I need some front sway bar bushing help...

[ShooterMcGavin]

When I brought my 4Runner home after buying it, I realized that the front sway bar was inoperable. One of the endlinks had been broken and one of the bushing brackets was torn off the frame. So, questions for you...

1. Are these aftermarket, polyurethane bushings (see the picture)?

2. Can I simply buy a new metal bracket to mount the existing bushing up again or do I need to buy a whole kit?

3. Kinda important... If I need to buy a new set of bushings and brackets to make this work again, should I get the kit that does not have zerks, or the kit with greasable zerks? I thought I remembered in the past reading that the zerks used by ES were problematic, or some other complaint about them?

Here are the Greasable bushings
Here are Moog Non-grease bushings

Here is the bushing and bracket that are in tact. I have 1 other bushing but not the bracket for it.

 

[mtbtim]

It's hard to tell if those are polyurethane or not by the picture. I think you could tell by squeezing the bushing if it's rubber or polyurethane.

As for aftermarket sway bar bushing brackets, I think a greaseable bracket would be useless. What would you grease it with anyway, lithium grease or moly grease that you have in your grease gun for servicing the u-joints, sleeve yokes and double cardan joint? I used a tip from a guy who made a video on replacing his sway bar and end link bushings. He used Mission Automotive silicone paste to lubricate his poly bushings. I bought a container of it and have used it to lubricate my steering rack bushings, sway bar and end link bushings, and most recently, my rear shock bushings that I replaced with poly ones a couple days ago.

Here's an Amazon link if you're interested in buying some silicon paste yourself:
Amazon.com: Silicone Paste - Waterproof Dielectric Grease (8 Oz.) - Made in USA: Automotive

I'd personally buy a replacement OEM sway bar bracket but I gather they're probably much more than an aftermarket one. As for an end link replacement, you could buy beefier custom ones made by [MENTION=98153]MStudt[/MENTION], by an OEM replacement or go the affordable route and buy whatever aftermarket one that floats your boat. If I were going to buy replacements, I'd pony up the money and buy the custom ones [MENTION=98153]MStudt[/MENTION] sells.

 

[Gadgetguy]

I solved that problem by removing the sway bars completely

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

...I'd personally buy a replacement OEM sway bar bracket but I gather they're probably much more than an aftermarket one. As for an end link replacement, you could buy beefier custom ones made by [MENTION=98153]MStudt[/MENTION], by an OEM replacement or go the affordable route and buy whatever aftermarket one that floats your boat. If I were going to buy replacements, I'd pony up the money and buy the custom ones [MENTION=98153]MStudt[/MENTION] sells.

I think I'm right inline with your thoughts Tim ... I bought an OEM replacement bracket for the one that was broken. I found out that it doesn't fit the bushing that is there, so I can't use it.

I have a full set of front/rear quick-disconnect endlinks from MStudt, and I'm just waiting to install the front sway bar I have the rear sway bar installed using stainless bolts from the hardware store on the brackets, FINALLY. I will have pictures and some thoughts in my build thread; I was kinda waiting to do the front also, before updating the thread.

*Edit:

I solved that problem by removing the sway bars completely

I've had both of mine broken/removed since I have owned the truck. It isn't the best highway driving experience, and it certainly wouldn't be the safest in a quick maneuver. Highway handling has gotten much better with the new suspension, and the recent addition of the rear sway bar has made a noticeable improvement. Since I bought fancy quick-disconnect endlinks, I want both my sway bars hooked up for on-road driving, and then I can remove the endlinks easily for trail use.

 

[Mark_BC]

My question is: Is there such a thing as too clean for moving parts? In other words did clean rubber bushing on clean metal sway bar make for too much abrasion and contribute to the early failure? Light wipe of grease next time?

Thanks

I would think so, you want things to slide. I'll put some silicone lube on mine.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I would think so, you want things to slide. I'll put some silicone lube on mine.

Hence why Energy Suspension has ones that you can lubricate. I have those on mine since my bushings were shot, I do have to say the brackets are sub-par compared to the Toyota brackets though. I had one bend out of shape once.

 

[JayRolla]

Ive torn through two ES brackets, they are trash. Also the zerk fitting does nothing, no grease gets into the bushing through the zerk. Go with OEM brackets.

 

[frodiesel]

I replaced my front bushings with the amazon prothane kit and i have always had a squeak over bumps. Now i realize after new everything except upper bushings its likely the sway bar bushing squeakin. Damn. Its just dielectric grease on a clean surface right? Curious if i can fix this while out on the road.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I replaced my front bushings with the amazon prothane kit and i have always had a squeak over bumps. Now i realize after new everything except upper bushings its likely the sway bar bushing squeakin. Damn. Its just dielectric grease on a clean surface right? Curious if i can fix this while out on the road.

Any grease would work to be honest, some just last longer than others. I have a can of spray on lithium grease for troubleshooting that comes in handy for situations like this.