Front Swaybar Install

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Tools needed for subframe removal:
8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 16mm sockets
Socket extension
¼ drive and/or 3/8ths drive ratchet, ½ inch drive ratchet and/or long breaker bar
17mm open end wrench, (optional 16mm ratcheting box end wrench)
Phillips screw driver
Ball joint removal tool (BMW 32-3-090 or equivalent, NAPA KD3916 used)
Torque wrenches capable of 7 to 74 ft-lb range


Tools for anti-sway bar installation:
18mm socket, ratchet
Long breaker bar or impact wrench
Torque wrench 122 ft-lb capable


Equipment:
Automotive hydraulic jack
Vehicle stands

Remove the reservoir bracket and bend the heat shield upward to allow the reservoir to pass downward; it is easier to perform these steps before lifting the vehicle.


Place the vehicle on stands and remove the front wheels. Remove the lower steering shaft universal joint pinch bolt with a 13mm (ratcheting box end or ratchet & socket).

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Remove the power steering fan and unplug the connector.


Remove the bumper cover and bumper. Although this can be done solo it helps to have assistance holding the bumper cover while unplugging the light fixtures and thermometer.


Unscrew this bolt connecting the radiator support to the crush tube.


Unbolt the crush tube; this is where a long breaker-bar or long handled ½ inch drive ratchet (recommended) come in handy.

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Disconnect the drop link from the swaybar. The tie rod can get in the way for access with a ratchet so, either use a ratcheting box end wrench, disconnect the link’s upper mounting point first, or pop the tie rod ball joint. The sequence is not critical, but removal is.


Take the wheel speed sensor wire off its perch.


Undo the tie rod nut.


Pop the steering tie rod ball joint; be careful here because it will release energy violently so never operate a ball joint removal tool overhead.

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Unbolt the outer ball joint bracket to steering knuckle.


Remove the lower engine vibration damper mount bolt.


Place the lift pad from an automotive jack under the round hole in the center of the subframe and raise the pad till it can support.

[k-huevo]

Remove the forward subframe mounting bolts.



Remove the other subframe bolts.


Lower the subframe enough to access the power steering connectors and unplug them.

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Continue to lower the subframe, go slowly making sure the power steering reservoir passes freely.


Roll the subframe from under the vehicle while continuing to monitor the power steering reservoir.


Unbolt the swaybar/control arm bushing bracket.


Install the new swaybar/stabilizer bar and torque to 122 ft-lb.


Install in reverse.

Torque values:
Subframe 74 ft-lb
Tie-rod ball joint 38 ft-lb
Outer ball joint to steering knuckle 41 ft-lb
Swaybar end link 41 ft-lb
Crush tube to subframe 74 ft-lb
Bumper to modular front end/crush tubes 16 ft-lb
Lower engine vibration damper 74 ft-lb
Power steering fan to pump bracket 14 ft-lb
Lower steering shaft universal joint pinch bolt 16 ft-lb
Bushing bracket to body, replace bolt, 44 ft-lb + 90 degee turn