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How to Remove Rear Bolt on Front Sway Bar Bushing?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by jimolson, Jun 9, 2021.

  1. jimolson

    jimolson Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    I'm traveling out-of-state to work on a woman's 2009 Prius. The task is replacing the sway bar bushings. The sway bar links were recently replaced.

    Could someone help me edit this list of required tools:

    1. Jack and stands
    2. WD40 for the bolts
    3. 21mm socket and torque wrench for lug nuts
    4. Allen wrenches to remove sway bar links
    5. Which size open end wrench to remove sway bar links?
    6. 3/8" socket drive with flex handle
    7. What specialized items to remove the sway bar bushing's **rear** clamp bolt?
    8. Anything else?

    Thanks in advance for your help.

    Jim in Indianapolis
     
    #1 jimolson, Jun 9, 2021
  2. jimolson

    jimolson Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Indianapolis, USA
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    I'm trying to plan the replacement of front sway bar bushings on a 2009 Prius where I will acquire tools at the jobsite and work in less-than-perfect circumstances.

    The job looks easy except for the rear bolt that's up against the floor pan. What is the best strategy for getting this bolt off? Will a standard box end wrench do it? What size?

    Thanks for any suggestions. The sway bar links are almost new and likely to come off with ease.

    Jim in Indianapolis
     
    #2 jimolson, Jun 10, 2021
  3. M in KC

    M in KC Active Member

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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    I'd take a small wire brush to dislodge any debris on fasteners I plan on removing. I'd also add a pair or two of locking pliers to your list. No telling what the sway bar link fasteners size is as OE is one size and aftermarket can be one of several. Best plan is to take an assortment of metric wrenches. Often time the range of motion on the sway bar clamp bolts is limited due to other frame or component in the area. As such I like a set of ratcheting wrenching when this situation is presented like the Gearwrench type of wrenches. The 3rd Gen Camry's front sway bar bushing are awfully located.
     
    #3 M in KC, Jun 10, 2021
  4. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
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    Let me know if you need assistance using the advanced search feature, as it can be confusing to find and then navigate.

    This linked post should set you in the right direction (needed tools, etc), and it references/quotes a couple of different approaches that can be taken as well : JustDidIt - Modding My 2007....The 2008 Touring died. | Page 7 | PriusChat

    Not knowing which approach you will take to tackle the job, perhaps this bit of critical advice from @69shovlhed found in another thread will help with any white knuckles that you might experience while taking that ride down to an alignment shop (if needed).

    ..it is critical that you re-install the front sub-frame exactly where it was before you lowered it, or the alignment will be way off. I spray paint the ears where it mounts to the body. the paint marks give you a perfect reference when you re-install it. but you will still need an alignment..​

    @jimolson - It would be great if you could do a write up with pictures documenting your experience so that others might learn as well.
     
    #4 SFO, Jun 10, 2021
    Raytheeagle likes this.
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