Replace worn front sway bar bushings to restore handling and eliminate clunking noises over bumps. This procedure involves removing the sway bar bracket bolts and replacing the bushings without disconnecting the sway bar links.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushings (pair) × 2 — Use OEM specification - typically 48815-06140
• Sway bar bracket bolts × 4 — Reuse unless damaged or corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
5. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified locations on subframe
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Spray sway bar bracket bolts with penetrating oil if corrosion is present and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate sway bar and brackets
   From under the vehicle, locate the front sway bar running laterally across the front subframe. Identify the two sway bar bracket assemblies that secure the bar to the subframe, one on each side. Each bracket is held by two bolts and contains a rubber bushing.
2. 2

   Remove driver side bracket bolts
   Using a 14mm socket, remove both bolts securing the driver side sway bar bracket to the subframe. Support the bracket as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling. The sway bar may shift slightly when the bracket is released.
3. 3

   Remove driver side bracket and old bushing
   Remove the bracket from the sway bar. The old bushing may remain on the bar or stay inside the bracket. Note the orientation of the bushing split (should face toward the rear of the vehicle). Inspect the sway bar surface for damage, rust, or scoring. Clean the bar contact area with a wire brush if necessary.
4. 4

   Install new driver side bushing
   Open the new bushing and position it around the sway bar in the same location as the old one. Ensure the split in the bushing faces toward the rear of the vehicle. The bushing should be centered in the mounting area where the bracket will clamp it.
5. 5

   Reinstall driver side bracket
   Position the bracket over the new bushing and align the bolt holes with the subframe. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. You may need to use a pry bar to align the bracket holes if the sway bar has shifted.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove passenger side bracket bolts
   Using a 14mm socket, remove both bolts securing the passenger side sway bar bracket to the subframe. Support the bracket as you remove the second bolt.
7. 7

   Remove passenger side bracket and old bushing
   Remove the bracket and old bushing from the sway bar. Note the bushing orientation. Clean the sway bar contact surface with a wire brush if rust or debris is present.
8. 8

   Install new passenger side bushing
   Open the new bushing and position it around the sway bar with the split facing toward the rear of the vehicle. Center the bushing in the mounting location.
9. 9

   Reinstall passenger side bracket
   Position the bracket over the new bushing and align with the subframe holes. Start both bolts by hand. Align the bracket if necessary using a pry bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount both front wheels and start all lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all sway bar bracket bolts to specification using a torque wrench
2. Torque wheel lug nuts in star pattern after lowering vehicle
3. Remove jack stands and fully lower vehicle
4. Perform final torque check on wheel lug nuts with vehicle on ground

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel fully left and right while stationary to verify no binding or interference
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed over speed bumps or uneven pavement to verify clunking noises are eliminated
• Listen for any new rattles or abnormal noises from the front suspension
• Verify steering feel is normal and vehicle tracks straight
• After 50-100 miles of driving, recheck sway bar bracket bolt torque

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