suspension
Sway Bar - Front
for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
13
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 engine and AWD.
Warnings
⚠️Ensure vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath. Never rely solely on a floor jack.
⚠Apply penetrating oil to fasteners if vehicle operates in areas with road salt to prevent bolt breakage.
ℹ️Inspect sway bar links while performing this procedure. Replace if boots are torn or links show excessive play.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
19mm socketEssential
14mm socketEssential
6mm Allen keyEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Ratchet and extensionEssential
Wire brush
Penetrating oil
Safety glassesEssential
Parts
- Front sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Sway bar bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification
- Sway bar bracket bolts × 4 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
- Raise front of vehicle and support securely with jack stands on manufacturer lift points
- Remove both front wheels completely
- Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts, allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if fasteners show corrosion
Procedure
- 1Disconnect driver side sway bar linkLocate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm on the driver side. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Using a 14mm socket, remove the lower nut connecting the link to the sway bar. Separate the link from the sway bar.Torque specSway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 2Disconnect passenger side sway bar linkRepeat the same process on the passenger side. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the link shaft to prevent rotation. Remove the lower nut with a 14mm socket and separate the link from the sway bar. Allow both links to hang from the control arms.Torque specSway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 3Remove driver side sway bar bracketLocate the sway bar bracket bolted to the subframe on the driver side. The bracket secures the sway bar bushing. Using a 14mm socket, remove both bracket bolts. Remove the bracket and note the orientation of the bushing split for reinstallation.Torque specSway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
- 4Remove passenger side sway bar bracketRepeat the process on the passenger side. Remove both bracket bolts with a 14mm socket and remove the bracket. Keep brackets and hardware organized by side if they show any differences.Torque specSway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
- 5Remove sway bar from vehicleWith both brackets removed, maneuver the sway bar downward and toward one side to clear the subframe. The bar may need to be rotated or angled to clear suspension components and steering linkage. Remove the old bushings from the sway bar and inspect for wear or cracking.⚠Sway bar weighs approximately 15-20 lbs. Use proper lifting technique to avoid strain.
- 6Inspect and clean mounting areasClean the sway bar mounting points on the subframe with a wire brush to remove rust and debris. Inspect the subframe for cracks or damage. Check sway bar link condition - replace if rubber boots are torn or if there is excessive play in the ball joints.ℹ️This is the ideal time to replace worn sway bar links if needed.
- 7Install new bushings on sway barSlide the new sway bar bushings onto the bar at the marked locations (or match the position of the old bushings). Ensure the split in the bushing faces toward the rear of the vehicle when installed. Apply a light coating of silicone grease to the inside of the bushings if they are difficult to slide into position.ℹ️Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber bushings as they cause deterioration.
- 8Position sway bar in vehicleManeuver the sway bar into position by angling it up through the suspension area. Align the bushings with the mounting points on the subframe. Ensure the bar ends are positioned correctly to connect to the sway bar links on both sides.⚠Verify bar orientation - the bend angles should match the original bar position.
- 9Install driver side bracketPosition the bracket over the bushing on the driver side, ensuring the bushing split faces rearward. Start both bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque in a cross pattern.Torque specSway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
- 10Install passenger side bracketPosition the bracket over the bushing on the passenger side with the bushing split facing rearward. Install both bracket bolts and tighten to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even bushing compression.Torque specSway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
- 11Connect driver side sway bar linkAlign the sway bar link ball stud with the hole in the end of the sway bar on the driver side. Install the nut and hand-tighten. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary, then torque the nut to specification using a 14mm socket.Torque specSway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 12Connect passenger side sway bar linkRepeat the connection process on the passenger side. Align the link to the sway bar, install the nut, hold the shaft with the Allen key, and torque the nut to specification.Torque specSway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 13Reinstall wheels and lower vehicleInstall both front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just touch the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug nuts to 107-127 Nm (79-94 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
Reassembly
- All fasteners should be torqued to specification with the vehicle at normal ride height (wheels on ground) where noted
- Verify all sway bar link nuts are properly torqued with the Allen key holding the shaft
- Ensure no tools or parts are left in the wheel wells before test driving
Verification
- Bounce each front corner of the vehicle and listen for any clunking or rattling from the sway bar area
- Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises during turns or over bumps
- Perform a figure-8 maneuver in an empty parking lot to verify proper sway bar function and connection
- Re-check all bracket bolt and link nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving