Stabilizer Bushing Replacement
How are sway bar bushing issues diagnosed?
Worn stabilizer bar bushings are diagnosed by a technician during a test drive where they will listen for the telltale squeaking sound of a worn bushing. Alternately, a technician may attempt to bounce the car in place by rocking it up and down in order to cause the stabilizer bar to twist and duplicate the noise. Finally, the vehicle will be raised in the air on a hoist and the stabilizer bushings and brackets will be visually inspected for signs of wear or damage.
How is a sway bar bushing replaced?
Stabilizer bushings are replaced by first lifting and supporting the vehicle off the ground in order to gain access to the bushing brackets and to relieve the torsion on the stabilizer bar from the weight of the vehicle. The stabilizer bushings and brackets are removed and new parts are installed in their place. It is common to replace the stabilizer bar (sway bar) links at the same time.
RepairPal Recommendations for sway bar bushing issues
There are usually two bushings on a stabilizer bar. RepairPal recommends replacing the stabilizer bar bushings as a set. The sway bar links should be inspected and replaced (if necessary) at the same time.
What to look out for when dealing with sway bar bushing issues
The stabilizer bar is often a relatively heavy component of the suspension. Care should be exercised when disconnecting the stabilizer bar from the vehicle body or frame so that it does not fall and cause injury. It is a good idea to inspect and replace (if necessary) the sway bar links at the same time that the bushings are being replaced.
Can I replace the sway bar bushing myself?
Replacing the stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings is a simple beginner to intermediate DIY repair on most vehicles. It is important to note that the vehicle needs to be safely lifted off the ground with a jack and jack stands for this repair in order to access the bushing brackets and to relieve tension on the stabilizer bar. Care must be exercised when lifting a vehicle to prevent serious injury. If the sway bar links are to be replaced as well, the difficulty of the job goes up, as does the time involved for the repair.
