*EDIT* Be sure to read post #44 before you do this job. It is way easier to perform from inside the wheel well with the front wheels off.
Ever since the second week I had my sway bars installed, they have been squeaking loudly when the front end travels up and down. I am not sure if the shop that I paid to install the sway bars used the lube that came with them or not, but the grease that was on there looked white and thin like lithium grease. I figured I would put a How To together for those like me who paid to have their sways installed, or for those who would like to re lube their sway bushings.
This job made all of the difference in the world. My front end is whisper quiet now after re-lubing the bushings. You will need 2 jacks to do this job. I recommend doing one side at a time, starting on the opposite side after the first is done. Jack the car high enough to get completely underneath.
Next, remove the heat shield from the bracket. There are 2 bolts, one on each side.
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Next, jack up the the front wheel about an inch from its resting state off of the ground. Center the jack directly under the lower strut attachment point. It is the thick suspension part with the round edge facing down. This will relieve the tension on the sway bar and allow you to remove the retainer cap without the sway bar dropping down. You may have to readjust the jack to the correct height to relieve the tension.
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Next, remove the two bolts that retain the bushing cap. Remove the cap and the bushing retainer plate on the back side. Pull the sway bar toward the rear to allow adequate access. Remove the bushing by pulling it off of the sway bar. Clean and dry the bushing, retainer plate. bushing cap and sway bar where the bushing rides. Apply a heavy coat of synthetic grease to all of the internal surfaces of the bushing. (thanks for the tip, 2006TopBanana!) Open the bushing up and put it back on the sway bar.
![Image]()
Replace the backing plate and retainer with the two bolts. Replace heat shield. Now you are done.
![Image]()
Repeat for the opposite side. The second side went a lot quicker once I knew what I was doing.
Completed job:
![Image]()
Ever since the second week I had my sway bars installed, they have been squeaking loudly when the front end travels up and down. I am not sure if the shop that I paid to install the sway bars used the lube that came with them or not, but the grease that was on there looked white and thin like lithium grease. I figured I would put a How To together for those like me who paid to have their sways installed, or for those who would like to re lube their sway bushings.
This job made all of the difference in the world. My front end is whisper quiet now after re-lubing the bushings. You will need 2 jacks to do this job. I recommend doing one side at a time, starting on the opposite side after the first is done. Jack the car high enough to get completely underneath.
Next, remove the heat shield from the bracket. There are 2 bolts, one on each side.
Next, jack up the the front wheel about an inch from its resting state off of the ground. Center the jack directly under the lower strut attachment point. It is the thick suspension part with the round edge facing down. This will relieve the tension on the sway bar and allow you to remove the retainer cap without the sway bar dropping down. You may have to readjust the jack to the correct height to relieve the tension.
Next, remove the two bolts that retain the bushing cap. Remove the cap and the bushing retainer plate on the back side. Pull the sway bar toward the rear to allow adequate access. Remove the bushing by pulling it off of the sway bar. Clean and dry the bushing, retainer plate. bushing cap and sway bar where the bushing rides. Apply a heavy coat of synthetic grease to all of the internal surfaces of the bushing. (thanks for the tip, 2006TopBanana!) Open the bushing up and put it back on the sway bar.
Replace the backing plate and retainer with the two bolts. Replace heat shield. Now you are done.
Repeat for the opposite side. The second side went a lot quicker once I knew what I was doing.
Completed job:
