Stabilizer Bar: Service and Repair

Stabilizer Bar

















Removal

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

1. Using a suitable holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.





2. NOTICE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring may result. If there is evidence that the steering column shaft has rotated, remove and recenter the clockspring. For additional information, refer to Restraints and Safety Systems &/or Air Bag Systems.

Remove and discard the steering column shaft-to-steering gear bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.






3. Remove the front wheels and tires.

4. Remove and discard the 2 outer tie rod nuts.

5. Using the Tie Rod End Remover, separate the outer tie rods from the wheel knuckles.





6. Remove and discard the 2 stabilizer bar link-to-stabilizer bar nuts and disconnect the stabilizer bar links from the stabilizer bar.

7. Remove the 2 subframe brace-to-body bolts.





8. Disconnect the exhaust isolator.





9. Remove the engine roll restrictor bolt.





10. Support the front subframe using a suitable transmission jack.





11. Mark the position of the subframe-to-frame mounting location at each mounting point on the vehicle frame rails to aide in installation.

12. Remove the 4 subframe bolts and discard the 2 rearward bolts.





13. Lower the front subframe approximately 155 mm (6.102 in).





14. Remove the stabilizer bar bracket bolts and brackets.
- Discard the bolts.


15. Remove the stabilizer bar bushings.

16. Remove the stabilizer bar.

Installation

NOTICE: The stabilizer bar bushings must be positioned correctly with the slit in the bushing toward the rear of the vehicle or damage to the bushings may occur.

1. Position the stabilizer bar with the bushings installed with the slit in the bushing toward the rear of the vehicle.

2. Position the stabilizer bar brackets and install the new bolts.
- Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).


3. Raise the subframe and loosely Install the 4 subframe bolts.

4. Align the subframe to the locating marks made during removal.

5. NOTE: RH and LH dimensions are identical. All measurements on center.
Measure for correct positioning of the subframe to vehicle underbody.

1. Location 1- 260 mm (10.236 in)

2. Location 2- 666 mm (26.22 in)






6. Tighten the subframe bolts.
1. Tighten the forward bolts to 60 Nm (44 lb-ft).

2. Tighten the new rearward bolts to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).

- Tighten the rearward bolts an additional 240°.






7. Position the engine roll restrictor and install the engine roll restrictor bolt.
- Tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).


8. Connect the exhaust isolator.





9. Install the 2 subframe brace-to-body bolts.
- Tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).






10. Position the stabilizer bar links and install the 2 new stabilizer bar link-to-stabilizer bar nuts.
- Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).


11. Position the outer tie rods and install the new 2 outer tie rod nuts.
- Tighten to 53 Nm (39 lb-ft).


12. WARNING: Do not reuse steering column shaft bolts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column shaft detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
Connect the steering column shaft and install a new steering column shaft-to-steering gear bolt.
- Tighten to 32 Nm (24 lb-ft).






13. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe.