How to Install a Sway Bar Bushing in a 1999 VW Passat 1.8T

The 1998 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T was equipped with a 1.8-liter in-line four-cylinder turbo engine. The 1998 Passat 1.8T was capable of producing 150 horsepower and 162 foot-pounds of torque. The stabilizer or sway bar on the 1998 Passat is responsible for maintaining the horizontal balance of the car during cornering and turning. The stabilizer bushings connect the sway bar to the frame of the Passat, and help absorb some of the shock of the road.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the Passat using a jack. Place jack stands beneath the front sub-frame rails, just inward from the lower control arms. Lower the Passat onto the jack. Lie beneath the front of the Passat. Remove the mounting screws from the skid plate, if equipped, using a ratchet and socket.

2

Move yourself into position to access one of the sway bar bushings. Loosen the nuts with a ratchet and socket. Remove the bushing bracket, then the bushing from the bar.

3

Install the new bushing onto the sway bar by hand. Install the bushing bracket and nuts by hand. If the bushing bracket only has one nut and a pivot end, tighten the nut to 66 foot-pounds using a 1/2-inch torque wrench and socket. If the bracket has two nuts, tighten them to 22 foot-pounds.

4

Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to complete the second bushing replacement. Install the skid plate and hardware if equipped. Tighten the screws snug with your ratchet and socket. Raise the Passat off of the jack stands, then lower it to the ground.