suspension
Sway Bar Bushing - Front
for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
8
Steps
9
This procedure covers the replacement of front sway bar bushings on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 engine and AWD, requiring removal of the sway bar bracket bolts and installation of new bushings.
Warnings
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
⚠Ensure the vehicle is on level ground and rear wheels are chocked before lifting.
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack stands (2)Essential
14mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrench (30-60 Nm range)Essential
Wire brush
Penetrating oil
Rubber mallet
Wheel chocksEssential
Parts
- Front sway bar bushing set (2 pieces) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Chock rear wheels securely
- Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (if removing wheels for access)
- Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
- Support vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified support points
- Remove front wheels if needed for better access (optional but recommended)
Procedure
- 1Locate sway bar and bushingsPosition yourself under the front center of the vehicle. Locate the front sway bar running laterally across the front subframe. Identify the two sway bar bushing brackets that secure the bar to the subframe, typically positioned near the center of the vehicle width.
- 2Apply penetrating oilSpray penetrating oil on both sway bar bracket bolts if they show signs of corrosion. Allow 5-10 minutes for penetration. This is particularly important on vehicles in rust-prone regions.
- 3Remove first sway bar bracketUsing a 14mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the first sway bar bushing bracket to the subframe. Keep the bolts and bracket together. Note the orientation of the bracket and bushing split line (typically faces rearward or downward).Torque specSway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
- 4Remove first bushingRemove the old sway bar bushing from the bracket. The bushing is split and should slide out. If stuck, use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry it open carefully. Note the positioning and orientation of the bushing for correct installation of the replacement.
- 5Remove second sway bar bracket and bushingRepeat the removal process for the second sway bar bracket and bushing on the opposite side. Remove both bracket bolts and extract the old bushing from the bracket.Torque specSway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
- 6Clean sway bar and bracketsUse a wire brush to clean the sway bar surface where the bushings contact, removing any rust, dirt, or old rubber residue. Clean the inside of the bracket mounting surfaces. Ensure the sway bar surface is smooth to prevent premature bushing wear.
- 7Install new bushingsOpen the split in the new bushing and position it around the sway bar in the correct location where the old bushing was removed. Ensure the bushing split line is oriented correctly (typically facing down or rearward). The bushing should sit centered on the sway bar at the bracket mounting location. Repeat for the second bushing.
- 8Install brackets and torque boltsPlace the bracket over each bushing, aligning the bolt holes with the subframe. Start both bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten the sway bar bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern (alternate between bolts on each bracket). Repeat for both sides.Torque specSway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
- 9Verify installationVisually inspect both bushings to ensure they are seated properly within the brackets and centered on the sway bar. Verify all bracket bolts are torqued and secure. Check that the sway bar can rotate slightly within the bushings (normal movement).
Reassembly
- Reinstall front wheels if removed and hand-tighten lug nuts
- Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack and remove jack stands
- Lower vehicle completely to ground
- Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (consult owner's manual for lug nut torque specification)
Verification
- Test drive the vehicle at low speeds over small bumps to verify no clunking noises from front suspension
- Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle after test drive to confirm brackets remain tight and bushings are properly seated
- Listen for elimination of any front-end rattling or clunking that was present before bushing replacement