Replace the front sway bar bushings to eliminate clunking noises and restore proper stabilizer bar function on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushings (set of 2) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent, verify 34mm diameter
• Sway bar bracket bolts (if corroded) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the sway bar brackets
   Locate the front sway bar running laterally across the vehicle. Identify the two bracket assemblies that secure the sway bar to the frame, positioned on each side near the center of the sway bar. Each bracket is held by two bolts.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil if needed
   If the vehicle has significant mileage or exposure to salt, spray penetrating oil on the sway bar bracket bolts and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. This will help prevent bolt breakage during removal.
3. 3

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Using a 15mm socket and ratchet, remove both bolts securing the driver side sway bar bracket to the frame. The bracket will remain attached to the sway bar bushing. Support the sway bar with your hand to prevent it from dropping.
4. 4

   Remove driver side bushing
   Separate the bracket halves and remove the old bushing from the sway bar. Note the orientation of the bushing split - it should face toward the rear of the vehicle. Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar surface where the bushing sits, removing any rust, dirt, or old rubber residue.
   ℹ️Do not apply grease or lubricant to the new bushings or sway bar. The bushings are designed to grip the bar and grease will cause premature wear and noise.
5. 5

   Install new driver side bushing
   Position the new bushing around the sway bar with the split facing toward the rear of the vehicle. Place the bracket halves around the bushing, ensuring the bushing is centered in the mounting location. The sway bar should be able to rotate freely within the bushing.
6. 6

   Secure driver side bracket
   Start both bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the bolts evenly in an alternating pattern using a 15mm socket and torque wrench to specification. Do not fully tighten one bolt before starting the other, as this can distort the bracket.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Using a 15mm socket and ratchet, remove both bolts securing the passenger side sway bar bracket to the frame. Support the sway bar to prevent it from shifting.
8. 8

   Remove passenger side bushing
   Separate the bracket halves and remove the old bushing from the sway bar. Clean the sway bar surface thoroughly with a wire brush, removing all debris and corrosion.
9. 9

   Install new passenger side bushing
   Position the new bushing around the sway bar with the split facing toward the rear of the vehicle. Install the bracket halves around the bushing, ensuring proper centering and alignment with the frame mounting holes.
10. 10

    Secure passenger side bracket
    Start both bracket bolts by hand, then tighten evenly in an alternating pattern using a 15mm socket and torque wrench to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Verify sway bar movement
    Manually rotate the sway bar within the bushings to ensure it moves freely without binding. Check that all bracket bolts are properly torqued and there is no visible gap between the bracket halves.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Remove jack stands and fully lower vehicle to ground
2. Perform final torque check on all lug nuts with vehicle weight on wheels
3. Clean any tools or parts from work area

Verification

• Test drive vehicle over bumps at low speed and listen for clunking noises from front suspension - these should be eliminated if bushings were the cause
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to verify all bracket bolts are secure and bushings are properly seated
• Check that sway bar sits centered in both bushings with no visible lateral movement

More procedures for this vehicle