Sway Bar Bushing - Rear

This procedure covers the replacement of worn rear sway bar bushings on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, requiring vehicle lift and removal of sway bar brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushing set × 1 — Use OEM specification for 2015-2020 F-150

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock the front wheels securely
3. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at recommended lift points
4. Support vehicle on properly rated jack stands placed at frame rail points
5. Allow suspension to hang freely - do not support rear axle

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate sway bar and bushings
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the rear sway bar running laterally across the rear axle. Identify the two sway bar bracket bolts on each side that secure the bushings to the frame or axle mounting points.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   Spray penetrating oil on the sway bar bracket bolts and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes if fasteners show corrosion. This will ease removal and reduce risk of bolt breakage.
3. 3

   Remove driver side bracket bolts
   Using a 13mm socket and ratchet, remove the two sway bar bracket bolts on the driver side. Support the bracket as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Remove driver side bracket and bushing
   Remove the bracket and inspect the old bushing. Note the orientation of the bushing split - it should face toward the rear or front of the vehicle. If the bushing is stuck to the bar, use a pry bar or rubber mallet to carefully separate it.
5. 5

   Clean sway bar surface
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar surface where the bushing sits, removing any rust, dirt, or old bushing material. A clean surface ensures proper bushing fit and longevity.
6. 6

   Install new driver side bushing
   Position the new bushing around the sway bar with the split oriented in the same direction as the original (typically toward rear or front). Ensure the bushing is centered on the cleaned area of the bar.
7. 7

   Install driver side bracket and torque
   Place the bracket over the bushing and thread both bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment. Torque the sway bar bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove passenger side bracket bolts
   Using a 13mm socket and ratchet, remove the two sway bar bracket bolts on the passenger side. Support the bracket as you remove the second bolt.
9. 9

   Remove passenger side bracket and bushing
   Remove the bracket and old bushing. If the bushing is stuck to the bar, use a pry bar or rubber mallet to carefully separate it. Inspect for wear patterns.
10. 10

    Clean passenger side bar surface
    Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar surface where the bushing sits, removing any rust, dirt, or old bushing material for optimal bushing contact.
11. 11

    Install new passenger side bushing
    Position the new bushing around the sway bar with the split oriented in the same direction as the original and matching the driver side installation. Center the bushing on the cleaned area.
12. 12

    Install passenger side bracket and torque
    Place the bracket over the bushing and thread both bolts by hand. Torque the sway bar bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all sway bar bracket bolts are torqued to 55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
2. Ensure bushings are properly seated and centered on the sway bar
3. Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands using floor jack
4. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to ground
5. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start vehicle and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or unusual noises from rear sway bar
• Perform a test drive at low speed over bumps and during turning to verify elimination of clunking or knocking noises
• Re-inspect bracket bolt tightness after 50-100 miles of driving
• Verify no squeaking or rattling from rear suspension during normal driving conditions

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