This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear axle Panhard bar (track bar) on RWD Ford F-150 trucks, which controls lateral axle movement and maintains proper rear axle alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Panhard bar/track bar assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification or equivalent
• Panhard bar mounting bolts × 2 — M12 x 1.75 flange bolts (if reuse not recommended)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock the front wheels securely in both directions
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (driver side)
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear axle differential
5. Support frame rails with jack stands rated for vehicle weight, leaving rear axle suspended
6. Remove driver side rear wheel completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on Panhard bar mounting bolt threads and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if vehicle has significant rust or corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the Panhard bar
   From under the driver side rear of the vehicle, identify the Panhard bar running laterally from the frame bracket to the rear axle bracket. The bar is positioned above the rear axle, typically just forward of the rear shock absorbers. Note the orientation and position of any washers or bushings at both mounting points.
2. 2

   Support the rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle differential with a block of wood on the jack saddle to distribute load. Raise the jack just enough to contact the axle and provide slight upward pressure, but do not lift the axle. This prevents the axle from shifting laterally when the Panhard bar is removed.
   ⚠Do not raise the axle high enough to lift the frame off the jack stands. The jack is only providing lateral stability.
3. 3

   Remove frame-side mounting bolt
   Locate the Panhard bar mounting bolt at the frame bracket on the driver side. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, loosen and remove the bolt completely. The bolt passes through the Panhard bar bushing and frame bracket. Support the bar by hand as you remove the fastener to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Remove axle-side mounting bolt
   Move to the axle-side mounting bracket located on the passenger side of the rear axle. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, loosen and remove the mounting bolt that secures the Panhard bar to the axle bracket. Again, support the bar as the bolt is removed.
5. 5

   Remove Panhard bar from vehicle
   Carefully lower and remove the Panhard bar assembly from the vehicle. Inspect both mounting bushings for wear, cracking, or deterioration. Check the bar itself for bends, damage, or signs of impact. If bushings are severely worn or torn, this confirms the need for replacement.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting brackets
   With the Panhard bar removed, inspect both the frame-side and axle-side mounting brackets for cracks, elongated bolt holes, or structural damage. Clean both bracket surfaces with a wire brush to remove rust and debris. Verify that the mounting surfaces are flat and not distorted.
7. 7

   Position new Panhard bar
   Lift the new Panhard bar into position. Start by aligning the axle-side end first, as this typically has less adjustment range. Insert the mounting bolt finger-tight through the axle bracket and Panhard bar bushing. You may need to use the floor jack to make minor height adjustments to the axle for alignment.
8. 8

   Install frame-side mounting
   Align the frame-side end of the Panhard bar with the frame bracket. A pry bar may be needed to align the holes if there is slight lateral axle movement. Insert the frame-side mounting bolt through the bracket and bushing, threading it finger-tight. Ensure any washers are positioned correctly per original configuration.
9. 9

   Torque mounting bolts to specification
   Using a calibrated torque wrench and 21mm socket, torque both Panhard bar mounting bolts to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft). These bolts should be torqued with the vehicle weight on the suspension, so verify the rear axle is at normal ride height before final torquing. If axle is hanging, lower vehicle slightly and reposition jack stands to allow suspension to settle.
   ℹ️Ford specifies that suspension fasteners must be torqued at curb ride height to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Verify axle alignment
    With the Panhard bar installed and torqued, verify that the rear axle appears centered under the vehicle. Stand behind the vehicle and check that equal spacing exists between the tires and fender wells on both sides. The axle should not be offset to one side. If offset is visible, verify proper Panhard bar installation.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the driver side rear wheel. Thread lug nuts by hand, then snug in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until weight is fully on all four wheels. Remove jack stands and lower completely. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all tools and parts have been removed from under the vehicle
2. Double-check that both Panhard bar mounting bolts are fully torqued to specification
3. Verify wheel lug nuts are properly torqued in star pattern

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, making gentle turns in both directions to verify proper handling
• Listen for any clunking or knocking sounds from the rear suspension during direction changes
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check torque on both Panhard bar mounting bolts to ensure they have not loosened
• Inspect for proper rear axle centering - both rear tires should have equal spacing to fender wells
• If vehicle wanders or rear end feels unstable, recheck installation and consider professional alignment verification

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