Stabilizer Link: Service and Repair
Stabilizer Bar and LinkSpecial Tool(s):
Removal and Installation
CAUTION: 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.
NOTE: If replacing only the stabilizer bar bushings, proceed to Step 23 of this procedure.
All vehicles
1. Remove the wheel and tire.
2. Remove the lower steering shaft coupler bolt and disconnect the coupler from the steering gear.
^ To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
3. Index-mark the relationship of the front subframe to the underbody at the mounting locations.
4. Remove the 4 pin-type retainers and the RH fender splash shield.
5. Remove the 3 pushpin fasteners, the 7 screws and the front splash shield.
6. Remove the 3 RH front lower bumper-to-subframe nuts.
^ To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
7. Remove the 3 LH front lower bumper-to-subframe nuts and separate the lower bumper from the subframe
^ To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
8. Remove the power steering fluid cooler hose bracket bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
9. Loosen the Y-pipe clamp and disconnect the 2 exhaust hangers.
^ To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
10. Remove the 2 nuts and separate the flex pipe from the Y-pipe assembly.
^ To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
All wheel drive (AWD) vehicles
11. Index-mark the driveshaft, remove the 4 bolts and position the driveshaft aside.
^ To install, tighten to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).
All vehicles
12. NOTE: Use the holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the stabilizer bar link nuts.
Remove the stabilizer link upper and lower nuts and the stabilizer links.
^ Discard the nuts.
^ To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
13. Remove the 2 outer tie-rod end nuts.
^ To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
14. Using the special tool, separate the outer tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.
15. NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.
Remove the 2 lower ball joint bolts and nuts and separate the lower ball joints from the wheel knuckles.
^ Discard the bolts and nuts.
^ To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
16. Remove the upper nut, loosen the lower nut and remove the engine roll restrictor heat shield.
^ To install, tighten to 11 Nm (8 lb-ft).
17. Remove the engine roll restrictor-to-subframe bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
18. Using a suitable jack, support the subframe. Support the subframe in the center rear area of the subframe.
19. NOTE: During installation, the subframe brackets are loosely installed with the support bracket bolts. Align the index marks made in Step 2, then tighten the rear subframe nuts prior to tightening the support bracket bolts.
Remove the 2 nuts, 4 bolts and the subframe support brackets.
^ Discard the nuts and bolts.
^ To install, tighten the nuts to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
^ To install, tighten the bolts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
20. Remove and discard the 4 subframe nuts.
^ To install, tighten to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
21. Using the jack, lower the subframe approximately 76.2 mm (3 inch).
22. Remove the 4 bolts, 2 stabilizer bar brackets and bushings.
^ Discard the bolts.
^ To install, tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).
23. Remove the stabilizer bar.
24. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
25. Check and, if necessary, align the front end.