Sway Bar - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings × 2 — Replace with bar - comes in set
• Sway bar bracket bolts × 4 — Reusable unless damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove both rear wheels
6. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts if rusty

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect left sway bar link
   Locate the left rear sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Using a 17mm socket, remove the lower nut connecting the link to the sway bar. Separate the link from the bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect right sway bar link
   Repeat the same process on the right side. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the link shaft to prevent rotation and remove the lower nut with a 17mm socket. Separate the link from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove left sway bar bracket
   Locate the left sway bar mounting bracket bolted to the rear subframe. Using a 14mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the bracket. Remove the bracket and bushing from the sway bar. Note the orientation of the bushing for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove right sway bar bracket
   Using a 14mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the right side mounting bracket. Remove the bracket and bushing. Keep brackets and hardware organized by side.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   With both brackets removed, carefully maneuver the sway bar out from the rear suspension. It may need to be rotated or angled to clear suspension components. Lower the bar and remove it from under the vehicle.
   ⚠The sway bar may be heavy and awkward. Control it carefully to avoid striking suspension components or brake lines.
6. 6

   Inspect and prepare new sway bar
   Inspect the old sway bar for damage or excessive wear. Clean the bushing mounting areas on the new sway bar with a wire brush. Install new bushings onto the sway bar, ensuring the slit in each bushing faces toward the rear of the vehicle and center marking on bushing aligns with the paint mark on the bar.
   ℹ️Do not apply grease to the sway bar or bushings unless specifically called for by the bushing manufacturer. Most modern bushings are designed to be installed dry.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar
   Position the new sway bar into the rear suspension area, routing it through the same path as the original. Ensure the bar is centered with equal length extending on both sides. Align the bushings with the mounting bracket locations on the subframe.
   ℹ️Verify the sway bar is oriented correctly with the bends and link connection points matching the original configuration.
8. 8

   Install sway bar brackets
   Position the left bushing and bracket over the sway bar and align with the mounting holes in the subframe. Install both bracket bolts and tighten to specification. Repeat for the right side bracket. Ensure bushings remain properly aligned during tightening.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect sway bar links
   Connect both sway bar links to the sway bar ends. Insert the link stud through the sway bar eye. Install the nut on each side, holding the link shaft with a 6mm Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque both nuts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to 108 Nm (80 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all fasteners have been torqued to specification
2. Verify both sway bar links are properly connected and secured
3. Confirm no tools or parts were left in the work area

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle over various road surfaces and through turns at moderate speeds
• Listen for any clunking or rattling noises from the rear suspension
• Verify improved handling stability and reduced body roll compared to worn sway bar
• Perform a visual inspection after the test drive to confirm all fasteners remain tight

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