Replace the front sway bar bushings on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost to eliminate clunking noises and restore proper handling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing set (2 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Sway bar bracket bolts (if corroded) × 4 — M10 x 1.5

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at manufacturer recommended lift points on frame
4. Remove both front wheels for better access (optional but recommended)
5. Spray sway bar bracket bolts with penetrating oil if vehicle is from rust-prone area

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate front sway bar and bushings
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the front sway bar running laterally across the front of the vehicle. Identify the two rubber bushings held by U-shaped brackets bolted to the frame, positioned between the sway bar links on each side.
2. 2

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Using a 13mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the driver side sway bar bracket to the frame. Note the orientation of the bracket and bushing split opening (typically faces rearward). Remove the bracket and bushing from the sway bar.
3. 3

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Repeat the process on the passenger side. Remove the two 13mm bracket bolts and remove the bracket and bushing. The sway bar will now be free to move at the center mounting points.
4. 4

   Inspect sway bar for damage
   Clean the sway bar surface where the bushings mount using a wire brush. Inspect for rust pitting, scoring, or damage. Light surface rust is acceptable, but deep pitting may prevent proper bushing fit and require sway bar replacement.
5. 5

   Install new bushings
   Split open the new bushings and position them on the sway bar in the original locations. Ensure the split in each bushing faces rearward (toward the back of the vehicle) and the bushings are centered on the clean mounting area. The bushings should sit squarely on the bar without twisting.
6. 6

   Install driver side bracket
   Position the U-shaped bracket over the bushing, aligning the bolt holes with the frame mounting points. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
   Torque spec

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

   Install passenger side bracket
   Repeat the installation on the passenger side. Ensure the bracket sits flush against the frame and the bushing is properly positioned before tightening.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
8. 8

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

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

   Verify sway bar movement
   Manually move the sway bar up and down to verify it rotates freely within the new bushings without binding. There should be minimal play but smooth rotation. If binding occurs, recheck bushing and bracket installation.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels if removed and torque lug nuts to 150 lb-ft in star pattern
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands to ground
3. Bounce front end several times to settle suspension and verify no clunking noises

Verification

• Test drive vehicle over speed bumps and rough roads at low speed to verify elimination of clunking or knocking noises
• Perform figure-eight turns in parking lot to confirm proper sway bar operation and handling response
• Re-inspect bracket bolts after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure they remain properly torqued

More procedures for this vehicle