This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine, including disconnecting the end links and removing the mounting brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings (set) × 1 — Replace with sway bar
• Sway bar end links (pair) × 2 — Replace if worn or 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 (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift point on chassis
5. Support vehicle securely with jack stands under rear subframe or axle beam
6. Remove both rear wheels completely
7. Spray sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts with penetrating oil if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect driver side sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the rear suspension. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to prevent rotation. Using a 17mm wrench or socket, remove the lower nut that attaches the link to the sway bar. Separate the link from the sway bar. If the link is seized, you may need to use a pry bar to separate the joint.
2. 2

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar end link
   Repeat the same process on the passenger side. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the shaft to hold it stationary, then remove the 17mm lower nut connecting the link to the sway bar. Separate the link from the sway bar. The sway bar is now free from the suspension on both sides.
3. 3

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Locate the sway bar mounting bracket on the driver side of the rear subframe or axle beam. The bracket is held by two 14mm bolts. Remove both bolts completely and remove the bracket. The sway bar bushing will remain on the bar or come out with the bracket.
4. 4

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Remove the passenger side mounting bracket using the same method. Remove both 14mm bracket bolts and remove the bracket and bushing. Keep track of any shims or spacers if present.
5. 5

   Remove rear sway bar
   With both brackets removed, maneuver the sway bar out from its mounting location. You may need to rotate or angle the bar to clear suspension components. Remove the bar from the vehicle. Inspect the bar for damage, cracks, or excessive wear.
6. 6

   Remove and inspect bushings
   Remove the rubber bushings from the old sway bar. Inspect them for cracks, tearing, or compression damage. Even if reusing the same bar, replace bushings if they show wear. Clean the mounting areas on the subframe with a wire brush.
7. 7

   Install new bushings on sway bar
   Slide the new bushings onto the new or cleaned sway bar, positioning them at the correct location where the mounting brackets will secure them. The split in the bushing should face toward the front or rear of the vehicle per factory orientation. Apply a light coating of rubber-safe lubricant to ease installation if needed.
8. 8

   Install rear sway bar
   Maneuver the sway bar with bushings into position on the vehicle. Align the bushings with the mounting locations on the rear subframe. Ensure the bar is centered with equal length extending on both sides.
9. 9

   Install sway bar brackets
   Position the mounting brackets over the bushings on both sides. Install the bracket bolts and hand-tighten them initially. Ensure the bushings are properly seated in the brackets and the bar can rotate freely within the bushings. Torque the bracket bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect sway bar end links
    Align the lower ball stud of each sway bar end link with the corresponding connection point on the sway bar. Install the lower nuts onto the link studs. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to prevent rotation, then torque the lower nuts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall rear wheels
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 110 Nm or 81 lb-ft for this vehicle) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all sway bar bracket bolts and end link nuts are torqued to specification
2. Verify the sway bar can rotate freely in the bushings without binding
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground
4. Perform a final check of all fasteners after lowering the vehicle

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection to ensure all brackets and links are securely fastened
• Push down on rear bumper to compress suspension and verify no unusual noises from sway bar area
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or rattling noises from rear suspension during turns
• Inspect for proper sway bar function by observing reduced body roll during cornering compared to disconnected condition

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