This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine, including disconnecting end links and removing mounting brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Sway bar bushings (pair) × 1 — Replace if worn or cracked
• Sway bar link assemblies (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
5. Secure vehicle on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Spray penetrating oil on fasteners
   Apply penetrating oil to all sway bar link nuts and sway bar bracket bolts. Allow to soak for 5-10 minutes to ease removal. This is especially important on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt.
2. 2

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm on the passenger side. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the shaft of the link stud from the bottom to prevent rotation. Use an 18mm wrench on the top nut and remove the nut completely. Note the orientation of washers and bushings for reassembly.
   ℹ️The link stud has a hex socket on the bottom. Hold this to prevent spinning while loosening the top nut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect driver side sway bar link
   Repeat the same process on the driver side. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the link stud, hold it steady, and remove the top nut with an 18mm wrench. Pull the link down away from the sway bar end.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove sway bar bracket bolts
   Locate the two sway bar mounting brackets that secure the bar to the front crossmember. Each bracket is held by two bolts. Use a 15mm socket to remove all four bracket bolts (two per bracket). Support the sway bar with one hand as you remove the final bolts to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠Support the sway bar before removing the last bracket bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove sway bar brackets and bushings
   Remove both mounting brackets from the sway bar. Note the orientation of the brackets and bushings. The bushings have a split that should face toward the front or rear of the vehicle. Remove the rubber bushings from the sway bar and inspect for cracks, tears, or excessive wear.
6. 6

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   Maneuver the sway bar down and out from under the vehicle. You may need to rotate it slightly to clear the crossmember and lower control arms. The bar will come out toward the front or side of the vehicle depending on clearance.
7. 7

   Prepare new sway bar
   If installing a new sway bar, transfer any necessary components. Clean the bushing mounting areas on the bar with a wire brush. Apply a thin film of silicone grease to the inside of new bushings to reduce squeaking. Position bushings on the bar with the split facing the correct direction (match original orientation).
   ℹ️Do not use petroleum-based grease on rubber bushings as it will cause deterioration. Use silicone-based lubricant only.
8. 8

   Install sway bar into vehicle
   Maneuver the sway bar up into position under the vehicle. Ensure the ends of the bar are positioned correctly to align with the sway bar links on each side. The bar should sit in the correct mounting position on the crossmember.
9. 9

   Install brackets and bolts
   Position the bushings correctly on the sway bar if they shifted during installation. Place the mounting brackets over the bushings and align with the bolt holes in the crossmember. Install all four bracket bolts hand-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then torque to specification using a 15mm socket and torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect sway bar links
    Align the sway bar link studs with the holes in the sway bar ends on both sides. Install the washers, bushings (in correct order), and nuts. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of each link stud and torque the top nuts to specification using an 18mm socket and torque wrench.
    ℹ️Ensure bushings and washers are installed in the same order as removal. Typically: washer, bushing, sway bar, bushing, washer, nut.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both front wheels onto the hubs. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern with the socket, but do not torque yet.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
    Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a 21mm socket and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify sway bar links move freely without binding
3. Check that sway bar bushings are properly seated in brackets
4. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel full lock left and right while stationary to verify no binding or contact
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and listen for any clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension
• Drive over small bumps and through turns to verify proper sway bar function and no abnormal noises
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle after test drive to ensure all fasteners remain tight and properly positioned

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