack to relieve binding. Remove the bolt completely and retain hardware.
7. 7

   Remove track bar
   Pull the track bar away from the frame bracket first, then maneuver it out of the axle bracket. The bar may require some manipulation to clear surrounding components. Inspect the removed bar for bent mounting tabs, damaged bushings, or a bent bar itself. Clean the mounting surfaces on both the frame and axle brackets with a wire brush.
8. 8

   Install new track bar
   Position the new track bar with the frame end toward the driver side bracket and the axle end toward the passenger side bracket. Insert the frame end into the mounting bracket first. You may need to use the floor jack to adjust axle position slightly for alignment. Insert the axle end into its bracket. Do not fully tighten bolts yet.
9. 9

   Install mounting bolts finger-tight
   Install both mounting bolts through the track bar bushings and brackets. Thread them in by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Snug them with a ratchet but do not torque yet. Verify the track bar sits squarely in both brackets without binding or twisting.
10. 10

    Reinstall rear wheels
    Reinstall both rear wheels and thread lug nuts on by hand. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern with a ratchet but do not torque to final specification yet.
11. 11

    Lower vehicle to load suspension
    Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack, remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle completely to the ground. This loads the suspension to its normal ride height, which is critical for proper track bar bolt torque.
12. 12

    Torque track bar mounting bolts
    With the vehicle at normal ride height and weight on all four wheels, torque both track bar mounting bolts (frame and axle side) to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft). This is the same specification as control arm bolts and must be done with the suspension loaded to prevent bushing bind.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    Torque all rear wheel lug nuts to 156 Nm (115 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Perform a final visual inspection of all mounting points.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure both track bar mounting bolts were torqued with vehicle weight on suspension
2. Double-check that wheel lug nuts are properly torqued
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in the work area

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify the rear axle tracks properly with no sideways shifting
• Listen for any clunking or knocking sounds from the rear suspension during turns and over bumps
• After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on both track bar mounting bolts
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around the rear differential area that may have been disturbed during work
• Verify rear axle alignment appears centered in the wheel wells on both sides

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