Sway Bar Bushing - Rear

This procedure covers the replacement of the rear sway bar bushings on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine, requiring vehicle lifting and removal of sway bar mounting brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushings (pair) × 2 — Use OEM specification or Honda part #51306-TVA-A01
• Sway bar bracket bolts (if corroded) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear jacking points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at rear subframe or body pinch welds
5. Allow clearance to work comfortably under vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar and bushings
   From under the vehicle, locate the rear sway bar running laterally across the rear suspension. Identify the two rubber bushings held by U-shaped brackets bolted to the chassis near the center of the sway bar.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   Spray penetrating oil on the sway bar bracket bolts (two bolts per bracket, four total). Allow 5-10 minutes for penetration if bolts show corrosion. This step is especially important on vehicles in salt-exposed regions.
3. 3

   Remove first bracket bolts
   Using a 14mm socket and ratchet, remove both bolts securing the first sway bar bracket to the chassis. The bracket will drop away once both bolts are removed. Note the orientation of the bracket for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove first bushing
   Remove the rubber bushing from the sway bar. Note the orientation of the bushing split line (should face toward the front or rear of the vehicle, not up or down). Clean the sway bar surface with a wire brush to remove rust, dirt, and old rubber residue.
5. 5

   Remove second bracket and bushing
   Repeat the removal process for the second bracket and bushing on the opposite side. Clean the sway bar surface thoroughly in this location as well. Inspect the sway bar for cracks, bends, or damage.
6. 6

   Prepare and install new bushings
   Apply a light coat of silicone-based lubricant to the inside surface of the new bushings and the cleaned sway bar mounting areas. Position the first new bushing on the sway bar with the split line oriented correctly (typically toward front or rear, matching original orientation). The bushing should be centered on the cleaned area where the bracket will mount.
7. 7

   Install first bracket
   Position the bracket over the bushing and align the bolt holes with the chassis mounting points. Start both bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Torque first bracket bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten both bracket bolts to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) in a cross-pattern. Ensure the bracket sits flush against the chassis and the bushing is properly captured without excessive deformation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install second bracket assembly
   Install the second new bushing with lubricant on the opposite side, ensuring proper orientation. Position the bracket and start both bolts by hand. Torque both bolts to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) in a cross-pattern.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower vehicle
    Carefully raise the vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then lower the vehicle completely to the ground using the floor jack. Remove the jack and wheel chocks.

Reassembly

1. Verify all bracket bolts are torqued to specification and no tools or parts are left under the vehicle
2. Dispose of old bushings properly

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no clunking or squeaking from rear sway bar area
• Test drive the vehicle over bumps and through turns at low speed, listening for any abnormal noises from the rear suspension
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check bracket bolt torque to ensure they have not loosened
• Visually inspect bushings after first drive to confirm they remain properly seated in brackets

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