How to cut the stabilizer bushings correctly

List of required tools

You definitely need to have the following set of tools: new bushings; to unscrew the subframe bolt, an open-end wrench of size 24 is required; keys for 17 and 15; for unscrewing screws from the motor protection. a key for 10; for fastening bolts. a key for 13; clamps made of metal material for 20. for clamping the stabilizers, since the old ones must be replaced; anti-scale and rust agent. WD 40; graphite grease; jack.

Stabilizer bushing: description, malfunctions, replacement, types, photos, videos

stabilizer, bushings

The anti-roll bar is an interesting thing. Its main feature is that it is often underestimated by motorists, especially those who have recently been driving or have not seen anything steeper than a nine with leaked shock absorbers. Indeed, it can be removed and thrown away altogether. the car will still drive. True, bad.

Replacing the stabilizer bushing “Kia

Replacing the Kia stabilizer bushings involves the following algorithm: Raise the front of the car and dismantle the wheels. Find the steering shaft and make a mark (for easy further installation in the original place), remove the mounting bolt. Raise the transmission with a jack, unscrew the rear cushion and subframe. To facilitate access to the rear cushions, four bolts are removed to secure the subframe. Jack up the front section of the subframe. Remove the fastener and treat with an oil solution to prevent the development of corrosion processes on the metal. Screw them into place only four to five turns.

This is done crosswise to provide additional security and uniform contraction of the plane. Loosen the jack to a level where it is possible to reach the bushing bolts. The bushing on the right side can be easily unscrewed through the engine compartment, and on the left side. from below. Insert the staples. This procedure is carried out in a neat way so as not to damage the collar on the steering boot. The process is repeated in reverse order. The peculiarities of the Kia Sid car are that the steering shaft has a telescopic view, and therefore it is installed at the last moment.

Benefits of timely replacement

Every driver will be able to cope with the replacement of bushings on his car, because this process is not a super-complicated repair. Everything can be done with your own hands, but if you do not have time or desire, then it is advisable to seek help from specialists. This will help protect the anti-roll bar from premature wear.

Driving on poor-quality road surfaces will recede into the background if you have previously installed brand new bushings. And in general, the installed new bushings are the absence of difficulties and problems when driving, as well as comfort and safety.

Stabilizer bushings. Malfunction symptoms. Effects.

For the best damping of vibrations and forces acting on the car body, the vast majority of suspension elements are connected by means of elastic elements. The same goes for the stabilizer. For its fastening, special bushings (rubber bands, pillows) made of durable rubber or polyurethane are used. Over time, as the vehicle is used, these bushings can begin to collapse and noticeably lose their elasticity. This results in unsatisfactory operation of the stabilizer =. serious defects may begin to appear, which will only grow faster over time.

The first symptom, foreshadowing the replacement of the bushings, will be a slight knocking of the suspension. A similar knock can be observed with “tired” shock absorbers. Only in the case of bushings, it will be heard not only on pits and bumps, but also when entering relatively sharp turns. At the same time, the car often feels too wobbly and sluggish. The resulting knock will be the result of a backlash in the connecting nodes of the stabilizer levers due to worn bushings.

If you do not take measures in time, the knocking will only intensify in the future and will begin to accompany the work of the suspension everywhere due to the increasing deformation and destruction of the bushings. Body roll and excessive play in the steering wheel may occur. It is possible to “yaw” the car not only in corners, but also in cases of braking or lane change. Most automakers advise changing the stabilizer bushings every 30-40 thousand mileage. However, in our conditions, it is better to focus on the wear of the bushings. Therefore, a sudden knock and slight bounce in corners will be clear signs of an impending replacement of components.

As a popular method of checking the bushings for serviceability, it is proposed to move obliquely in the 2nd gear of the “speed bump”. There was a dull thud in the area of ​​the pedals. most likely, the Khan’s bushings. You can also just crawl under the car to inspect everything yourself. A worn out bushing will please with cracks and abrasions typical for worn out and cracked rubber. These cracks are sometimes also called “daisies”.

Also, the rubber of the bushings can simply harden and lose the necessary elasticity. If the stabilizer bushings do not work well, then just swing your hand hard up and down and to the sides of the stabilizer itself. If you feel a backlash, squeaks and knocks in the lower part of the suspension, then the bushings have become unusable.

But for the best result, it is better, of course, to drive onto an overpass, inspection pit, or use a lift. Of the tools, you only need a crowbar or a mounting blade, which you just need to rest against the bottom of the car and slightly “shake” the stabilizer, in the places of its docking with the body. If you feel a noticeable backlash or a loss of elasticity is found, then it’s time to think about replacing the bushings.

What are bushings and why are they needed

The main task of the bushings is to reduce the noise of the suspension while driving and to attach the stabilizer to the car body. They are usually made from two materials: polyurethane and rubber. The parts have high elasticity and strength, which is why there are no squeaks and knocks when the height of any of the wheels changes. In addition, it is impossible to rigidly attach the stabilizer to the body, since the distance from the attachment point to the edge of the stabilizer changes during bending.

Often, various sounds arising from movement and sharp turns. squeaks, knocks, and so on, can indicate a malfunction of the bushings. This phenomenon is associated with the loss of elasticity of the sleeve, as a result of which it becomes very rigid. Also, dust or sand can accumulate under this part.

Stabilizer design features

In the field of mechanical engineering, the stabilizer appeared along with the first cars, the maximum speed of which exceeded the 20 km / h mark. Due to the large rolls that occur when turning, it became necessary to install this component. The main purpose of the stabilizer is to protect the vehicle from rollover, since during a turn the load on the outer wheels increases, and on the inner wheels, on the contrary, decreases. This causes the machine to rock. The stabilizer makes it more stable on the road, preventing it from rolling over.

There are the following types of bushings:

Spherical (or “iron”) bushing. By design, it resembles a ball joint;

Today, polyurethane-type stabilizer bushings are becoming more and more popular. They are quite easy to replace, which is an important plus, and they also have good characteristics for operation. Experienced drivers can safely say that these are the details that are most convenient.

If there is a malfunction in the area of ​​the stabilizer bush, it must be replaced without fail. Otherwise, it can very badly affect the running and handling of the vehicle. When the bushing is deformed or cracked, some noise may appear in the area of ​​the car suspension (mainly when the car runs into an obstacle or increases speed). In principle, problems in the suspension area are precisely determined by such noises.

In order to make sure that it is necessary to replace the bushings, it is necessary to periodically diagnose the suspension, after which a malfunction will be identified or prevented.

In the event that it is revealed that it is necessary to replace the stabilizer bush, this can be done independently. over, there is nothing complicated in this and the procedure is very simple. First, the bolts are unscrewed, with which the clamp is attached. The stabilizer is then pulled to the side and the old parts are removed. Well, and for the final action, a new part is very carefully installed.

It is according to this scheme that both the front stabilizer and the rear one are replaced. After replacing parts, driving a car will be much more pleasant and comfortable, and various road obstacles will be overcome without any difficulty. Among other things, the new elements will maximize the performance of the racks.

Diagnostics

The knock of the stabilizers is a guaranteed sign that the bushings need to be replaced immediately. In addition to it, squeaks may appear, especially during a cold snap, when the rubber loses its elasticity.

It may be necessary to remove the crankcase guard to determine if replacement is necessary. To check the source of vibration, place your hands on the stabilizer post and directly on the mounting bracket. The partner should press hard on the hood of the car several times. If vibrations are felt on the brackets, which are transmitted to the rack, a new kit must be installed, even if no backlash was noticed on the stabilizer when inspecting the seats.

If the hole inside the sleeve has taken the shape of an ellipse, cracks are visible on the surface, and the material has hardened, immediate replacement is necessary. Continued use of the vehicle will significantly reduce the service life of the stabilizer struts.

The need for replacement

The stabilizer bushings are among the parts that are subject to the highest dynamic loads. They require regular replacement, depending on the maintenance regulations adopted by various car manufacturers and models. The maximum mileage before replacing the rear and front hubs is typically 15,000 to 30,000 km. Taking into account the condition of our roads, it is recommended to make replacement based on wear and tear.

Untimely replacement can lead to the formation of a roll in the stabilizer bar of the car, and this, in turn, increases the risk of the car overturning at speed. The complete set is subject to mandatory replacement, regardless of the difference in external signs of wear. The cost of such a repair service in a service station is often overstated, given the ease of replacement for most car models, so it is advisable to replace the front and rear bushings with your own hands.

Stabilizer Bushings. Step-by-Step Replacement Instructions

You can determine whether it is necessary to replace the stabilizer bushings by knocking or squeaking that appears in the suspension when braking and driving over bumps. And given that sometimes there are more holes on our roads than asphalt pavement, the replacement process must be carried out regularly. The bushings themselves are not very expensive, their timely replacement will save the stabilizer struts from rapid wear and tear, and the car owner from unnecessary spending associated with their replacement.

The replacement process is quite simple and you can easily do it yourself using the proposed instructions.

Tool

To replace the front or rear bushings with your own hands, you will need:

  • small ratchet with extension and cap head;
  • open-end wrench, it should be thin and small;
  • large ratchet, cardan adapter and union head;
  • you may need an L-shaped extension cord.

Sequence of work

  • The car is securely fixed in the jacked state.
  • Wheels are unscrewed and removed. There is an engine guard in the right wheel arch. Its fasteners are unscrewed and the shield is removed.
  • Most of the fasteners under the bottom are pretty acidic, so to speed up the process of replacing the stabilizer bushings, they must be thoroughly treated with WD 40, which removes corrosion.
  • Using the open-end wrench, we fix the finger on the left stand. It is a little hidden from direct access, so the grooves need to be found almost by touch.
  • We throw a box wrench, preferably a ratchet, onto the nut that secures the shock absorber. Unscrew both fasteners.
  • Having freed the stabilizer strut from the mountings, disconnect them from the shock absorber strut.
  • Place a jack under the left rear part of the subframe. With its help, the subframe is fixed so that when removing the fasteners it does not suddenly jump off the studs. A significant metal plate must be placed under the jack support head so as not to deform the subframe.
  • Smoothly lower the jack a few centimeters from the body. Thanks to this, the subframe also lowers somewhat, opening access to the bushings.

SWAY BAR BUSHING DIAGNOSIS AND REPLACEMENT | FIX ANNOYING NOISE

  • A pipe is inserted into the resulting gap, and the subframe is additionally pushed down. A stopper is inserted into the resulting gap. A head for 27 is suitable; when installing it between the body and the washer of the subframe, it is better to use pliers. This will save your hand from injury if the tube slips off the subframe washer.
  • We water the bracket mountings generously with WD-40. Unscrew the bolts gradually, without pressing too much.
  • We remove the released bracket from the bushing, and then remove the bushing itself.

IMPORTANT! Before installation, all threaded parts of fasteners are coated with graphite grease to avoid sticking.

When performing the specified work, you should be careful and pay attention to safety. In general, such work can be done by hand.

Naturally, the design of different car brands is significantly different, so the replacement instructions are rather general recommendations. For a more detailed acquaintance, a series of videos on carrying out a similar type of repair for various car brands is presented.

Video for replacing stabilizer bushings Ford Explorer:

Video Chevrolet Aveo 3. split bushings, which are used in this model, make the repair process quick and easy.

Nissan X-Trail video:

Video explaining workflows for Renault Logan:

Purpose of stabilizer bushings

The stabilizer bushings are extremely important for the correct operation of the entire mechanism. Since the stabilizer must necessarily be able to twist from multidirectional forces on the left and right wheels, it is customary to mount it with bushings. In the process of operation, the stabilizer bushings begin to wear out, and a backlash occurs, which leads to the malfunctioning of the entire mechanism, increasing the freedom of the part. If you do not take any action to eliminate the backlash (replacing the stabilizer bushings), all sense in the stabilizer operation will disappear. the car will begin to roll in corners.

How to change stabilizer bushings

The stabilizer bushings are one of those parts that drivers pay little attention to. Roughly speaking, they can be completely removed from the car’s suspension and nothing terrible will happen. Yes, the car will start to work a little worse. there will be knocks and vibrations when driving, but the car will continue to drive, and this is the most important thing. But if you want to monitor your car fully, it is recommended, among other things, to pay attention to the bushings and their work.

Why do you need a stabilizer

Before dealing with the direct role of the bushings, you need to understand what the task is on the car at the stabilizer. As the name suggests, this element stabilizes the vehicle. The stabilizer is activated every time the car enters a corner and brakes. When cornering, there is a risk of lateral roll, and when braking longitudinal, and in each of these situations, the stabilizer does everything to keep the car parallel to the roadway.

Structurally, the stabilizer is a conventional rod that connects the subframe to the wheel mount (we can say that with the suspension arm when it comes to the MacPherson strut front suspension). In a MacPherson suspension, the camber angle is static, and when the car rolls, it changes. Changing the camber angle will inevitably lead to a decrease in the contact area of ​​the tire with the road. To minimize the risk of such a situation, you need to reduce the roll force, which is what the stabilizer does. In fact, we can say that it takes on the role of a torsion bar: at the slightest probability of lateral roll, the transverse ends located in the levers begin to move in different directions, thereby twisting the middle part. The moment that occurs during such a movement is sufficient to prevent the continued relative movement of the wheels, which reduces roll.

How to change stabilizer bushings

Replacing the stabilizer bushings is a fairly simple process that can be performed at almost any service center. You can also replace worn parts yourself, if you have all the necessary tools.

To replace the stabilizer bushings you will need:

  • Lift, since the work will be carried out under the car;
  • New stabilizer bushings. Basically, the hub is just a regular piece of rubber, so there is no critical need to purchase original parts. On sale you can find a lot of analogues from well-known manufacturers, for example, from Sidem and Sasic;
  • A pair of keys (or heads).

The process of replacing the stabilizer bush itself is as follows:

  • We put the car on a lift and raise it;
  • We use a bolt breaker to make it easier to work. We apply, for example, WD40 to the stabilizer bolts and wait a while. After that, we twist the bolt;

Please note: If the clamp does not want to fit on the new bushing, do not use excessive force, otherwise you can damage the rubber part (or assemble the element crookedly). Try using more lubricant to reduce friction between the iron and rubber components.

  • Next, we perform a similar procedure for the second side, where you have to work more carefully so as not to damage the fuel pipes.
  • Replacing the bushings takes a little time, both in the service center and during self-repair. It is recommended at the first signs (poor handling, knocking) to replace the stabilizer bushings, thereby reducing the likelihood of unpleasant rolls when cornering.

    What are bushings and why are they needed

    The main task of the bushings is to reduce the noise of the suspension while driving and to attach the stabilizer to the car body. They are usually made from two materials: polyurethane and rubber. The parts have high elasticity and strength, which is why there are no squeaks and knocks when the height of any of the wheels changes. In addition, it is impossible to rigidly attach the stabilizer to the body, since the distance from the attachment point to the edge of the stabilizer changes during bending.

    Often, various sounds arising from movement and sharp turns. squeaks, knocks, and so on, can indicate a malfunction of the bushings. This phenomenon is associated with the loss of elasticity of the sleeve, as a result of which it becomes very rigid. Also, dust or sand can accumulate under this part.

    Benefits of timely replacement

    Every driver will be able to cope with the replacement of bushings on his car, because this process is not a super-complicated repair. Everything can be done with your own hands, but if you do not have time or desire, then it is advisable to seek help from specialists. This will help protect the anti-roll bar from premature wear.

    Driving on poor-quality road surfaces will recede into the background if you have previously installed brand new bushings. And in general, the installed new bushings are the absence of difficulties and problems when driving, as well as comfort and safety.

    How to Replace Sway Bar Bushings and End Links

    List of required tools

    You definitely need to have the following set of tools: new bushings; to unscrew the subframe bolt, an open-end wrench of size 24 is required; keys for 17 and 15; for unscrewing screws from the motor protection. a key for 10; for fastening bolts. a key for 13; clamps made of metal material for 20. for clamping the stabilizers, since the old ones must be replaced; anti-scale and rust agent. WD 40; graphite grease; jack.

    Replacing the stabilizer bushing “Kia

    Replacing the Kia stabilizer bushings involves the following algorithm: Raise the front of the car and dismantle the wheels. Find the steering shaft and make a mark (for easy further installation in the original place), remove the mounting bolt. Raise the transmission with a jack, unscrew the rear cushion and subframe. To facilitate access to the rear cushions, four bolts are removed to secure the subframe. Jack up the front section of the subframe. Remove the fastener and treat with an oil solution to prevent the development of corrosion processes on the metal. Screw them into place only four to five turns.

    This is done crosswise to provide additional security and uniform contraction of the plane. Loosen the jack to a level where it is possible to reach the bushing bolts. The bushing on the right side can be easily unscrewed through the engine compartment, and on the left side. from below. Insert the staples. This procedure is carried out in a neat way so as not to damage the collar on the steering boot. The process is repeated in reverse order. The peculiarities of the Kia Sid car are that the steering shaft has a telescopic view, and therefore it is installed at the last moment.

    What tools may be needed when replacing stabilizers on your own?

    This work will not require high-tech devices from the driver. To do this, you must have the following tools:

    • jack;
    • extension for the key;
    • spanner key for 10 and 13;
    • ruler;
    • socket heads for 13 and 14. It is desirable to be elongated;
    • ratchet key.

    This is the minimum required set of tools, without which you definitely cannot carry out repairs. However, you may need an additional kit. This need may arise when removing the fastening nuts. The fact is that during operation, they can stick to the part. In this case, you may need an angle grinder or a hacksaw for metal. You need to be very careful when using these tools, because you can damage the stabilizer struts. If this happened, then you will need to change them too.

    Why change stabilizer bushings?

    If you do not take care of the timely replacement of the stabilizer bushings, the following will occur. When entering a turn or when driving on a road with an uneven surface, the vibration of the suspension that occurs during these actions will not be damped. The fine-tuning of the stabilizer bar on the car will also deteriorate.

    With such malfunctions, you can drive for quite a long time, but this will wear out the resource of your suspension and the entire car much faster. In addition, the failure of stabilizers leads to the appearance of rather unpleasant noises.

    What are stabilizer bushings for??

    The answer to the question: “Why do we need stabilizer bushings?” very simple. The main purpose of this car part is that it will affect the noise produced by the suspension when the vehicle is moving, reducing it. It is also used to attach the stabilizer to the body of your car.

    A feature of this part is its elasticity. Due to the fact that it is made of materials such as polyurethane or rubber, you will not hear any sounds when you change the height of the wheel. The choice of these materials allows the stabilizer to be fixed to the body, despite the constant change in the distance between them that occurs during bends.

    Note! The shape of the stabilizer has a similar appearance for most cars, but can be modified due to design features.

    Symptoms of malfunctions

    The signs below may indicate that something is wrong with the suspension. And one of the places worth checking out is the stabilizer. So:

    A slight backlash is formed when the steering wheel is turned.

    The car began to “scour” while driving.

    Distinct clicks are heard from the side of the wheels when cornering.

    The car is driving one way.

    What resource?

    This question is quite individual, as such, no manufacturer will be able to give exact “runs”. It all depends on the specific operating conditions, keep in mind that bad roads, driving style, all this affects the “life” of the bushing, and the stabilizer mechanism in general.

    By the way, the bushings are considered the most problematic place in the suspension on the Lada Vesta. Almost immediately from the factory, a creak begins, a knock is often added to it during movement over bumps. The problem is that they use not high-quality material for manufacturing, which is why the resource of the native bushings on Vesta is very small. It is simple to be treated, it is necessary to select analogs from other models. For example, it is known that bushings from Toyota Koroly, Avensis and KIA Rio are great and do not cause problems for West owners.

    In general, it is generally accepted among motorists that the average “mileage” for a rubber sleeve is 70,000 km, more advanced polyurethane 100,000 km. Some manufacturers even recommend to carry out a planned replacement after 30,000 km in order to avoid the appearance of “surprises”. But, as already mentioned, everything is individual, you need to take into account all the features of operation.

    It is also worth clarifying such a nuance, the state of the thrust itself (stub) has a huge impact on the resource of the bushings. For example, if there is a working out at the place of attachment of the sleeve, then the declared period of time the part will definitely not serve and will not fully cope with the task either. As a rule, after replacing the native bushings, the owners observe a small production of metal, somewhere around 1.5 mm. With each replacement of the bushings, the output will only increase, so it is wiser to replace the whole part with severe wear, so that there is a sense, in general, from the operation of this mechanism.

    avtoexperts.ru

    Before dealing with the topic of what a stabilizer bushing is, it would not hurt to refresh your memory about the stabilizers themselves, what are they for? The main task of this part is to keep the car as parallel to the road as possible. Despite the various risks, for example, turns, braking, which cause both lateral and longitudinal rolls. The stabilizer should cope with them.

    Structurally, the stabilizer is a conventional rod, the task of which is to connect the subframe to the wheel mount. When it comes to the front suspension, it makes more sense to say that the attachment occurs with the suspension arm, since often the MacPherson strut is installed in the front.

    At the slightest roll, the ends of the stabilizers begin to move, thereby reducing roll. The movement takes place along the bushings, which will be discussed. The purpose of the latter is that the stabilizer can twist in different directions. That is why it is fastened with bushings. Over time, the bushings are erased, which causes backlash, which will lead to malfunctioning for the entire mechanism. The so-called “freedom of detail” is increasing, then, by and large, there is no role in the presence of a stabilizer. Because, similar to its absence, rolls increase due to large strokes and rotation, controllability is lost and this is felt mostly in corners.

    There are several types of bushings:

    Polyurethane. Similar to the previous ones, except for the production material.

    Recently, motorists have been giving preference to polyurethane bushings due to their high performance characteristics. As a rule, they “walk” longer. But, this is also individual, depending on how you drive.

    Also, do not lose sight of such a nuance that almost every model has its own sizes and configuration of bushings, which is why special attention should be paid to the selection and selection for a specific model. This issue is most acute for foreign cars.

    How to replace?

    The issue of replacement for some cars is purely individual, because depending on the model, the mounts may differ. For example, to replace the bushings with the Mazda 6 and 5 in front, you will have to remove the steering rods in order to get to the brackets securing the bar itself. But, in general, you can draw up a small work plan. So:

    Raise the car on a lift or drive it into a hole, for convenience.

    Before unscrewing the bolts, we recommend treating them with a special tool so that they can be easily unscrewed, for example, WD-40.

    Keep in mind that the bolts may not work even after this. Then the “angle grinder” comes into play. But first take care to remove the fuel hoses from the “dangerous” area. Cut off the “ears” of the staples to “release” the barbell.

    After unscrewing the brackets (clamps), as it were, we move the stabilizer itself away from the subframe to make it easier to remove the bushing. Use a crowbar.

    We pull together the old sleeve.

    Putting on a new part.

    Next, we return the clamp to its place.

    Pay attention, in most cases, the clamp on the new sleeve “sits” extremely badly, so try to position it as evenly as possible, minimize friction (use lubricant).

    We tighten the clamp with a bolt. By the way, we recommend that you pre-treat the bolt and nut with grease, so that in the future there will be no problems with loosening.

    By the way, such an important nuance during replacement. You need to change both bushings at once, that is, do not leave the old part on the right side, but on the left, for example, install a new one. There must be new bushings on both sides.