This procedure covers the replacement of the front sway bar bushings on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing set × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification or equivalent aftermarket

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
4. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-approved lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under the frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the front sway bar
   Position yourself under the front of the vehicle with adequate lighting. Locate the front sway bar running laterally across the front suspension. Identify the two sway bar bushing brackets bolted to the subframe or frame, typically located near the center of the sway bar span.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil to bracket bolts
   Spray penetrating oil on both sway bar bracket bolts and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. This helps prevent bolt breakage, especially on vehicles exposed to road salt or corrosive environments.
3. 3

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Using a 13mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts securing the driver side sway bar bushing bracket to the frame. The bracket and old bushing will come off together. Note the orientation of the bushing split for proper installation.
4. 4

   Remove driver side bushing and clean sway bar
   Remove the old bushing from the bracket. If the bushing is stuck, use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry it out. Clean the sway bar surface where the bushing contacts using a wire brush, removing all old rubber residue, dirt, and corrosion. Inspect the sway bar for wear grooves or damage.
5. 5

   Install new driver side bushing
   Place the new bushing onto the sway bar with the split facing toward the rear of the vehicle (or as indicated by manufacturer markings). The bushing should wrap around the bar completely. Position the bracket over the bushing, aligning the bolt holes with the frame mounting points.
6. 6

   Install and torque driver side bracket bolts
   Thread both bracket bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten bolts evenly in an alternating pattern using a 13mm socket. Torque both bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the bushing is centered on the sway bar and the bracket is fully seated against the frame.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Repeat the removal process for the passenger side. Using a 13mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts securing the passenger side sway bar bushing bracket to the frame. Remove the bracket and old bushing together.
8. 8

   Remove passenger side bushing and clean sway bar
   Remove the old bushing from the bracket. Clean the sway bar surface thoroughly with a wire brush, removing all rubber residue and corrosion. Inspect for any damage or excessive wear on the bar surface.
9. 9

   Install new passenger side bushing
   Install the new bushing onto the sway bar with the split oriented correctly (typically toward the rear). Ensure the bushing seats properly around the entire circumference of the bar. Position the bracket over the bushing and align with the frame mounting holes.
10. 10

    Install and torque passenger side bracket bolts
    Thread both bracket bolts by hand. Tighten bolts evenly in an alternating pattern. Torque both bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Confirm the bushing is properly centered and the bracket is flush against the frame.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Inspect sway bar links
    While under the vehicle, visually inspect both sway bar end links for wear, torn boots, or play in the ball joints. If any damage is observed, consider replacement at this time as access is already available.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern with a hand wrench. Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack and remove jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground.
13. 13

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle on the ground, torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. This ensures even seating of the wheel against the hub.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all sway bar bracket bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify bushings are properly seated and centered on the sway bar
3. Confirm no tools or parts were left under the vehicle

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel fully left and right while stationary to ensure no binding or interference
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed over moderate bumps and listen for any clunking or rattling from the front suspension
• Perform a figure-eight maneuver in a parking lot to verify proper sway bar function and absence of noise
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check sway bar bracket bolt torque to ensure they have not loosened

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