This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear Panhard bar (track bar) on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 RWD, which controls lateral movement of the rear axle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Panhard bar/track bar assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Panhard bar mounting bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification - often reusable if undamaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely on both sides
3. If bolts show corrosion, spray Panhard bar mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow 15-20 minutes to soak
4. Verify replacement Panhard bar matches original in length and mounting configuration

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Using a floor jack, raise the rear of the vehicle at the rear axle center. Position jack stands under the frame rails near the rear axle mounting points. Lower vehicle onto jack stands ensuring stable contact. Leave floor jack positioned under rear axle but not supporting full weight.
2. 2

   Locate Panhard bar mounting points
   The Panhard bar runs laterally from the frame rail on one side to a bracket on the rear axle housing on the opposite side. Identify both mounting locations. On the 2021-2024 F-150, the frame-side mount is typically on the driver side and the axle-side mount on the passenger side of the axle.
3. 3

   Support rear axle for alignment
   Position the floor jack under the rear axle differential housing to maintain axle position and prevent lateral shift when the Panhard bar is disconnected. Raise jack just enough to lightly contact the axle without lifting it off the jack stands supporting the frame.
4. 4

   Remove frame-side mounting bolt
   Locate the bolt securing the Panhard bar to the frame bracket. This is typically a large bolt with nut. Use a socket on the bolt head and wrench on the nut to prevent spinning. Remove the bolt completely and retain hardware if reusable. The bar will still be supported by the axle-side mount.
5. 5

   Remove axle-side mounting bolt
   Locate the bolt securing the Panhard bar to the axle bracket. Support the bar by hand or with a bungee cord to prevent it from falling when the bolt is removed. Remove the bolt and nut completely. Carefully lower the Panhard bar away from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and bushings
   With the Panhard bar removed, inspect both frame and axle mounting brackets for cracks, elongated bolt holes, or damage. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush. Verify new Panhard bar bushings are properly seated and not damaged.
7. 7

   Position new Panhard bar at axle mount
   Using the floor jack, adjust rear axle position laterally if needed to align the new Panhard bar with the axle bracket. Insert the Panhard bar into the axle-side bracket first. Insert the mounting bolt through the bracket and bushing but do not fully tighten yet - thread nut on by hand only.
8. 8

   Install frame-side mounting bolt
   Maneuver the free end of the Panhard bar to the frame bracket. You may need to use the floor jack to shift the axle slightly to align the mounting holes. Insert the frame-side mounting bolt through the bracket and bushing. Thread the nut on by hand. Verify bar moves freely without binding.
9. 9

   Lower vehicle to load suspension
   With both Panhard bar bolts hand-tight, carefully raise the vehicle slightly off the jack stands and remove the stands. Slowly lower the vehicle until the suspension is at normal ride height with full vehicle weight on the wheels. This ensures bushings are torqued at proper orientation to prevent premature wear.
   ⚠Torquing suspension components at full droop or full compression can pre-load bushings incorrectly and cause premature failure.
10. 10

    Torque Panhard bar mounting bolts
    With vehicle at ride height, torque both the frame-side and axle-side Panhard bar mounting bolts. The mounting bolt specification is typically in the 122-165 Nm range for this application. Use the Control Arm Bolts specification of 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) as these are similar suspension pivot points. Torque both ends to this specification.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify both mounting bolts are torqued to specification with vehicle at ride height
2. Check that Panhard bar has appropriate clearance to suspension components, frame, and axle throughout full suspension travel
3. Rock vehicle side to side gently to settle suspension and verify no abnormal noises from Panhard bar area

Verification

• Start vehicle and turn steering wheel full lock in both directions while stationary to verify no interference
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify rear axle tracks properly with no lateral shifting sensation
• After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on both Panhard bar mounting bolts to ensure they have not loosened
• Inspect for any signs of contact between Panhard bar and surrounding components

More procedures for this vehicle