Sway Bar Bushing - Rear

Replace worn rear sway bar bushings on 2007 Ram 3500 to restore proper stabilizer bar function and eliminate clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushing kit (2 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Moog K200725

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front tires
3. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar bushing bracket bolts if needed
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear differential housing
5. Support frame rails with jack stands rated for vehicle weight (approximately 9000 lbs)
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands while keeping floor jack under axle for support

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar bushings
   Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle. Locate the rear sway bar running laterally across the vehicle. The bushings are secured by U-shaped brackets; verify whether they mount to the rear axle housing or frame on this vehicle before proceeding, as rear sway bar mounting location varies. Inspect the condition of the bushings to confirm they need replacement (look for cracking, tearing, or excessive wear).
2. 2

   Support rear axle
   Position the floor jack under the rear differential housing to provide support to the axle. Raise jack until it just makes contact and slightly supports the weight. This prevents the axle from dropping when the sway bar is freed and maintains proper working height.
3. 3

   Remove driver side bushing bracket
   Locate the two bolts securing the driver side sway bar bushing bracket to the frame rail. Confirm the actual bolt head size on the vehicle (commonly in the 13mm–18mm range) and use the correct socket. Remove both bolts completely and set aside with the bracket. Note the orientation of the bushing split for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove driver side bushing
   Remove the old bushing from the sway bar. The bushing is split and should pull away from the bar. If stuck, carefully pry it open with a flathead screwdriver. Inspect the sway bar for rust, corrosion, or damage in the bushing contact area.
5. 5

   Clean driver side mounting area
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar where the bushing sits, removing any rust, old rubber, or debris. Also clean the frame rail mounting surface and inspect bracket for damage or excessive wear. The sway bar should be smooth and clean for proper bushing fit.
6. 6

   Install new driver side bushing
   Take the new bushing from the kit and open the split. Position it around the sway bar in the correct location, ensuring the split faces downward or rearward as designed. The bushing should fit snugly around the bar. Some bushings may have grease pre-applied; if not, a light coating of silicone grease can be used.
7. 7

   Install driver side bracket
   Position the U-bracket over the bushing, aligning the bolt holes with the frame rail. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten bolts in an alternating pattern to draw the bracket down evenly. Torque to the manufacturer specification from the factory service manual for this vehicle. Do not overtighten as this can crush the bushing. Do not overtighten as this can crush the bushing.
8. 8

   Remove passenger side bushing bracket
   Repeat the removal process for the passenger side. Remove both bolts securing the bushing bracket to the frame rail and remove the bracket. Set hardware aside.
9. 9

   Remove and clean passenger side
   Remove the old passenger side bushing from the sway bar. Clean the sway bar contact area and frame mounting surface with a wire brush, removing all rust and debris.
10. 10

    Install passenger side bushing and bracket
    Install the new bushing around the sway bar with the split facing downward or rearward. Position the U-bracket over the bushing and align with frame rail holes. Install both bolts, start by hand, then tighten in alternating pattern. Torque to the manufacturer specification from the factory service manual for this vehicle.
11. 11

    Verify installation
    Inspect both bushings to ensure they are seated properly around the sway bar and the brackets are tight against the frame. Check that the sway bar can move slightly within the bushings but is securely mounted. Verify all bolts are tight.

Reassembly

1. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground
2. Remove wheel chocks
3. Verify no tools or parts were left under vehicle

Verification

• Start vehicle and turn steering wheel full lock in both directions while stationary to flex suspension
• Test drive vehicle over bumps and during turns, listening for clunking or rattling from rear suspension
• Verify improved handling response and elimination of any previous sway bar related noises
• After 50-100 miles, re-inspect bushing bracket bolts for proper torque retention

More procedures for this vehicle