Rear

Stabilizer Bar

Stabilizer Bar:

Removal

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect the performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.





1. Remove the hub cap and measure the distance from the center of the wheel hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).
2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.





3. If equipped, remove the cap from the stabilizer link.

4. CAUTION: Do not use air tools to remove the nut. Damage to the boot can occur.

NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stabilizer bar link ball Joint ball studs from turning when removing the stabilizer bar link nuts.

Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link upper nuts and disconnect the stabilizer bar links from the bar.





5. Using suitable Jack stands, support the subframe. Remove the subframe forward bolts and lower the front of the subframe approximately 37 mm (1.48 inch).
6. Remove the stabilizer bar bracket bolts, flag nuts and brackets.
7. Remove the stabilizer bar bushings.





8. Remove and discard the upper arm-to-subframe nuts and bolts. Disconnect the upper arms and rotate them aside.

9. NOTE: The stabilizer bar can be removed from either side.

Remove the stabilizer bar.

Installation

1. NOTE: The stabilizer bar can be installed from either side.

Position the stabilizer bar in the vehicle.

2. NOTE: If the stabilizer bar bushings are badly worn or damaged, install new bushings. Do not apply grease or petroleum-based lubricants to the stabilizer bar bushing.

Install the stabilizer bar bushings.
3. Position the stabilizer bar brackets and install the stabilizer bar bracket flag nuts and bolts.
^ Tighten to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.).

4. CAUTION: The upper arm must be at curb height before the nuts can be tightened. Failure to do so will result in damage to the bushings resulting in poor ride quality and handling.

Position the arm on the subframe and install new upper arm bolts and nuts. Do not tighten the nuts at this time.

5. CAUTION: Do not use air tools to install the nut. Damage to the boot can occur.

NOTE: The nuts retaining the stabilizer bar link are of a torque prevailing design and new nuts must be used during installation of the stabilizer bar link.

NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stabilizer bar link ball studs from turning when installing the stabilizer bar link ball stud nuts. Tighten the nut to specification using a socket and a torque wrench.

Connect the stabilizer bar links to the stabilizer bar and install new stabilizer bar link upper nuts.
^ Tighten to 48 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).

6. If removed, install the protective cap on the stabilizer bar link.





7. Raise the subframe and install the subframe-to-body bolts.
^ Tighten to 103 Nm (76 ft. lbs.).





8. Position jack stands under the suspension lower arm and bushings and raise the suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken during Removal, Step 1 (curb height).
9. Tighten the upper arm-to-subframe nuts.
^ Tighten to 90 Nm (66 ft. lbs.).