This procedure covers removal and installation of the front sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification for bar diameter
• Sway bar end links (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts if rusty; allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver side sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm on the driver side. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to prevent rotation. Using a 15mm socket, remove the lower nut securing the end link to the sway bar. Separate the link from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove passenger side sway bar end link
   Repeat the same process on the passenger side. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the link shaft and remove the lower 15mm nut. Separate the end link from the sway bar. The end links can remain attached to the control arms.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Locate the sway bar bracket that secures the bar to the front subframe on the driver side. Using a 15mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the bracket to the subframe. Remove the bracket and rubber bushing. Note the orientation of the bushing split for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Remove the passenger side bracket using the same method. Remove both 15mm bolts, then remove the bracket and bushing. Keep bushings and brackets organized by side if they are not identical.
   ⚠Sway bar may drop slightly when final bracket is removed. Control the bar to prevent contact with other components.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   With both brackets removed, maneuver the sway bar downward and toward one side of the vehicle. Guide the bar out from between the lower control arms and subframe. The bar will need to be rotated and angled to clear surrounding components.
6. 6

   Inspect and prepare components
   Inspect the bushings for cracks, tears, or excessive wear. Check end links for torn boots or excessive play. Clean the sway bar surface where bushings mount using a wire brush. If installing a new bar, transfer measurements and verify diameter matches original.
7. 7

   Install sway bar into position
   Maneuver the sway bar up into position, reversing the removal process. Ensure the bar is centered with equal length extending toward each end link mounting point. The bar should sit naturally in the bracket locations on the subframe.
8. 8

   Install sway bar bushings and brackets
   Install the rubber bushings onto the sway bar with the split facing forward (toward front of vehicle). Position each bracket over the bushing and align with the subframe mounting holes. Start all four bracket bolts by hand before tightening. Torque the bracket bolts to specification using a 15mm socket.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect sway bar end links
   Guide each end of the sway bar to align with the end link studs. Install the lower nuts onto the end link studs finger-tight. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it. Torque the nuts to specification using a 15mm socket while preventing shaft rotation with the Allen key.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all sway bar bracket bolts and end link nuts are torqued to specification
2. Verify sway bar bushings are properly seated with splits facing forward
3. Confirm end links move freely without binding
4. Double-check wheel lug nuts are properly torqued

Verification

• Test drive vehicle on level road and through turns to verify no clunking or rattling noises from front suspension
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle to confirm all brackets are secure and end links are properly connected
• Verify improved handling and reduced body roll during cornering if replacing worn components

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