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Replacing front sway bar bushings... lube?

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JOSHMAN00

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I am replacing the front sway bar bushings and holders to the upgraded factory ones on my 05 WK and had a stupid question? Do they go on dry or need a grease or some kind of lube on inside where the bar rides?

Sure it really doesn't matter too much but would rather do it right the first time.:thumbsup:
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Yeah I had to replace them on the WJ a while back for a winter time cold annoying squeak so I am familiar with the process. I never did lube them when I did it then but got thinking maybe they should be lubed since it's a pivoting point.

I called Jeep and they checked my VIN and apparently there is a updated bushing and requires the new "carrier" or mount to install them. didn't realize there was a problem and I was wondering what they upgraded honestly? The only reason I am changing them is they are developing the dry squeak when the Jeep is cold so new bushing with carriers was $45 for the whole package can't afford not too!
 
#5 ·
I think it depends on the material used in the bushings. Greasing them when they aren't intended to be greased can actually cause them to wear out faster and make noise sooner. Not sure if the oem require it our not, I'm sure someone here knows.
 
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#7 ·
Can't find where I read it the first time but basically if they're rubber you don't want to use any petroleum based grease or it will break down the rubber over time. Some rubber ones are made to be run dry since the rubber flexes to allow movement whereas polyurethane allows it to slide. Silicon is safe for rubber, petroleum is safe for poly.
 
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Discussion starter · #9 ·
Well I installed them last night and ended up lubing them anyways. The rubbers are only $20 for both so worst case if they get wrecked by being lubricated cheap lesson learned. Very easy job to do, on the ground with hand tools about ten minutes start to finish per side so pretty painless all and all.

Only wierd thing is I didn't really see a difference between the "new upgraded" bushings and carriers compared to the ones I removed? Anyways all is well and went pretty smooth but thanks for the input and time will tell if using a waterproof grease to lube them does anything or doesn't really matter
 
#10 ·
JOSHMAN00 said:
Well I installed them last night and ended up lubing them anyways. The rubbers are only $20 for both so worst case if they get wrecked by being lubricated cheap lesson learned. Very easy job to do, on the ground with hand tools about ten minutes start to finish per side so pretty painless all and all.

Only wierd thing is I didn't really see a difference between the "new upgraded" bushings and carriers compared to the ones I removed? Anyways all is well and went pretty smooth but thanks for the input and time will tell if using a waterproof grease to lube them does anything or doesn't really matter
Click to expand...
Is this a WK thing? Can you post part #s?
 
#11 ·
IM interested in part # also.
 
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Discussion starter · #12 ·
Bushings p/n 52089465-AF and retainer (bracket) p/n 52090474-AB. Those are the numbers I have on the invoice from the dealer so they should be correct. I would assume this is only a WK issue since it was changed up somewhere along the line mid 05 and the dealer can check by VIN. Shouldn't affect the XK since their first year was 06 they should all be the updated bushings.

Hope this helps!
 
#13 ·
Thanks for the part numbers. Dumb question (it's early) but how do I know if I have a 30mm or 33mm sway bar? Half of my tools are in storage (including the basic measuring ones with all the little lines and numbers on them:eek:). Thanks guys.
 
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#14 ·
OK so I got underneath and an adjustable wrench I have that goes up to 30mm wasn't going over the sway bar - I ended up getting the 33mm bushings and 'new' design brackets from justforjeeps.com for just under $50. I hope this is the end of the klunk...at least for now.
 
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#17 ·
I had replaced the factory ones on my 06 Commander last fall. I was experiencing a clunking sound when traveling over bumps at slow speeds. My factory ones didn't look worn when I took them off but after putting on the new ones, the clunking sound went away. I ordered mine from rockauto and just used some liquid soap when installing them on the sway bar. Still no sounds from my front end, so I think that was it. I did not need to order the upgraded brackets as my XK already had them. I just needed the bushings themselves.
 
#20 ·
Sway Bar Bushings

I replace my sway bar bushings and end links on my WJ yesterday. I bought them from NAPA and wanted to share a tip. When I tightened down the bushing clamps there was still a large gap where the bushing has a slit. I took the clamps off and sprayed WD-40 on them. When I put them back on the gap was gone. I had a knock that was driving me nuts and even though the sway bar bushings and end mounts looked and felt good when I replaced them the knock was gone. So an easy way to trouble shoot this is take the sway bar off and go for a drive. I used a little grease on the bushings. Because of their location I'd think they are made of a petroleum resistant rubber.
 
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Tumbleweed1954
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