AUUGH! How to get to Front-Left Sway Bushing NUT?!

I'm replacing the sway bar bushings on my 2011 Prius. NONE of the online videos mention this catch-22. Searching here, I've seen hints that this is an issue, yet nobody really gives a solution.

The puzzle: the front-left driver side big bolt (one of eight) holding the "FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER FRONT BRACE LH" (and RH) is actually a bolt and NUT... and I see no simpnle way to get to the nut!

I was able to somewhat loosen it by using a pry bar. But that isn't enough to get the bushing out, and certainly inadequate to re-tighten.

Can it really be that one must disassemble most of the suspension to get to this? IE separate and remove "FRONT SUSPENSION ARM SUB–ASSY LOWER NO.1 LH" which apparently involves quite a bit (except I don't have instructions on that for Gen3.)

 

Thanks Mendel! Very helpful... mostly!

Answer #1: yep, they say to remove the Front Lower Suspension Arm.

HINTS:

• Before you begin, make sure you have access to a way to apply a BIG breaker bar to loosen the two large (22mm head) bolts on the Front Lower Suspension Arm.
  • The vertical bolt is relatively easy, with access to the side of the car.
  • Horizontal bolt, not so much for a DIY person like me! I had to bring it to my ASE mechanic friend who put it on a lift
  • Why such a big deal? On my 2011 Prius (in 2025) it took a four foot long breaker bar to get those bolts off!

I am quite frustrated even so. I've run into an issue I've never seen before on a Toyota. Hoping someone can help. This one is worthy of a separate thread.