Sway Bar - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG with the 6.0L V12 BiTurbo M275 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings (set) × 1 — Replace with sway bar
• Sway bar link assemblies (optional) × 2 — Inspect and replace if worn

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug bolts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove both front wheels completely
5. Spray sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts with penetrating oil if fasteners show corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect left sway bar link
   Locate the left front sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm or strut assembly. Insert an Allen key into the shaft end of the link to prevent rotation. Using a wrench on the nut, remove the lower sway bar link nut. Separate the link from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect right sway bar link
   Repeat the same procedure for the right front sway bar link. Insert an Allen key into the shaft end to hold it stationary, then remove the lower nut connecting the link to the sway bar. Allow the link to hang from the control arm or strut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove left sway bar bracket
   Locate the left sway bar mounting bracket that secures the bar to the subframe. The bracket holds the sway bar bushing in place. Remove both bracket bolts and remove the bracket. Note the orientation of the bracket and bushing for reinstallation.
   ℹ️Some brackets may have alignment tabs. Note their position before removal.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove right sway bar bracket
   Remove the right sway bar mounting bracket in the same manner. Remove both bracket bolts and set the bracket aside. Inspect the bushing for wear, cracking, or deformation. Replace bushings if they show any signs of deterioration.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   With both brackets removed, carefully maneuver the sway bar out from its mounting position. The sway bar may need to be rotated or angled to clear suspension components and the subframe. Work from one side and guide it out toward the other side. Note the routing and orientation for installation.
   ⚠The sway bar is heavy and awkward. Use care to avoid damaging brake lines, ABS sensors, or other components during removal.
6. 6

   Prepare new sway bar
   If installing a new sway bar, transfer any necessary components from the old bar or install new bushings. Clean the bushing mounting areas on the subframe with a wire brush. Ensure bushing locations are free of debris and corrosion. Apply a light coat of rubber-compatible grease to the inside of the new bushings to prevent squeaking.
   ℹ️Do not use petroleum-based grease on rubber bushings as it will cause deterioration.
7. 7

   Install sway bar
   Position the new or serviced sway bar into the vehicle, routing it through the suspension components in the reverse order of removal. Ensure the bar is centered and positioned correctly with equal lengths extending to both sides. The bar should sit naturally in its mounting positions without excessive force.
   ℹ️Verify the sway bar is not twisted and that mounting points align properly before installing brackets.
8. 8

   Install sway bar bushings and brackets
   Place the bushings over the sway bar in their correct positions. The split in the bushing should face downward or as specified by the bushing manufacturer. Install the brackets over the bushings and start all bracket bolts by hand. Ensure brackets are properly seated before tightening. Torque the bracket bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect sway bar links
   Attach both sway bar links to the sway bar ends. If links were removed from the control arm or strut, reinstall them to those mounting points as well. Insert an Allen key into the shaft to prevent rotation, then install and torque the link nuts to specification. Ensure the link studs are properly seated in their mounting holes.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final inspection and wheel installation
    Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and all components are correctly positioned. Check that no brake lines, ABS wiring, or other components are pinched or in contact with the sway bar. Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug bolts. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque wheel lug bolts to Mercedes-Benz specification (typically 150 Nm/110 lb-ft in a star pattern).

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to specification with a calibrated torque wrench
2. Double-check that sway bar links are properly attached at both ends
3. Verify wheel lug bolts are torqued properly after lowering vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or rattling noises from front suspension
• Perform several gentle turns in both directions to confirm sway bar is functioning properly
• Visually inspect all connections after test drive to ensure nothing has loosened
• Check for any signs of interference between sway bar and other suspension components during suspension travel

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