Sway Bar Bushing - Rear

Replace worn rear sway bar bushings to restore suspension stability and eliminate clunking noises during cornering on 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent polyurethane
• Sway bar bushing brackets × 2 — Included with bushing kit or reuse if not damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear differential or frame rail
4. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer-recommended lift points on frame rails
5. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and ensure stability before working underneath
6. Spray sway bar bracket bolts with penetrating oil if visible corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar and bushings
   Locate the rear sway bar running laterally across the rear axle. The sway bar bushings are held to the axle housing or frame by U-shaped brackets with two bolts each. There is one bushing assembly on each side of the differential.
2. 2

   Remove first sway bar bracket bolts
   Using a 15mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts securing the sway bar bracket to the mounting surface on the driver side. The bracket will remain loosely in place around the sway bar. Note the orientation of the bracket for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove old driver side bushing
   Remove the U-shaped bracket and the old bushing from the sway bar. The bushing is split and wraps around the bar. Inspect the sway bar surface for rust, corrosion, or damage. Clean the bar contact area with a wire brush if necessary.
4. 4

   Install new driver side bushing
   Position the new bushing around the sway bar in the same location as the old one. Ensure the split in the bushing faces toward the rear or as directed by the bushing design. Some bushings have a specific orientation mark or tab. If using polyurethane bushings, apply the included lubricant to the inner surface and sway bar contact area.
5. 5

   Install driver side bracket
   Place the U-shaped bracket over the new bushing, aligning the bolt holes with the mounting surface. Start both bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper threading. Torque the bracket bolts evenly to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove second sway bar bracket bolts
   Using a 15mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts securing the sway bar bracket to the mounting surface on the passenger side. Remove the bracket and old bushing from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

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

   Install passenger side bushing and bracket
   Clean the sway bar contact area if needed. Install the new bushing around the sway bar with proper orientation. Position the bracket over the bushing, start both bolts by hand, then torque the bracket bolts evenly to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Verify sway bar movement
   Manually move the sway bar up and down slightly to ensure it rotates freely within the new bushings without binding. The bushings should hold the bar securely but allow smooth rotation. Check that all bracket bolts are tight and properly torqued.

Reassembly

1. Carefully raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to remove jack stands
2. Lower vehicle completely to the ground
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle over bumps and through turns at low speed to verify elimination of clunking or knocking noises
• Perform visual inspection after 50-100 miles to confirm bracket bolts remain tight
• Check for any unusual handling characteristics or excessive body roll that might indicate improper installation

More procedures for this vehicle