Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Rear Sway Bar Swap On a 98.5 E1

Does anyone know what it takes to change the rear sway bar on an E1? Mine is apparently bent. I've been told two different things. The Ford dealership says that the rear suspension needs to be partially dropped and they want almost $400 for parts and labor. Someone else told me that it's just a matter of a couple bolts and it does not involve what the dealership claims. Any direction would be appreciated.

You only have to undo the rear sway bar links, the brackets, and then you can pull/twist the sway bar out from in between the rear subframe and the gas tank. No need to drop the rear suspension. However, you can always slack the gas tank strap bolts a little bit to give a little more clearance to remove the bar, but its not necessary. (this is all assuming you aren't upgrading to a larger bar)

shows how ford is trying to rip people off some more,,, it's real easy. jack up one side, remove wheel, undo brackets, put new bar in (get some poly bushings), and your done,, you can put another jack under axle, behind brake where wheel was remove to get suspension even,,, easier to line up and get everything tight.... it's one of the easiest things you can do to a contour.

Real easy. Even if you need to...just gently pry the "aluminum" heat shield surrounding the gas tank back a little with some wood wedges or screwdrivers...pops right out.

$400 is knuckle-head money...don't be a victom!