Stabilizer bar, bushings and links (front) — removal and installation
Note: The stabilizer bar is also referred to as the sway bar. The stabilizer bar helps to maintain stability in a turn. It is connected to both of the lower control arms by way of the stabilizer bar end links. When a stabilizer bar end link fails, the vehicle will lean farther than normal and can be harder to correct from a turn.
Stabilizer bar and bushings
1. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. On models so equipped, remove the oil pan skid plate or engine shield.
2. Remove the top nuts from the stabilizer bar links (see Step 10).
Note: If you’re removing just the stabilizer bar, the links can stay in place. Just remove the top nut, washer and rubber cushion.
3. Remove the stabilizer bar bracket bolts (see illustration).
3.3 Stabilizer bar bracket bolts
4. Remove the stabilizer bar.
5. Remove the rubber bushings.
6. Inspect all parts for wear and damage.
7. When you install the rubber bushings on the stabilizer bar, be sure to position them so the slits are facing forward.
8. Installation is otherwise the reverse of removal. Be sure to tighten all fasteners to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications and to use a non-hardening thread-locking compound (blue) on the threads of the bolts.
Stabilizer bar links
9. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.
10. While securing the stabilizer bar end link bolt from turning, remove the upper nut, then drive the long bolt out of the end link (see illustration).
3.10 Stabilizer bar link components
1 Stabilizer bar link
2 Stabilizer bar link fasteners
11. Remove the stabilizer bar link.
12. Installation is the reverse of removal. Tighten the nut to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications. Be sure to use the new nuts and bushings that come with the replacement stabilizer bar end link. Also, make sure you have the rubber bushings touching the actual stabilizer bar. The metal washers go on the outside of the rubber bushings.