Front Sway Bar Removal and Installation – 2.5L NA

Overview

This procedure outlines the steps to remove and install the front sway bar (stabilizer bar) on all Porsche 944 variants with an 8-valve engine configuration, covering model years 1983–1985.5 (pre-85.5) and 1985.5–1988 (85.5 onwards). The sway bar helps stabilize the vehicle by reducing body roll during cornering, and this procedure is necessary for maintenance, replacement, or suspension upgrades.

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Tools Required

• Metric wrench set (10mm–19mm, equivalent to 3/8 inch–3/4 inch)
• Metric socket set (10mm–19mm, equivalent to 3/8 inch–3/4 inch)
• Jack stands
• Floor jack

Parts Required

• Front sway bar bushing kit (if replacing bushings): 944 343 701 00

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Raise the Vehicle

1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Use a floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle by placing the jack under the front crossmember.
3. Secure the vehicle on jack stands placed under the designated jacking points behind the front wheels.
4. Lower the floor jack to allow the vehicle to rest securely on the jack stands.

Step 2: Remove the Belly Pan

5. Locate the belly pan (undertray) beneath the front of the vehicle.
6. Use a 10mm (3/8 inch) socket or wrench to remove the bolts securing the belly pan to the chassis.
7. Carefully lower the belly pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Remove the Stabilizer Bar Mounting Bolts

8. Locate the two stabilizer bar mounting brackets attached to the vehicle’s body, one on each side of the sway bar.
9. Use a 13mm (1/2 inch) socket or wrench to remove the two bolts securing each mounting bracket to the body.
10. Remove the brackets and set them aside, noting their orientation for reinstallation.

Step 4: Remove the Bushing Retainers

11. Locate the bushing retainers that attach the sway bar to the control arms on both sides.
12. Use a 13mm (1/2 inch) socket or wrench to remove the bolts securing the bushing retainers to the control arms.
13. Remove the bushing retainers, noting their position for reinstallation.

Step 5: Lower the Stabilizer Bar

14. Carefully lower the sway bar from the vehicle, ensuring it clears the control arms and other components.
15. Inspect the sway bar bushings for wear or damage. Replace with new bushings (944 343 701 00) if necessary.

Step 6: Install the Stabilizer Bar

16. Position the sway bar back into place, aligning it with the control arms and mounting points on the body.
17. Reattach the bushing retainers to the control arms using the original bolts. Tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) using a 13mm (1/2 inch) socket or wrench.
18. Reinstall the mounting brackets to the body using the original bolts. Tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) using a 13mm (1/2 inch) socket or wrench.

Step 7: Reinstall the Belly Pan

19. Position the belly pan beneath the vehicle and align it with the mounting holes.
20. Secure the belly pan with the original bolts using a 10mm (3/8 inch) socket or wrench. Tighten to 10 Nm (7 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Lower the Vehicle

21. Use the floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle slightly to remove the jack stands.
22. Lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the floor jack.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Verify that all bolts are tightened to the specified torque settings (25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) for sway bar bolts, 10 Nm (7 ft-lbs) for belly pan bolts).
• Inspect the sway bar and bushings to ensure they are properly seated and secure.
• Test drive the vehicle for 5 miles (8 km) to confirm there are no unusual noises or handling issues.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manuals
• YouTube