Rear Sway Bar?

[mdillian3690]

Hey guys, I need help on a the rear sway bar. This morning as I left for work I noticed a clanking noise coming from the rear of the car. Turns out the rubber piece on the passenger side supporting the sway bar from rattling somehow slide towards my tire. Not sure how this happened, but wondering is this a hard job to do by myself? I appreciate the feedback.

I apologize, it is the rear stabilizer bar?? not sway bar? The bushin on the passenger side came out.

Edited July 26, 2004 by mdillian3690

[KarlS]

The rear sway bar ( or anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar, all are used interchangeably) is connected to the car in two places. From your description I can't determine which is causing your problem, so I'll describe both.

One is via what is called a drop link. This is a 5-6 inch long, slim piece with a spherical joint at each end. One end of the drop link bolts through the hole at the end of the sway bar and the other bolts to the wheel upright, near where the shock and spring are mounted. The bolts that connect the drop links will sometimes work loose, causing the clanking sound you described. As long as the nut is still there, all you need to do is retighten it.

The sway bar is also bolt to the rear cross member with a couple of bolts and a U shaped bracket, which uses a rubber grommet to reduce noise. If this part has somehow worked loose or fallen off, you'll need to tighten or replace it.

Hope this helps.

Karl

[mdillian3690]

Karls,

Thanks for the input. It is the bushin attached by the u-bracket. I just lossened the two bolts and inserted the bushin back in place and re-tightened the bolts. Seems ok, now. I am not sure if I should replace the two bushins?

[KarlS]

Unless the bushings are cracked or broken, they should be fine. I assume the noise went away once you tightened the bracket?

Karl

[mdillian3690]

The noise sure did. I have a slight tear in the bushing that slipped out. I may just keep an eye on it and go from there. I just am confused on how the bushings could slip out if the U bracket is tight?

Edited July 28, 2004 by mdillian3690

[KarlS]

The bar is constantly moving when you corner the car, putting pressure on that bushing. Since there is a tear in the bushing, it may have to be replaced, otherwise, it could continue to come out. Keep an eye on it as you said. If you slips or begins to work it's way out again, replace it.

Karl