how do I change front sway bar bushings?

scoobysnax · **Posted:** Wed Dec 10, 2008 11:20 pm

I am changing out my front sway bar bushings this weekend. Can some let me know if it’s just as simple as taking the bolts out and switching out the bushings or is there more to it? Do I need to do it with both front wheels off the ground (jack stands) or does it need to be done with the wheels on the ground? Do I need any special spring compression tools or anything like that? I just want to know if the bar is already tension loaded and don’t want to loose any fingers. Thanks!

corwyyn · **Posted:** Thu Dec 11, 2008 12:14 am

Removing the swaybar is as simple as laying down on the ground and removing the bolts - no need to elevate it, sitting on level ground puts the least amount of tension on the bar. Not sure how to remove the bushings themselves but I'm sure others will come along to share that knowledge.

scoobysnax · **Posted:** Thu Dec 11, 2008 12:24 am

but if I want to raise it on jacks can Ior does that actually put tension on it? It's just be easier to get at. I'm thinking as long as both wheels are level it should make a difference right? The bushings themselves should come right out, it's just a bracket that holds them in place.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Dec 11, 2008 12:45 am

scoobysnax wrote:

but if I want to raise it on jacks can Ior does that actually put tension on it? It's just be easier to get at. I'm thinking as long as both wheels are level it should make a difference right? The bushings themselves should come right out, it's just a bracket that holds them in place.

It will be much easier if you do not raise it up,jack it up and you will have tension and can get your fingers.

It's only 4 nuts,shouldn't take but 10mins to do.

corwyyn · **Posted:** Thu Dec 11, 2008 12:53 am

If you put it up on ramps it might work. The main problem is that when you raise the wheels up the suspension (partticularly the lower control arm) drops down and in putting tension on the swaybar. But if you experience any problems removing it then I'd say down on flat level ground would be your best bet.

EDIT: OK Troy chimed in while I was typing...

scoobysnax · **Posted:** Thu Dec 11, 2008 1:18 am

Thanks guys! I can't wait to get rid of the rusty sound, last winter it only happened below 40 degrees, now it's happening at 58. Hopefully it'll imporve the ride a little too.

scoobysnax · **Posted:** Mon Dec 15, 2008 11:03 am

do you need to lube the bushings at all?

I changed them this weekend (only 15 min) and just put the new factory ones right in without any lube. They were making that creaking sound even louder than the cracked old ones I had replaced. I drove it around a little bit and they seemed to get a little better. The 2nd day they were much quieter but it was also a littler warmer (40 degrees the second day rather than 28 the first day.)

So should I just let them brake in more or do I need to take them out, lube them up and then put them back on?

Hood297 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 15, 2008 11:00 pm

I would take some time and remove the brackets again, drill and tap them, then thread in a grease fitting. That way when you need to grease them you don't have to go through that song and dance again.

And while the bushings are off, grease them up good.

scoobysnax · **Posted:** Mon Dec 15, 2008 11:26 pm

so you do have to grease them?

The problem with drilling and taping them is you'll only really get grease in that one spot. The bushings they sell that are designed for that have channels that will disperse the grease. If you're gonna do something like that I think it's worth the extra money to get the bushings with those channels. Without them you're probably only getting one side of the bushing.

Hood297 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 15, 2008 11:37 pm

scoobysnax wrote:

so you do have to grease them?

The problem with drilling and taping them is you'll only really get grease in that one spot. The bushings they sell that are designed for that have channels that will disperse the grease. If you're gonna do something like that I think it's worth the extra money to get the bushings with those channels. Without them you're probably only getting one side of the bushing.

I wouldnt say you HAVE to, but I would assume that unless you went poly bushings like daystar, they will continue to squeak.

And I have the stock bushings, with no channels, and have done the grease fitting mod and it has worked for me, however that doesn't mean it will for you.

Greasing them should stop the noise, and i would imagine it would. If you don't want to fit a grease fitting, then I'd just put some good marine grade grease in there and call it a day.

BUT its all up to you and what you want to do my friend.

scoobysnax · **Posted:** Tue Dec 16, 2008 12:19 am

OK, thanks for the imput guys. I'll try to grease them up this weekend.

jeepkj02 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:21 am

I had a hell of a time getting to the top bolts on the bracket. Especially if you live in the Rust Belt, better have some muscle!! Since I don't have a bumper cover on its a breeze to get to and unbolt.

Once you get the bracket off, the bushing comes of easily. Putting it back on, you will need a bit of persuasion, nothing too horrible, a rubber mallet helps.

broncsrule · **Posted:** Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:21 pm

So if you buy the Daystar Poly-Bushings you shouldn't need to grease them? Would it hurt?

Hood297 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:54 pm

It wouldnt hurt, but it may not be necessary.

corwyyn · **Posted:** Tue Dec 23, 2008 12:55 am

broncsrule wrote:

So if you buy the Daystar Poly-Bushings you shouldn't need to grease them? Would it hurt?

OMG he's alive! I was just thinking about you today dude! Where you been hiding?

broncsrule · **Posted:** Tue Dec 23, 2008 2:10 am

Well, it's a long story but we are back in Colorado now. It has been a long time since I checked in here. (or other places)

newbiekj · **Posted:** Tue Feb 03, 2009 5:56 pm

Is Daystar the only one that makes anything urethane for the KJ?

I'm having a really hard time tracking down their swaybar bushings, and can't seem to find anything else urethane other than lift kits. . . . Any suggestions???

scoobysnax · **Posted:** Thu Feb 05, 2009 12:11 am

So I never greesed them and they did break in. I've been in -5 temp and no noise. Also, I just got the stock bushings from the dealer. Just make sure they don't also try to sell you the brackets - they told me I would need to order new ones (you don't.)

how do I change front sway bar bushings?

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