Stabilizer Bar: Installation
NOTE:
Two different diameter stabilizer bars are available for this vehicle. Therefore, two different size bushings/cushions are also used. Use the correct bushing/cushion on the correct stabilizer bar.
- If the stabilizer bar to front suspension cradle bushings require replacement at time of inspection, install new bushings before installing stabilizer bar. Bushings are replaced by opening slit on bushings and peeling them off stabilizer bar. Install new bushings on stabilizer bar by spreading bushing at slit and forcing them on the stabilizer bar. Bushings must be installed on stabilizer bar so slit in bushing will be facing toward the rear of vehicle with the square corner toward the ground, when the stabilizer bar is installed on the vehicle ( Fig 1 ).
- Position stabilizer bar into front suspension cradle so stabilizer bar bushings are aligned with depressions in cradle. Install stabilizer bar bushing retainers onto crossmember aligning raised bead on retainer with cutouts in bushings (Fig 2 ). Do not tighten Stabilizer bar bushing retainers bolts at this time.
- Check position of the stabilizer bar in the front suspension cradle. The center of the curved section of the stabilizer bar must be aligned with the raised line in the center of the front suspension cradle (Fig 3 ).
- Install the stabilizer bar link mounting stud through the hole in each end of the stabilizer bar (Figure ).
- Hand-thread the nut on the end of each stabilizer bar link stud. Hold the studs from turning by placing an open-end wrench on the flat machined into the link's mounting stud, then tighten each nut while holding the wrench in place (Figure ). Tighten each nut to a torque of 88 N.m (65 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten the stabilizer bar bushing retainer to cradle attaching bolts (Figure ) to 68 N.m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
- Install the reinforcement on the front suspension cradle crossmember and install the bolts attaching the reinforcement to the cradle crossmember (Figure ). Tighten the M-14 size bolts to a torque of 153 N.m (113 ft. lbs.). Tighten the M-12 size bolts to a torque of 106 N.m (78 ft. lbs.).
- Install the lower control arm rear bushing retainer bolts through reinforcement on each side of each lower control arm rear bushing. Tighten these M-10 size bolts to a torque of 61 N.m (45 ft. lbs.).
- Install the two bolts and bushings attaching the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to body of vehicle (Figure ). Tighten bolts to a torque of 163 N.m (120 ft. lbs.)
- Install the power steering cooler (Figure ). Tighten bolts to a torque of 11 N.m (100 in. lbs.).
- Lower the vehicle.
CAUTION:
When installing the nut on the mounting stud of the stabilizer bar link, do not allow the stud to rotate in it's socket. Hold the stud from rotating by placing an open-end wrench on the flat machined into the stud (Figure
).