Replace the rear sway bar bushings to eliminate clunking noises and restore proper sway bar function on a 2015 Kia Forte.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushing set × 1 — Use OEM specification (includes 2 bushings)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle with jack stands under rear subframe or manufacturer-specified points
6. Remove both rear wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar and bushings
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the rear sway bar running laterally across the rear suspension. Identify the two bushing brackets that secure the sway bar to the rear subframe or chassis, typically positioned near the center of the vehicle.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil (if needed)
   If the vehicle has been exposed to road salt or shows signs of corrosion, spray penetrating oil on the sway bar bracket bolts. Allow 5-10 minutes for penetration before proceeding.
3. 3

   Remove first sway bar bracket
   Using a 12mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the first sway bar bushing bracket to the chassis. The bracket will likely have a U-shape design. Remove the bracket and lower it away from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove first bushing
   Remove the old sway bar bushing from the bar. The bushing has a split design and can be pulled off the bar. Note the orientation of the split (typically facing forward or rearward). Inspect the sway bar surface for damage, rust, or debris.
5. 5

   Clean sway bar mounting area
   Using a wire brush, clean the sway bar surface where the bushing mounts to remove rust, old rubber residue, or debris. A clean surface ensures proper bushing fit and reduces premature wear.
6. 6

   Install first new bushing
   Position the new bushing around the sway bar with the split oriented in the same direction as the original (typically toward the front or rear of vehicle, not up or down). Ensure the bushing is centered in the mounting location. Some bushings have a locating groove or notch that must align with the bar.
7. 7

   Reinstall first bracket
   Position the bushing bracket over the new bushing and align the bolt holes with the chassis mounting points. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque the bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

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

   Repeat for second bushing
   Repeat steps 3 through 7 for the second sway bar bushing and bracket on the opposite side of the vehicle. Ensure both bushings are oriented identically and both brackets are torqued to specification.
   Torque spec

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

   Verify sway bar movement
   With both bushings installed, manually move the sway bar up and down slightly to verify it can rotate freely within the new bushings without binding. There should be minimal free play but smooth movement.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack and remove jack stands
3. Lower vehicle completely to the ground
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) in a star pattern
5. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle over gentle bumps at low speed and verify that clunking or knocking noises from the rear suspension are eliminated
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm both bracket bolts are secure and bushings are properly seated
• Check that the sway bar sits centered within both bushings with no visible gap on one side

More procedures for this vehicle