Replace the front sway bar bushings to eliminate clunking noises and restore proper sway bar function on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing set × 1 — Use OEM specification (48815-02170)
• Sway bar bracket bolts (if corroded) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking point
4. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at front pinch weld points
5. Remove front wheels (not required but provides better access)
6. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar bracket bolts if vehicle is exposed to road salt

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate front sway bar and bushings
   Position yourself under the front center of the vehicle. The front sway bar runs laterally across the front subframe. Identify the two sway bar bushing brackets that secure the bar to the subframe, one on each side of center. Each bracket is held by two 14mm bolts.
2. 2

   Remove first sway bar bracket
   Using a 14mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts securing the first sway bar bracket to the subframe. Remove the bracket completely. The bushing will remain on the sway bar or come off with the bracket.
3. 3

   Remove old bushing from sway bar
   If the bushing did not come off with the bracket, slide it off the sway bar. The bushing has a split design that opens to allow removal. Note the orientation of the bushing split (should face toward the rear of the vehicle). Inspect the sway bar for rust, corrosion, or damage. Clean the mounting area with a wire brush if necessary.
4. 4

   Install new bushing
   Open the new bushing at its split and position it on the sway bar in the same location as the old bushing. Ensure the split in the bushing faces toward the rear of the vehicle. The bushing should align with the bracket mounting holes on the subframe. Do not apply grease to the bushing interior as it may cause squeaking.
5. 5

   Install bracket and torque bolts
   Position the bracket over the new bushing, aligning the bracket with the subframe mounting holes. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper threading. Tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern using a torque wrench to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Repeat for second bushing
   Move to the opposite side of the sway bar and repeat steps 2 through 5 for the second bushing and bracket assembly. Ensure both bushings are oriented identically with splits facing rearward.
7. 7

   Verify sway bar movement
   With both bushings installed, grasp the sway bar and move it up and down slightly to verify it moves freely within the bushings without binding. There should be minimal play but smooth movement. Check that all bracket bolts are properly torqued.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels if removed and torque lug nuts to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft) in a star pattern
2. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground
3. Perform final torque check on lug nuts with vehicle weight on wheels

Verification

• Test drive vehicle over small bumps at low speed and listen for clunking noises from front suspension
• Perform figure-eight turns in an empty parking lot to verify improved handling response
• Visually inspect both bushing brackets after test drive to ensure bolts remain tight
• Verify no rubbing or binding noises when turning steering wheel lock to lock while stationary

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