Sway Bar - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 Coyote engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Sway bar bushings (pair) × 1 — Use OEM specification - verify diameter
• Sway bar bracket bolts (if corroded) × 4 — M10 x 1.5 x 30mm

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at rear axle center
5. Support vehicle with jack stands under frame rails behind rear axle
6. Remove both rear wheels and set aside
7. Spray penetrating oil on all sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect driver side sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the rear axle on the driver side. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Using an 18mm socket, remove the upper nut securing the link to the sway bar. Remove the washer and bushing. Note the orientation of bushings and washers for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar link
   Repeat the process on the passenger side. Hold the link shaft with the 6mm Allen key and remove the upper nut with an 18mm socket. Remove the washer and bushing. If the link shaft spins, apply pressure with the Allen key while loosening the nut.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Locate the sway bar mounting bracket on the driver side of the rear axle housing. Using a 15mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the bracket to the axle. Remove the bracket and the rubber bushing. Inspect the bushing for cracks, tears, or excessive wear.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Using a 15mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the passenger side bracket to the axle. Remove the bracket and rubber bushing. Set aside the brackets and inspect all hardware for corrosion or damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rear sway bar
   With both brackets removed, carefully lower the sway bar from the vehicle. The bar may still be resting on the axle - guide it down and maneuver it out from under the vehicle. Be aware of the bar's weight and length during removal to avoid damage to brake lines or other components.
   ⚠Support the sway bar as you remove it to prevent it from falling or contacting brake lines and fuel lines.
6. 6

   Inspect and prepare components
   Inspect the sway bar links for wear, torn boots, or loose ball joints. Check that the new sway bar is the correct length and diameter. Clean the mounting surfaces on the axle housing with a wire brush. Inspect the bushing seats on the new sway bar and apply a light coat of silicone grease to the inside of the new bushings if desired (do not use petroleum-based grease).
7. 7

   Install new sway bar
   Position the new sway bar up onto the rear axle, ensuring it is centered with equal lengths extending to each side. The bar should rest in the mounting locations on top of the axle housing. Verify proper orientation - the ends should angle upward toward the sway bar links.
8. 8

   Install sway bar bushings and brackets
   Place the new rubber bushings over the sway bar at each mounting location, ensuring the split in the bushing faces downward or forward (verify orientation against old bushings). Position the brackets over the bushings and align the bolt holes with the axle housing. Start all four bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque sway bar bracket bolts
   Using a torque wrench and 15mm socket, tighten the bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern (driver front, passenger rear, passenger front, driver rear). This ensures even clamping pressure on the bushings. Verify all bolts are properly seated and torqued.
   Torque spec

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

    Connect sway bar links
    At each side, install the lower bushing, washer, and link shaft through the sway bar end. Install the upper bushing and washer. Thread the nut onto the link shaft by hand. Hold the shaft with a 6mm Allen key and tighten the nut with an 18mm socket using a torque wrench. Repeat on both sides. Ensure the link is perpendicular to the sway bar when tightened.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both rear wheels onto the hubs. Thread all lug nuts by hand to ensure proper seating. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern with a ratchet, but do not torque them yet.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Raise the vehicle slightly to remove the jack stands. Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Using a torque wrench, tighten the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Double-check that all fasteners have been properly installed and torqued.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all sway bar bracket bolts are torqued to 59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
2. Verify sway bar link nuts are torqued to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) with Allen key holding the shaft
3. Confirm wheel lug nuts are torqued to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft) in a star pattern
4. Inspect underneath the vehicle to ensure no tools or parts were left behind

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel fully in both directions while stationary - listen for any unusual noises
• Drive the vehicle at low speed over a speed bump or driveway transition - the rear suspension should feel more controlled with reduced body roll
• Check for any clunking or rattling noises from the rear during cornering
• After 50-100 miles, re-check the torque on all sway bar fasteners to ensure nothing has loosened
• Visually inspect the sway bar links and brackets for proper alignment and no contact with other components

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