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Help on changing the sway bar bushings-05 WK Limited

11K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  nick.jeff 
#1 ·
The clunk noise from the front wheel while parking or driving slow came back. I will just go ahead and change the sway bar bushings. I am not mechanic savvy and would like to get some help from you guys on how to perform the job.

Couple things for now:

- a detail instruction would be very appreciated and stuff to watch out for.
- In the picture attached, I highlighted the 2 parts I need to order. Wanna make sure I won't be ordering the wrong parts.
- I heard there are 2 sizes for the bushings. 30MM and 33MM. How can I find out which ones I need before ordering them?

Thank you guys for helping out!
 

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#2 ·
nothing specal here ken.......however I would suggest that you get a copy of the WK service manual. not only does it giove basic steps in a repair it also gives torque values, etc. in fact i would be SURPRISED if you could not find a 05 WK service manual with a simple google search.



do one side at a time with jeep on its wheels. bolts are 90 ft lbs torque. and 15 or 18 MM. i think 18 but cant swear.

as far as size of bushes get your caliper out and measure it/ however I would suspect you have the thinner one as there only 2 wk front bars and the thicker one came on the srt8.
 
#3 ·
Great info Rob. I will try to get a hold on a service manual.
I read something about raise and support the vehicle before the work, and you mention with the jeep on its wheels. Same thing?
About the Torque, don't have the torque wrench, should I get one or the regular ones will do?
Thank you and apologize for asking stupid questions. Just getting started on this.
 
#4 · (Edited)
these could be done with the wheels off the ground. however they should be tightened with the wheels on the ground. if you can lift it up it would be a little easier but not necessary. USE A JACK STAND if you do. never trust a jack only if you are under the vehicle.

if you remove the front lip, which is 5 or 6 little 1/4 turn clips, very simple to remove nd replace.......you can do it onthe ground.

i would NOT buy a torque wrench just for this job. 90 lbs is good and tight, like a wheel lug/
 
#8 · (Edited)
I know there are countless threads on this and front end suspension popping/clunking noises, but I figured I'd post my recent experience here since this thread is most recent.

Jeep: 2005 5.7L WK, 83K miles
Relevant mods: RK 3.5" Lift & 255/65/17 Bridgestone Dueler Revos

Several months ago I replaced front struts and rear shocks with Bilsteins. After that time I started hearing front end noises - creaks, clunks & pops - that were getting progressively worse. Not to mention the thing road terribly stiff and hard. Within the last two months the noises were very pronounced and almost constant at speeds under 30mph whenever turning or going over any imperfection in the road. It sounded like it was all coming from the driver side.

Started off by replacing the front drivers UCA with a Moog replacement from Rock Auto. Install wasn't too bad but it only got marginally quieter.

After reading several threads (that's why this forum is so awesome!) I suspected the sway bar bushings and or sway bar end links. I took a look at the end link bushings and they were VERY worn and cracked. I picked up new, updated sway bar brackets & bushings from the dealer - $46 for the set and new Moog end links from Advanced Auto - $75 for the pair.

I first took the sway bar and end links off and drove the WK around without everything for a day - all the noise was completely gone! Install was not so great though - getting the top bolts for the sway bar bushing brackets on both sides was a heck of a task. They were completely cross-threaded and bolted into the welded nuts at about a 15 degree angle - bottom bolts on both sides were fine.

When I went to put everything back on, I used a cheater bar to try and get the top bolts back through the welded on nuts for the sway bar brackets and ended up breaking off one of the welded nuts....so I ended up installing the drivers side bracket using a 1/2" bolt and serrated nut - I must have re-threaded the passenger side top nut as the bolt went in with ease.

Everything so far is quiet and the Jeep rides significantly better! Alignment feels fine but I'm sure it's slightly off - I will wait until I get new tires to get that done (anyone have a line on some Rubicon wheels & BFG tires let me know!!!). Hope this helps some & stay tuned for an un-biased review of the Modern Muscle Ported Throttle Body I just installed last night.

2005 Silver 5.7L WK: Gibson SS Catback, DS Predator, FRAM Intake, Billet CC, MM Ported Throttle Body, 3.5" RK Lift, Bilsteins, 255/65/17 Revos, Daniel's Tinted Tails, MyGig, Custom Grill
 
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