Replace the front sway bar bushings to eliminate clunking noises and restore proper suspension performance on 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing set × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification or aftermarket equivalent for 32-35mm bar diameter

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at frame rails
5. Lower vehicle weight onto jack stands and verify stability
6. Remove front wheels if additional working clearance is needed (optional for this job)

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and inspect sway bar components
   From under the vehicle, locate the front sway bar running laterally across the front suspension. Identify the two sway bar mounting brackets that secure the bar to the frame. The bushings are split rubber or polyurethane components between the bar and the bracket. Inspect the sway bar links connecting the bar to the lower control arms for wear or damage.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil to bracket bolts
   Spray penetrating oil on both sway bar bracket mounting bolts and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. These bolts thread into frame-mounted nuts and may be corroded. Applying oil now will ease removal and prevent bolt breakage.
3. 3

   Remove first sway bar bracket
   Using a 13mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the first sway bar mounting bracket to the frame. The bracket is a U-shaped clamp that holds the bushing and bar in place. Remove the bracket and note the orientation of the split bushing. The split should face toward the rear of the vehicle on both sides.
4. 4

   Remove first worn bushing
   Remove the old bushing from the sway bar. If the bushing is stuck or degraded, carefully pry it open at the split and work it off the bar. Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar surface where the bushing sits, removing any rust, rubber residue, or debris. The bar surface should be clean and smooth for proper bushing fit.
5. 5

   Install first new bushing
   Fit the new bushing around the sway bar in the same location as the old one. Ensure the split in the bushing faces toward the rear of the vehicle. The bushing should be centered in the cleaned area. If using polyurethane bushings, apply the supplied grease to the inner diameter and bar contact surface to prevent squeaking.
6. 6

   Reinstall first bracket
   Position the sway bar bracket over the bushing, aligning the bolt holes with the frame mounting points. Start both bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the bolts in an alternating pattern to seat the bracket evenly.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove second sway bar bracket
   Repeat the removal process for the second sway bar mounting bracket on the opposite side. Remove the two 13mm bolts and lift the bracket away from the bar and bushing.
8. 8

   Remove second worn bushing and clean bar
   Remove the second old bushing from the sway bar. Wire brush the bar surface thoroughly to remove all contamination. Inspect the bar for cracks, excessive corrosion, or damage. Minor surface rust is normal, but deep pitting or cracks require bar replacement.
9. 9

   Install second new bushing and bracket
   Install the second new bushing with the split facing rearward. Apply grease if required by bushing type. Position the bracket over the bushing, start both bolts by hand, and tighten in an alternating pattern.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Inspect sway bar links
    With the sway bar bushings replaced, grasp each sway bar link where it connects to the sway bar and check for excessive play or worn ball joints. If the links show wear, binding, or torn boots, they should be replaced. Verify all link mounting nuts are tight to specification if not replacing.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels if removed and torque lug nuts to factory specification (typically 150 lb-ft for F-150, verify in owner's manual)
2. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to the ground
3. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from under vehicle

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel fully left and right while stationary to verify no binding or unusual noises from sway bar
• Test drive vehicle over speed bumps and during turns to verify clunking or rattling noises have been eliminated
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect bracket bolt tightness to ensure no loosening has occurred
• If squeaking develops from polyurethane bushings, additional grease application may be needed at the bar-to-bushing interface

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