Replace worn rear sway bar bushings to restore handling and eliminate clunking noises from the rear suspension.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushing bracket bolts × 4 — Use OEM specification if corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at differential or frame rail
4. Support vehicle with jack stands under frame rails on both sides
5. Remove rear wheels if additional access is needed (optional but recommended)
6. Spray sway bar bracket bolts with penetrating oil if vehicle has been exposed to salt or corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar and bushings
   Position yourself under the rear axle. The rear sway bar runs laterally across the vehicle and is mounted to the axle housing with two U-shaped brackets. Each bracket holds one bushing and is secured with two bolts.
2. 2

   Remove first sway bar bracket
   Using a socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts securing the first sway bar bushing bracket to the rear axle housing. Keep track of bolt orientation. Remove the bracket and old bushing from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove second sway bar bracket
   Repeat the same process for the second sway bar bushing bracket on the opposite side. Remove both bolts, bracket, and old bushing. The sway bar will now be free to move slightly.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Clean sway bar mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar where the bushings will mount, removing rust, dirt, and old rubber residue. Also clean the mounting surfaces on the axle housing and inspect the brackets for cracks or damage.
5. 5

   Install new bushings
   Split open the new bushings and position them around the sway bar at the correct locations where the brackets mount. Ensure the bushing slit faces toward the rear or as indicated by manufacturer marking. The bushings should sit evenly on the bar.
6. 6

   Install first bracket
   Position the first bracket over the new bushing and align it with the mounting holes on the axle housing. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement, then tighten them evenly in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

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

   Install second bracket
   Position the second bracket over the new bushing on the opposite side. Install both bolts by hand first, then tighten evenly in a cross pattern to the specified torque.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall wheels if removed
   If wheels were removed, reinstall them and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Do not fully torque yet.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Lower vehicle
   Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to unload the jack stands, then remove the jack stands. Slowly lower the vehicle completely to the ground.
10. 10

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle on the ground, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure both sway bar bracket bolts are torqued to 55 Nm (40 lb-ft) on each side
2. Verify bushings are seated properly and brackets are flush against axle housing
3. Check that sway bar moves freely without binding

Verification

• Test drive vehicle over smooth roads first, then over bumps to verify no clunking noises
• Sway bar should operate silently during cornering and suspension articulation
• Visually inspect brackets after test drive to ensure bolts remain tight
• Verify improved handling response during lane changes

More procedures for this vehicle