Stabilizer bar and bushings (rear) — removal and installation
1. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Block the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
2. Remove the left subframe brace (see illustration).
i. 2 Left subframe brace bolts
3. Remove the stabilizer bar-to-link nuts (see illustration). If the ball stud turns with the nut, use a hex bit to hold the stud. Also loosen the left link-to-lower arm nut, then separate the ball stud from the bar.
i.3 Stabilizer bar link nut (A) and link-to-lower arm nut (B)
4. Unbolt the stabilizer bar bushing clamps from the subframe (see illustration).
i. 4 Rear stabilizer bar bushing clamp nuts (upper nuts not visible)
5. The stabilizer bar can now be removed from the vehicle. Pull the bushing clamps off the stabilizer bar using a rocking motion.
6. Check the bushings for wear, hardness, distortion, cracking and other signs of deterioration, replacing them if necessary.
7. Check the stabilizer bar links for wear as described in Stabilizer bar and bushings (front) — removal and installation.
8. Using a wire brush, clean the areas of the bar where the bushings ride. Install the bushings on the bar with the slits facing down. Also, the bushings must be installed to the inside of the paint line on the bar. If necessary, use a light coat of vegetable oil to ease bushing and U-bracket installation (don’t use petroleum-based products or brake fluid, as these will damage the rubber).
9. Installation is the reverse of removal. Tighten the fasteners to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.