This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD, including disconnecting the sway bar links and removing the mounting brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar (stabilizer bar) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bracket bolts (if corroded) × 4 — M12 x 1.75 x 55mm

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm on the passenger side. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Using a 15mm wrench, remove the lower nut from the sway bar link. The link will separate from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect driver side sway bar link
   Repeat the same process on the driver side. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the link shaft to prevent rotation, then remove the lower nut with a 15mm wrench. Both sway bar links should now be disconnected from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Locate the sway bar mounting bracket on the passenger side frame rail. Using a 19mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the bracket to the frame. The bracket will come off with the rubber bushing inside. Note the orientation of the bushing for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Using a 19mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the driver side bracket to the frame rail. Remove the bracket and bushing assembly. Keep brackets and hardware organized by side.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   With both brackets removed, carefully maneuver the sway bar out from under the vehicle. It may need to be rotated or angled to clear suspension components and the front differential. The bar will come out toward the driver side or passenger side depending on clearance.
   ⚠Sway bar weighs approximately 15-20 lbs. Use proper lifting technique to avoid injury.
6. 6

   Inspect and prepare bushings
   Remove the rubber bushings from the old sway bar brackets. Inspect bushings for cracks, tears, or excessive wear. If replacing bushings, ensure they are properly seated in the brackets with the split facing forward. Clean bracket mounting surfaces on the frame with a wire brush.
   ℹ️Worn bushings can cause clunking noises and poor handling. Replace if any deterioration is visible.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar
   Position the new sway bar under the vehicle, orienting it so the link attachment points face downward toward the control arms. Ensure the bar is centered with equal length on both sides. The bar should rest naturally where the brackets will mount.
   ℹ️Verify part number matches vehicle application. Incorrect sway bar diameter will affect handling characteristics.
8. 8

   Install driver side bracket
   Position the driver side bracket with bushing over the sway bar and align with mounting holes on the frame rail. Ensure the bushing split faces forward. Start both bolts by hand, then torque to specification using a 19mm socket and torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install passenger side bracket
   Position the passenger side bracket with bushing over the sway bar and align with frame mounting holes. Verify bushing orientation with split facing forward. Install both bolts by hand, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect driver side sway bar link
    Align the sway bar link with the attachment point on the sway bar. Install the lower nut onto the link stud. Hold the shaft with a 6mm Allen key and tighten the nut to specification using a 15mm wrench and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect passenger side sway bar link
    Align the passenger side sway bar link with the sway bar attachment point. Install the lower nut, hold the shaft with the Allen key, and torque the nut to specification using a 15mm wrench.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Carefully raise vehicle slightly with floor jack and remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to 150 lb-ft in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all four sway bar bracket bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify both sway bar link nuts are properly torqued with Allen key holding shaft
3. Check that sway bar bushings are properly seated with splits facing forward
4. Confirm sway bar moves freely without binding or interference with other components

Verification

• Bounce front end of vehicle and listen for any clunking or rattling from sway bar area
• Visually inspect all connections to ensure nothing is loose or improperly installed
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and make gentle turns to verify proper sway bar operation
• Check for any unusual noises during turns or over bumps
• Verify steering feel is normal with no excessive body roll during cornering

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