Front Suspension

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 of correct retention of these parts.

1. Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.

2. Remove and discard the steering column shaft-to-steering column bolt.





3. 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 has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System Service and Repair.

Disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering column.

4. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires Removal and Replacement.

5. Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link lower nuts. Pull downward on the stabilizer bar and detach the stabilizer bar links.

6. Using a suitable transmission jack, support the subframe.

7. Index-mark the subframe position.

8. Remove and discard the 4 rearward and 2 forward subframe bolts.

9. Unclip the Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) harness from the steering gear heat shield.





10. Disconnect the 2 catalytic converter exhaust hanger isolators.





11. Lower the subframe approximately 100 mm (3.937 in) to gain access to the stabilizer bar.

12. Remove and discard the 4 subframe washers.





13. Remove the 4 stabilizer bar bracket bolts, the RH heat shield and 2 brackets.
- Discard the bolts.

14. Remove the stabilizer bar bushings.

15. While pushing upward (slightly) on the catalytic converter, remove the stabilizer bar towards the rear of the vehicle.

Installation

1. While pushing upward (slightly) on the catalytic converter, install the stabilizer bar.

2. NOTICE: The stabilizer bar bushings must be positioned correctly on the flats of the stabilizer bar or damage to the bushings may occur.

NOTICE: Do not apply any type of lubricant to the stabilizer bar or bushings or damage to the bushings may occur.

Install the stabilizer bar bushings as shown.





3. NOTICE: Make sure that the stabilizer bar brackets are installed with the rounded bolt tab edge of the bracket facing towards the front of the vehicle or damage to the bushings may occur.

NOTICE: Make sure that the stabilizer bar bushings remain in the correct position while positioning the brackets and installing the bolts or damage to the bushings may occur.

NOTE: Do not fully tighten the stabilizer bar bracket bolts at this time.

Position the 2 stabilizer bar brackets and install the 4 new bolts.

- Tighten until snug.





4. With the stabilizer bar in a vertical plane, use cable straps or mechanic's wire and set it to the specification listed.





5. Tighten the stabilizer bar bracket bolts.
- Tighten alternately and evenly to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).

6. Remove the cable straps or mechanic's wire.

7. Install the 4 new subframe washers.





8. NOTE: Do not fully tighten the subframe bolts at this time.

Raise the subframe into position using the index marks made during removal and install the 2 forward and 4 rearward subframe bolts.

- Tighten the bolts until snug.

9. NOTE: While tightening the subframe bolts, make sure the subframe does not move.

Tighten the 4 rearward subframe bolts.

- Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).

10. Tighten the 2 forward subframe bolts.
- Tighten to 125 Nm (92 lb-ft).

11. Clip the HO2S harness to the steering gear heat shield.





12. Connect the 2 catalytic converter exhaust hanger isolators.





13. Attach the stabilizer bar links to the stabilizer bar and install the new nuts.
- Tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).

14. Install the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires Removal and Replacement.

15. 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 has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System Service and Repair.

Connect the steering column shaft to the steering column.

16. 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).

Install the new bolt steering column shaft-to-steering column bolt.

- Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).





17. Check and, if necessary, align the front suspension. For additional information, refer to Suspension System - General Information Service and Repair.