This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) and associated bushings on the 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar × 1 — 48815-02230 or equivalent
• Sway bar bushings (set of 2) × 1 — 48815-02200 or equivalent
• Sway bar link assemblies × 2 — 48820-02180 (left) / 48830-02180 (right) or reuse if not worn

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at rear jacking point
4. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer-designated support points on rear subframe
5. Remove both rear wheels using 21mm socket
6. Apply penetrating oil to sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect driver side sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the rear suspension. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the ball stud shaft from the backside to prevent rotation. Using a 14mm wrench, remove the upper nut connecting the link to the sway bar. Note the orientation of washers and bushings for reassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar link
   Repeat the same process on the passenger side sway bar link. Insert the 6mm Allen key to hold the shaft and remove the upper 14mm nut. Allow the link to hang from the lower connection point on the suspension.
3. 3

   Remove sway bar bracket bolts
   Locate the two sway bar mounting brackets that secure the bar to the rear subframe. Each bracket is held by a single bolt. Using a 12mm socket, remove both bracket bolts. The brackets are typically located near the center of the vehicle width on the subframe.
4. 4

   Remove sway bar and brackets
   Carefully lower and remove the sway bar from the vehicle by maneuvering it out from between the suspension components and body. Remove the rubber bushings and brackets from the sway bar. Note the orientation of the bushings - the split in the bushing should face toward the front of the vehicle.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean components
   Inspect the sway bar for cracks, bends, or damage. Examine the bushings for tears, hardening, or excessive wear. Check sway bar links for loose ball joints or torn boots. Clean the sway bar mounting areas on the subframe with a wire brush to remove rust and debris.
6. 6

   Install bushings on new or cleaned sway bar
   If installing a new sway bar, transfer the brackets to the new bar. Install new or reused bushings onto the sway bar, ensuring the split in each bushing faces forward. Position the bushings at the correct locations corresponding to the mounting bracket positions on the subframe. Place the brackets over the bushings.
7. 7

   Install sway bar assembly
   Maneuver the sway bar assembly into position under the vehicle, aligning the brackets with the mounting holes on the rear subframe. The bar ends should be positioned near the sway bar link mounting points on each side of the suspension.
8. 8

   Install and torque bracket bolts
   Install the bracket bolts through the brackets and into the subframe mounting holes. Hand-tighten both bolts first to ensure proper alignment. Using a torque wrench and 12mm socket, torque both bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect sway bar links
   Position each sway bar link upper bushing and washer onto the sway bar end. Install the upper nut onto the link stud. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the back of the ball stud to prevent rotation. Using a torque wrench with 14mm socket, torque the link nuts to specification on both sides.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft) in a star pattern with the vehicle weight on the wheels.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify sway bar links move freely without binding
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the work area

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle over small bumps at low speed to verify no unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Perform a visual inspection underneath to confirm all brackets and links are secure
• Verify improved handling characteristics and reduced body roll during cornering compared to worn components

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