Sway bar bushing squeak

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Jun 20, 2016 | 05:49 PM

jjaaam

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From: Michigan

Sway bar bushing squeak

I think the squeaking I'm hearing intermittently is coming from my sway bar bushings.

I've searched the forum and it says they can be lubricated, but does that mean I have to take the whole bar and bushings off? Is there anything like WD-40 that I could just spray on them?

Jun 20, 2016 | 05:53 PM

Fed Up

"My Dad's a TV Repairman"

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From: San Diego

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjaaam

Very common; do a search on it. Sprays will do nothing, and may make it worse (by causing additional movement around the edges). The only cure is to remove the bushings (very easy, about 5 minutes a side), lube them internally with a good quality PTFE or silicone lube (Super Lube is my favorite) and re-install them. Some folks dremel small grooves in them to hold more grease. Aftermarket poly bushings come with small grooves already in them to hold lube.

Jun 20, 2016 | 05:53 PM

Vanover

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From: Chesapeake Va

I have the same,maybe someone will help.

Jun 20, 2016 | 06:00 PM

jjaaam

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From: Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fed Up

Sounds good but forgive my ignorance...I can take the bushings off without having to disconnect the bar off itself at the end links?

Jun 20, 2016 | 06:02 PM

K-Spaz

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jjaaam

Sounds good but forgive my ignorance...I can take the bushings off without having to disconnect the bar off itself at the end links?

Yes, and you can do just one side at a time to make it even easier. Just pull down the retainer cap and lube, reinstall.

Jun 20, 2016 | 06:16 PM

Vetteman Jack

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The bushings are easy to lube as mentioned above. Good luck - that should cure your squeak.

Jun 20, 2016 | 06:21 PM

Fed Up

"My Dad's a TV Repairman"

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From: San Diego

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjaaam

Sounds good but forgive my ignorance...I can take the bushings off without having to disconnect the bar off itself at the end links?

Yep- Both stock and aftermarket bushings are sliced width-wise, so they just pop off as opposed to sliding down the entire sway bar. Be generous with the lube, and any excess will squirt out after you tighten them up.

40 FT-Lbs in front, 49 FT-Lbs upper rear, 70 FT-Lbs lower rear. Use a torque wrench- DON'T OVERTIGHTEN- You can and will strip the mount points on the subframes if you overtorque, or use the old goot-n-tight method with a big wrench.

Last edited by Fed Up; Jun 20, 2016 at 06:24 PM.

Jun 20, 2016 | 06:26 PM

terryg

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From: Howard Oh

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjaaam

I wrapped the sway bar with several wraps of Teflon tape - - didn't think about silicon grease. The tape worked great. The others are right - - spraying won't fix the problem.