Squeaks and creeks...

[rodgerturner]

I've got a bad problem with squeaking in the front end - - mechanic says it's the sway bar bushings - - they tend to rot and squeak, nothing you can do but replace them.

They say they are about $16 each (need 2) and will cost about $115 total w/labor to install.

my question...is this reasonable? How difficult would it be for me to replace them myself?

[AJT1961]

They are not hard to replace if you have a set of 1/2" metric sockets, wheel ramps, and a large screwdriver (for prying). That price is reasonable for a dealer. Couldn't hurt anything by spraying some silcone lubricant into the bushings to see if that solves the problem though. A little play in the sway bar bushings has no noticeable effect on handling and (other than the noise) is harmless.

[reldred]

My 99 Venture squeaked because of the front sway bar bushings. I coated the inside of the bushings with anti-seize and that took care of the squeaking.

[jamx13]

Check the lower control arm bushings. The front-most bushings are the ones that tend to go. If they need to be replaced, you will have to remove the control arm to have the work down. It might be easier & quicker to simply buy replacement control arms. The new control arm has both bushings plus a new balljoint so you'd be addressing several potential problems at once. Rock Auto sells Dorman replacements for about $65 each. While you're at, replace the sway bar bushings & the sway bar end links. The sway bar diameter will have to be measured because there were several different sizes used...mine was 1.34". Make sure to use polyurethane bushings, not rubber. I picked up Moog poly sway bar bushings for $11 for the pair & Moog poly end links for $5 each...got em at Carquest.