How To Install Replace Front Sway Bar Bushings 1998-04 Nissan Frontier and Xterra

Difficulty: Beginner · About 30 min · Nissan Frontier

Replace the front sway-bar bushings on a 1998–2004 Nissan Frontier or Xterra, checking for play and rattles before removing the brackets.

Steps

1. Check the sway bar and bushings

   With the vehicle safely supported, move the sway bar by hand and listen for rattles. Inspect each bushing for splitting, flattening, or excessive movement.

2. Remove the splash pan

   Remove the splash-pan fasteners and lower the panel to expose the sway-bar brackets. Keep the bolts together for reassembly.

3. Remove the old bushings

   Remove the bracket bolts and lift each bracket from the bar. Slide the worn bushings off, noting their split orientation and position on the bar.

4. Install the replacement bushings

   Fit the new bushings in the same orientation and position. Set the brackets over them, raise the bar into alignment, and start all bracket bolts by hand.

5. Reinstall the splash pan

   Tighten the sway-bar bracket fasteners to the vehicle's specification. Refit the splash pan and its bolts, then drive slowly over a bump to check for remaining noise.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.