suspension

Sway Bar Bushing - Rear

for 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

42 min

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the replacement of worn rear sway bar bushings on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with 5.0L V8, requiring raising the vehicle and removing the sway bar bracket bolts.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.

⚠If vehicle has been driven recently, allow exhaust components to cool before working near the rear sway bar.

ℹ️Sway bar bushings are split and do not require complete removal of the sway bar from the vehicle.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack standsEssential

13mm socketEssential

15mm socketEssential

Ratchet and extensionEssential

Torque wrenchEssential

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Utility knife or razor bladeEssential

Rubber mallet

Parts

Rear sway bar bushing set × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification for 1.25 inch diameter bar

Preparation

Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
Chock front wheels to prevent rolling
Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear differential or frame rail
Support vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer-approved frame jacking points
Spray sway bar bracket bolts with penetrating oil and allow 10-15 minutes to soak if corroded

Procedure

1
Locate rear sway bar and bushings
Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle. The rear sway bar runs laterally across the frame, typically forward of the rear axle. Identify the two U-shaped brackets that secure the sway bar to the frame with rubber bushings inside.
2
Remove driver side sway bar bracket
Using a 15mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts securing the driver side sway bar bracket to the frame. The bracket will release from the frame, exposing the bushing underneath. Keep the bracket and hardware together.
3
Remove driver side bushing
Inspect the old bushing for the split seam. Using a utility knife or razor blade, carefully cut through the bushing if necessary to facilitate removal. Slide the old bushing off the sway bar. Note the orientation of any slits or openings in the bushing.
4
Clean driver side sway bar mounting area
Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar surface where the bushing sits, removing any rubber residue, rust, or debris. Also clean the inside surface of the bracket and inspect for damage or excessive wear.
5
Install new driver side bushing
Open the split in the new bushing and position it around the sway bar in the correct location. The split should face downward or rearward per manufacturer design. Ensure the bushing is centered on the bar where the bracket will mount.
6
Reinstall driver side bracket
Position the bracket over the bushing and align with the frame mounting holes. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern to prevent bushing distortion.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
7
Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
Repeat the removal process on the passenger side. Using a 15mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts securing the passenger side sway bar bracket to the frame. Remove the bracket.
8
Remove and replace passenger side bushing
Remove the old bushing from the sway bar using the same technique as the driver side. Clean the sway bar surface thoroughly. Install the new bushing around the bar with the split facing downward or rearward, ensuring proper positioning.
9
Reinstall passenger side bracket
Position the bracket over the new bushing and align with the frame mounting holes. Start both bolts by hand, then tighten evenly in a cross pattern to the specified torque.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
10
Inspect sway bar end links
While under the vehicle, visually inspect both sway bar end links for wear, torn boots, or excessive play. Check that the link nuts are properly secured. If any damage is observed, note for future repair but do not loosen during this procedure unless replacement is planned.

Reassembly

Verify all bracket bolts are torqued to specification and no tools or parts are left under vehicle
Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to the ground

Verification

Test drive the vehicle over moderate bumps at low speed and listen for clunking or rattling from the rear suspension that would indicate loose brackets
Perform a visual inspection after the first 50-100 miles to ensure bracket bolts remain tight
Verify improved handling response and reduced body roll during cornering compared to worn bushings

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