suspension

Sway Bar - 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

1.3 h

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 removal and replacement of the rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine.

Warnings

⚠Ensure vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath. Never rely solely on a floor jack.

⚠If replacing sway bar due to damage from impact, inspect all rear suspension components for additional damage.

ℹ️Apply penetrating oil to all fasteners 15-30 minutes before starting if vehicle has been exposed to road salt or corrosion.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack stands (2 minimum)Essential

Torque wrench (30-80 lb-ft range)Essential

1/2 inch ratchet and socket setEssential

18mm socketEssential

15mm socketEssential

6mm Allen key or hex bitEssential

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Pry bar

Parts

Rear sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
Sway bar bushings (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification
Sway bar end links (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Chock front wheels to prevent rolling
Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear differential or frame rail jacking points
Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails behind rear axle
Allow rear suspension to hang freely for access to sway bar

Procedure

1
Locate rear sway bar components
The rear sway bar runs laterally across the rear axle. Identify the two end links connecting the sway bar to the frame, and the two bracket assemblies that mount the sway bar to the rear axle housing. Note the orientation of all components for reinstallation.
2
Remove driver side sway bar end link
Locate the sway bar end link on the driver side connecting the sway bar to the frame bracket. Use a 6mm Allen key to hold the ball stud shaft from rotating while using an 18mm socket to remove the upper nut. Remove the lower nut in the same manner. Remove the end link assembly.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3
Remove passenger side sway bar end link
Repeat the same procedure on the passenger side. Use the 6mm Allen key to hold the ball stud shaft while removing both upper and lower nuts with an 18mm socket. Remove the end link assembly.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4
Remove driver side sway bar bracket
Locate the sway bar bracket mounting bolts on the driver side of the rear axle. Use a 15mm socket to remove the two bolts securing the bracket to the axle housing. Note that the bracket holds the rubber bushing in place.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
5
Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
Use a 15mm socket to remove the two bolts securing the passenger side bracket to the axle housing. The sway bar should now be free from all mounting points.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
6
Remove sway bar assembly
Carefully maneuver the sway bar out from under the vehicle. It may be necessary to rotate the bar to clear the rear axle housing and other components. Remove the rubber bushings from the bar and inspect for wear, cracking, or deterioration.
7
Inspect and prepare components
Inspect the end links for torn boots, excessive play, or damage. Inspect mounting brackets for cracks or bending. Clean the axle mounting surfaces with a wire brush to remove rust and debris. If installing a new sway bar, transfer any necessary hardware. Apply a thin coat of silicone grease to the inside of new bushings to prevent squeaking.
8
Install bushings and position sway bar
Install the rubber bushings onto the new or existing sway bar, ensuring they are properly seated in the bar's grooves. The split in the bushing should face toward the rear of the vehicle. Maneuver the sway bar into position under the vehicle, aligning it with the mounting locations on the axle housing.
9
Install sway bar brackets
Position the brackets over the bushings on both sides of the axle. Install the mounting bolts finger-tight initially. Ensure bushings are properly seated before tightening. Torque the bracket bolts to specification using a 15mm socket and torque wrench.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
10
Install sway bar end links
Install the end links connecting the sway bar to the frame mounting points on both sides. Start all nuts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Use the 6mm Allen key to hold the ball stud shaft while torquing the nuts to specification with an 18mm socket and torque wrench. Install both upper and lower nuts on each side.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11
Final inspection
Verify all fasteners are properly torqued. Check that the sway bar moves freely through its range of motion without binding. Ensure no components are interfering with brake lines, wiring, or driveline components. Confirm all tools and parts have been removed from under the vehicle.

Reassembly

Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to the ground
No additional reassembly steps required for this procedure

Verification

Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension
Drive over gentle bumps and through turns to confirm sway bar is functioning properly
After 50-100 miles, re-check all sway bar mounting bolts and end link nuts for proper torque
Inspect for any signs of interference or rubbing during suspension travel

🔧Stuck on this sway bar - rear? Take it to The Diag Desk.A human with 20+ years in the bay answers about YOUR Ford within 24 hours — never AI. $25, and you're not charged unless you get an answer.Ask a tech →