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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushing set × 1 — Use OEM specification - typically sold as pair

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands at designated lift points
5. Remove both rear wheels for access
6. Spray sway bar bracket bolts with penetrating oil if corroded

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar and bushings
   Locate the rear sway bar running laterally across the rear suspension. Identify the two bushing brackets that secure the sway bar to the chassis, positioned on either side of the vehicle centerline. The bushings are rubber components inside U-shaped metal brackets.
2. 2

   Remove first sway bar bracket
   Using a 14mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the first sway bar bracket to the chassis. Remove the bracket and note the orientation of the bushing split. The split should face toward the rear or front of the vehicle depending on factory installation.
3. 3

   Remove old bushing from sway bar
   Remove the old bushing from the sway bar. If the bushing is stuck or deteriorated, carefully pry it off using a flathead screwdriver or cut it away. Clean the sway bar mounting surface with a wire brush, removing any rust, debris, or old rubber residue.
4. 4

   Install new bushing on sway bar
   Install the new bushing onto the cleaned sway bar surface, ensuring the split in the bushing faces the same direction as the original. The bushing should seat fully around the bar. Some bushings come with silicone grease pre-applied; if not, apply a thin layer of silicone grease to reduce squeaking.
5. 5

   Reinstall first bracket and torque
   Position the bracket over the bushing and align with the chassis mounting holes. Install both bracket bolts and hand-tighten. Torque both bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

   Repeat for second bushing
   Repeat steps 2 through 5 for the second sway bar bushing and bracket on the opposite side of the vehicle. Ensure proper bushing orientation and clean mounting surfaces thoroughly before installation.
7. 7

   Inspect sway bar links
   While underneath the vehicle, inspect the sway bar end links connecting the sway bar to the suspension. Check for torn boots, excessive play, or damage. Replace if necessary, though this is not part of the current procedure.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands to the ground
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft) in a star pattern
4. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle over bumps and through turns at low speed, listening for clunking or knocking noises from the rear suspension
• Verify no rattling sounds occur during normal driving, indicating bushings are properly seated
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect bracket bolt torque to ensure bolts have not loosened

More procedures for this vehicle