This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings (set of 2) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Sway bar link (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear differential
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under frame rails behind rear axle
5. Ensure vehicle is stable and will not shift during work
6. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts if corroded

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar components
   Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle with adequate lighting. The rear sway bar is mounted transversely across the rear axle. Identify the two vertical sway bar links connecting the bar to the axle housing, and the two mounting brackets securing the bar to the frame rails.
2. 2

   Remove driver side sway bar link
   Locate the upper nut on the driver side sway bar link where it connects to the sway bar. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the shaft from below to hold it stationary. Using a 15mm socket, remove the upper nut. Note the orientation of washers and bushings for reassembly.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect link from axle
   Remove the lower nut on the driver side link where it connects to the rear axle bracket. Again, use the 6mm Allen key to hold the shaft while removing the nut with a 15mm socket. Remove the link assembly and set aside. Inspect the link ball joint for wear or damage.
4. 4

   Remove passenger side sway bar link
   Repeat the removal process for the passenger side sway bar link. Remove both upper and lower nuts while holding the shaft with the Allen key. Remove the link assembly and inspect for wear. Both links should be replaced as a pair if either shows signs of wear or play in the ball joints.
5. 5

   Remove driver side mounting bracket
   Locate the sway bar mounting bracket on the driver side frame rail. Using a 15mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the bracket to the frame. The bracket will come off with the bushing inside. Note the orientation of the bracket and bushing split for proper reinstallation.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove passenger side mounting bracket
   Remove the two bolts securing the passenger side mounting bracket to the frame rail using a 15mm socket. Remove the bracket with bushing. The sway bar is now free and can be maneuvered out from under the vehicle.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   Carefully slide the sway bar out from the mounting bracket locations. Maneuver it around any brake lines, fuel lines, or other components. The bar will slide through where the bushings were mounted. Remove the bar from under the vehicle.
8. 8

   Inspect and clean mounting areas
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting surfaces on the frame rails where the brackets attach. Inspect the frame for any damage or excessive rust. Check that bracket bolt holes are clean and threads are not damaged. Clean the sway bar link mounting points on the axle and sway bar.
9. 9

   Install new bushings on sway bar
   If installing new bushings, open the split bushing and position it on the sway bar at the marked location (typically indicated by paint mark or slight depression on bar). The bushing split should face toward the rear of the vehicle. Ensure bushing is centered on the mounting area. Repeat for the second bushing on the opposite side.
10. 10

    Position sway bar under vehicle
    Carefully slide the new or cleaned sway bar back into position under the vehicle. Align the bushings with the frame rail mounting locations. The sway bar ends should be positioned near the axle link mounting points. Ensure no brake lines or wiring are pinched.
11. 11

    Install mounting brackets
    Position the mounting brackets over the bushings on both frame rails. Ensure the bushing split faces rearward and the bracket seats properly. Start all four bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Do not fully tighten yet.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque bracket bolts
    Using a torque wrench and 15mm socket, tighten all four sway bar bracket bolts to specification. Torque bolts in a cross pattern (driver front, passenger rear, passenger front, driver rear) to ensure even clamping pressure on the bushings.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install sway bar links
    Position the sway bar link between the sway bar end and the axle mounting bracket. Install the lower bolt through the axle bracket with washers and bushing in correct order. Thread the nut on but do not tighten yet. Install the upper bolt through the sway bar end with correct washer and bushing orientation. Thread the nut on loosely. Repeat for the opposite side link.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque sway bar link nuts
    Using the 6mm Allen key to hold the link shaft stationary, torque the upper and lower nuts on both links to specification using a torque wrench and 15mm socket. Ensure the bushings are not twisted during tightening. The rubber bushings should be snug but not excessively compressed.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Ensure no brake lines, wiring, or other components are in contact with the sway bar
3. Confirm sway bar moves freely without binding when suspension articulates
4. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground

Verification

• With vehicle on ground, visually inspect sway bar installation to confirm proper alignment
• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle to verify sway bar is functioning and no abnormal noises are present
• Test drive vehicle at low speed over bumps and during turns to verify proper operation and no rattles or clunks
• After 50-100 miles, re-check all sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts for proper torque

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