OEM 2004 Toyota Highlander Sway Bar Kit

2004 Toyota Highlander Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the rear Sway Bar Kit on 2004 Toyota Highlander?

  A: The replacement of a rear sway bar kit begins with removing the rear wheel when working on 2WD and 4WD models. Start by detaching the left-hand rear sway bar link assembly by removing the two nuts; if the ball joint turns when unscrewing the nuts then use a 5mm hexagon wrench to support the stud while removing the nuts. The detachment sequence must be repeated for the right-hand side link assembly. The same removal procedure needs to be repeated for the right-hand side. Before securing the nut inspect the left-hand sway bar link assembly by doing five repetitions of ball joint stud back and forth motion then use a torque wrench to twist the nut for 3-5 seconds per turn while taking torque measurements at the fifth turn to verify 1.0 Nm (10 kgf-cm, 9 inch lbs.) or lower settings. Also check for any abnormal drag, noise, cracks or dust cover leakage. Disassemble the bracket No.1 of the rear sway bar kit through 4 bolt extraction until the sway bar kit and both sway bar bushings become accessible for removal. To install the bushings you must attach it over the sway bar kit's stopper ring on its outer wall before placing the bar into position. Install the four bolts into the rear sway bar bracket No.1 before tightening them to 19 Nm (194 kgf-cm, 14 ft. lbs.). Use a hexagon wrench (5 mm) to secure the left-hand sway bar link assembly with its 2 nuts while tightening them to 39 Nm (400 kgf-cm, 29 ft. lbs.). The ball joint should not turn with the nut while completing this operation. Perform this installation process also on the right-hand side of the stopper ring. Reinstall the rear wheel before tightening it to 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.) while performing a ride height adjustment of the automobile.