This procedure replaces worn rear sway bar bushings on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with 3.5L EcoBoost engine to restore proper suspension performance and eliminate clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushing set × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Sway bar bracket bolts (if corroded) × 4 — M10 x 1.5 x 30mm

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Raise rear of vehicle until rear axle is hanging freely with tires off ground
4. Support vehicle on jack stands placed under frame rails
5. Spray sway bar bracket bolts with penetrating oil if fasteners appear corroded

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar and bushings
   Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle. The rear sway bar runs laterally across the vehicle and is mounted to the frame rails with two U-shaped brackets. Each bracket is secured with two bolts. The bushings are rubber components inside these brackets that the sway bar passes through.
2. 2

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Using a 13mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the driver side sway bar bracket to the frame rail. Remove the bracket and inspect the condition of the bushing. Note the orientation of the bushing split for proper installation of the replacement.
3. 3

   Remove driver side bushing
   Remove the old bushing from the sway bar. If the bushing is stuck or deteriorated, carefully pry it off using a flathead screwdriver or cut it away. Clean the sway bar surface where the bushing sits using a wire brush to remove any rubber residue, dirt, or corrosion.
4. 4

   Install new driver side bushing
   Position the new bushing onto the sway bar with the split facing toward the rear of the vehicle (split should face downward/rearward). Ensure the bushing is centered on the cleaned area of the bar where the bracket will mount. The bushing should fit snugly around the bar.
5. 5

   Install driver side bracket and torque
   Place the bracket over the bushing and align the bolt holes with the frame rail. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten both bracket bolts in an alternating pattern to the specified torque.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Using a 13mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the passenger side sway bar bracket to the frame rail. Remove the bracket and set aside with hardware.
7. 7

   Remove passenger side bushing
   Remove the old bushing from the sway bar. Clean the sway bar surface thoroughly with a wire brush to ensure proper seating of the new bushing and to prevent premature wear.
8. 8

   Install new passenger side bushing
   Position the new bushing onto the sway bar with the split facing toward the rear of the vehicle, matching the orientation of the driver side bushing. Center the bushing on the cleaned area where the bracket mounts.
9. 9

   Install passenger side bracket and torque
   Place the bracket over the bushing and align with the frame rail mounting holes. Start both bolts by hand. Using a torque wrench, tighten both bracket bolts in an alternating pattern to the specified torque.
   Torque spec

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

    Verify installation
    Visually inspect both bushings to ensure they are properly seated and centered on the sway bar. Verify all four bracket bolts are tight and torqued correctly. Check that the sway bar can move slightly within the bushings without binding.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully
2. Remove wheel chocks
3. Test drive vehicle over minor bumps at low speed to verify repair

Verification

• Listen for elimination of clunking or rattling noises from rear suspension during driving
• Verify improved handling stability during cornering
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle after test drive to confirm brackets remain tight and bushings are properly seated

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