Replacing sway bar bushings is easy if prepared properly. Loosen mounting straps, remove old bushings, clean the bar, apply petroleum jelly, and slide new bushings on. For some high-performance bushings, the entire bar must be removed.
Changing sway bar bushings is a relatively easy task as long as they have been properly prepared before installing them into the sway bar. To install the sway bar bushings, it is generally not necessary to completely remove the sway bar. Simply loosening the bushing mounting straps will allow the bar to be lowered and the old roll bar bushings to be removed from the bar. The bushings split and will usually come off the bar easily once the mounts are removed. If not, use a flathead screwdriver to pry them out of the roll bar in the split; once opened they will easily roll off the bar.
Many components of a vehicle are intended to make it handle better in certain situations. Sway bar bushings are one such component. These bushings are designed to fit snugly around the roll bar and provide a firm mounting point to displace torsional flex across the entire front of the vehicle’s chassis. When worn, these sway bar bushings become loose and do not perform as designed.
It is imperative that the roll bar be free of dirt and grime to install the new bushings. A rag and a spray can of brake cleaner should be used to clean the area that the hub mounts on. After rubbing a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the inside of the sway bar bushings, they can be slid onto the sway bar. Putting a small amount of Vaseline on the inside of the rubber sway bar bushings will allow them to slide and manipulate into place much easier than trying to do so while they are dry.
With some high performance urethane rubber bushings, it is necessary to remove the entire bar to complete the installation. If this is the case, the small bolts holding the roll bar to the front suspension at each end of the bar must be removed. Removing just the end attached to the bar simplifies reinstallation. In this type of installation, it becomes necessary to clean the entire roll bar, as the bushings will need to be slid over the bar and then moved into position at their mounting point.
By rubbing a bit of Vaseline all over the bar, the bushing will slide into position more easily. The mounting points can be tightened once the sway bar bushings are in place. Also, it’s important to wipe the lube off the bar after you’re done working to prevent dirt buildup.
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