Replace the front sway bar bushings to eliminate clunking noises and restore proper suspension stabilization on the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification or Moog K201662
• Sway bar bracket bolts (if corroded) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at frame rail
4. Support vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove front wheels for better access (optional but recommended)
6. Spray sway bar bracket bolts with penetrating oil if fasteners appear corroded

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate sway bar and bushing brackets
   The front sway bar runs laterally across the front of the vehicle just behind the lower control arms. Identify the two U-shaped bushing brackets that secure the sway bar to the frame. Each bracket is held by two bolts facing upward into the frame.
2. 2

   Remove driver side bushing bracket
   Using a 15mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the driver side sway bar bushing bracket to the frame. The bracket will drop down once both bolts are removed. Keep the bolts if they are not corroded; otherwise replace them.
3. 3

   Remove driver side bushing
   Pull the U-shaped bracket away from the sway bar. The old bushing will either come off with the bracket or remain on the sway bar. If the bushing is split or stuck, use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off. Note the orientation of the bushing split for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Clean sway bar contact area
   Use a wire brush to clean the area of the sway bar where the bushing sits. Remove all old rubber residue, dirt, and corrosion. This ensures proper fit of the new bushing and prevents premature wear.
5. 5

   Install new driver side bushing
   Split the new bushing open and wrap it around the cleaned sway bar in the same location as the old bushing. Ensure the split in the bushing faces toward the rear or front of the vehicle as originally oriented. Do not use grease; if desired, apply silicone spray lubricant to reduce squeaking.
6. 6

   Reinstall driver side bracket
   Position the U-shaped bracket over the new bushing and align the bolt holes with the frame. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque both bracket bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove passenger side bushing bracket
   Repeat the removal process on the passenger side. Using a 15mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the passenger side sway bar bushing bracket to the frame. Lower the bracket away from the sway bar.
8. 8

   Remove and replace passenger side bushing
   Remove the old bushing from the sway bar, clean the contact area with a wire brush, and install the new bushing with the split oriented correctly. Ensure the bushing is centered on the sway bar in the proper location.
9. 9

   Reinstall passenger side bracket
   Position the bracket over the new bushing, align the bolt holes, and start both bolts by hand. Torque both bracket bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Verify bushing installation
    Visually inspect both bushings to ensure they are properly seated in the brackets and centered on the sway bar. Check that all four bracket bolts are tight and that the bushings are not twisted or pinched.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels if removed and torque lug nuts to 150 lb-ft in a star pattern
2. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to the ground
3. Test drive vehicle over minor bumps at low speed to verify elimination of clunking noises

Verification

• Drive vehicle over speed bumps or rough pavement at 5-15 mph to verify no clunking from front suspension
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle to ensure both bushings remain properly seated
• Check that sway bar moves smoothly within bushings during suspension articulation
• Verify all bracket bolts remain tight after initial test drive

More procedures for this vehicle