Stabilizer bar and bushings (front) — removal and installation
Removal
1. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Apply the parking brake and block the rear wheels to keep the vehicle from rolling off the stands. Remove the front wheels.
2. Remove the left and right fender apron seals. Each seal is retained by two bolts.
3. Disconnect the left and right tie-rod ends from the steering knuckles (see Tie-rod ends — removal and installation).
4. Disconnect the stabilizer bar links from the bar (see illustration). If the ball stud turns with the nut, use an Allen wrench to hold the stud.
2.4 To detach the stabilizer bar link from the bar, remove the lower nut; if you’re removing the strut, remove the upper nut
5. Detach both stabilizer bar bushing retainers from the subframe (see illustration).
2.5 To detach the stabilizer bar from the subframe, remove these bushing retainer bolts and remove the retainer
6. Remove the front exhaust pipe (see Fuel and exhaust systems).
7. Remove the steering gear mounting bolts (see Steering gear — removal and installation).
8. Lift the steering gear assembly and remove the stabilizer bar by working it out through the left wheel housing.
9. While the stabilizer bar is off the vehicle, slide off the retainer bushings and inspect them. If they’re cracked, worn or deteriorated, replace them. It’s also a good idea to inspect the stabilizer bar link. To check it, flip the ball joint stud side-to-side five or six times as shown, then install the nut. Using an inch-pound torque wrench, turn the nut continuously one turns every two to four seconds and note the torque reading on the fifth turn. It should be about 0.4 to 17 in-lbs. If it isn’t, replace the link assembly.
10. Clean the bushing area of the stabilizer bar with a stiff wire brush to remove any rust or dirt.
Installation
11. Lubricate the inside and outside of the new bushings with vegetable oil (used in cooking) to simplify reassembly. Caution: Don’t use petroleum or mineral-based lubricants or brake fluid — they will lead to deterioration of the bushings.
12. Installation is the reverse of removal