Sway bar bushing install question

Aloha!

Going to replace the sway bar bushings over the holidays, read all the threads, and have one question:

-do I need to disconnect the end links from sway bar in order to remove/replace the bushings? I.e. does the sway bar need to wiggle around at all to swap the bushings?

I was thinking I could drive it up on ramps to swap out the bushings but want to get feedback from anyone who has done this before I try this method. Alternative is jack stands, removing both front wheels, etc.

cheers!

PEH

 

Thanks, I've seen that illustration. The front braces with four bolts have a square hole, and the bushings have a square rubber nub that fits in the hole to keep them from moving around. Very curious to see how my bushings look at 158K! I will know in the next couple days, will post pics and any insights (if any).

Have you changed your end links? I replaced mine at 149K, they were rattling on driveways and sharp turns. Rubber was shredded, no grease, all metal to metal. New links have grease fittings so I can grease them when I rotate tires every 5K miles at oil change time. Should last a while. They take about 10 mins a side to swap out.

Cheers

PEH

 

Answering my own question, yes the end links do need to be disconnected, very clear procedure in this video from Nepal:

new question: anyone know what spec is in Prius manual as far as greasing new sway bar OEM bushings (or not) when replacing? Lots of shade tree mechanic opinions out there but would like to know Toyota SOP before I crawl under the car. Thanks in advance.

Cheers!

PEH

 

Replaced the bushings over the weekend. 158,825 miles on 2010 Prius. Key is to have both side of car raised on jack stands, wheels removed to remove all load from sway bar. I could access everything from the wheel well area. Disconnect lower sway link connection so sway bar is free to wiggle around. Remove 4 17mm bolts from brace, brace comes off and then you can pull out old bushing. Takes a bit of knuckle busting to get it out. Putting the new one is challenging, rubber very stiff and hole diameter is smaller because not worn out. Did not use any grease per MOOG web site.

Bolted everything up tight and took it for a test drive in hills around my house, definitely feels a bit tighter when turning or stopping. Recommend.