This procedure covers the replacement of the front sway bar bushings on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, improving handling and eliminating clunking noises from worn bushings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification Honda part 51306-TBA-A01 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at the designated front jacking points
5. Remove both front wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate sway bar bushing brackets
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the front sway bar running laterally across the front subframe. Identify the two sway bar bushing brackets mounted to the subframe, one on each side of center. Each bracket is secured with two bolts.
2. 2

   Remove driver side bushing bracket
   Using a 14mm socket and ratchet, remove the two sway bar bracket bolts on the driver side. The bracket may be held in place by the sway bar pressure, so support it as you remove the second bolt. Remove the bracket and old bushing from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove driver side bushing
   The bushing is a split rubber component that wraps around the sway bar. Note the orientation of the split (typically facing toward the rear of the vehicle). Remove the old bushing from the sway bar and inspect it for cracks, hardening, or deformation.
4. 4

   Clean driver side sway bar area
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar surface where the bushing sits, removing any rust, debris, or old rubber residue. This ensures proper fit and reduces future squeaking. Clean the inside of the bracket as well.
5. 5

   Install new driver side bushing
   Position the new bushing around the sway bar with the split oriented toward the rear of the vehicle (matching the original orientation). The bushing should sit centered in the marked area on the sway bar. Optionally apply a thin coat of silicone-based lubricant to the inside of the bushing to prevent squeaking.
6. 6

   Reinstall driver side bracket
   Position the bracket over the new bushing, aligning the bolt holes with the subframe. Thread both bolts in by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Torque both bolts to specification in a cross-pattern.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove passenger side bushing bracket
   Using a 14mm socket and ratchet, remove the two sway bar bracket bolts on the passenger side. Support the bracket as you remove the second bolt. Remove the bracket and old bushing from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove and inspect passenger side bushing
   Remove the old bushing from the sway bar, noting its orientation. Inspect for wear patterns and compare both old bushings to determine if replacement was necessary and to identify any alignment issues.
9. 9

   Clean passenger side sway bar area
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar surface where the bushing sits, removing rust, debris, or old rubber residue. Clean the inside of the bracket thoroughly.
10. 10

    Install new passenger side bushing
    Position the new bushing around the sway bar with the split oriented toward the rear of the vehicle. The bushing should sit centered in the marked area. Optionally apply silicone-based lubricant to prevent squeaking.
11. 11

    Reinstall passenger side bracket
    Position the bracket over the new bushing, aligning the bolt holes with the subframe. Thread both bolts in by hand to ensure proper alignment. Torque both bolts to specification in a cross-pattern.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall both front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until wheels contact the ground but still allow rotation. Torque lug nuts to 108 Nm (80 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both sway bar bushing brackets are torqued to specification and no tools are left under the vehicle
2. Test drive the vehicle at low speed over minor bumps to verify the repair eliminated any clunking noises
3. Re-check bracket bolt torque after 50-100 miles of driving

Verification

• Visually inspect both bushing brackets to ensure they are seated properly against the subframe with no gaps
• Verify both brackets are secure with no movement when pushed by hand
• Drive the vehicle over bumps and during cornering to confirm elimination of clunking or squeaking noises from the front sway bar area
• Check that steering response and handling feel normal with no unusual noises during turns

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