2013 Highlander AWD 2nd Gen Front Sway Bar Bushings

RobertR1969 · Dec 29, 2023

Hello All,

I have a front sway bar bushing that is apparently ripped and partly hanging out of the side of the bracket. The vehicle is swaying more than I think is normal and when I looked, this is what I found. I bought the new OEM bushings from a local Toyota dealer and drove the vehicle up on ramps. Upon looking under the vehicle, I found it is really too tight to get into there with the typical tools.

My question is, what is the best way, from underneath or better to take the wheels off, and tackle from the side wells?

Is lowering the subframe any help? If so, does anyone know a video link for this?

I can see the bolts coming through the subframe and there are nuts on the bottom. Are those nuts welded to the subframe, or can be unscrewed from the bottom?

The vehicle has spent the last 8 years in Florida and has little corrosion, thank God!

Anyone have pics or other advice?

Robert

arrow_cap · Dec 30, 2023

Open youtube and search it... Here is one of many videos that could be helpful:

RobertR1969 · Dec 31, 2023

Thanks.. that is the first video that appears on YouTube when searching and I’ve seen it. That is a 2009 1st Gen Highlander and the amount of space for bushings is very different than my 2013 2nd Gen.
I was hoping someone might have a video for mine.

arrow_cap · Dec 31, 2023

2nd gen runs 2008 to 2013, I have a 2012 and its the same as in this video

Yotter · Jan 8, 2024

Just wanted to add that I would rather stick with the OEM or alternative rubber bushings rather than urethane, as they make the car a little bit more rigid.

RobertR1969 · Jan 8, 2024

Yes I felt the same way…

RobertR1969 · Jan 8, 2024

Just for anyone who may want to see a subframe lowered/dropped completely for a Highlander, here ya go…

RobertR1969 · Jan 11, 2024

So I got the old bushings out and the new ones in. This really made a big difference in the body sway of the vehicle. This is no race car for sure, but now it is driving much more stable.

I do not think the rear is in need, but will check.

I have included a pic of the old bushings, and when the left bushing was still in the vehicle. Notice how they have become flatter and wider than they should be. The sway bar was definitely moving more than it should.

The vehicle had a 65lb bumper bar added to the front of it when I bought it. There was a LOT of brake dive when the guard was on the vehicle. I am thinking the bumper bar contributed to the bushings going bad like this.

My advice, do not add a front bumper guard to such vehicles that are not really designed with a heavy duty or truck suspension.

arrow_cap · Jan 17, 2024

RobertR1969 said:
So I got the old bushings out and the new ones in. This really made a big difference in the body sway of the vehicle. This is no race car for sure, but now it is driving much more stable.

I do not think the rear is in need, but will check.

I have included a pic of the old bushings, and when the left bushing was still in the vehicle. Notice how they have become flatter and wider than they should be. The sway bar was definitely moving more than it should.

The vehicle had a 65lb bumper bar added to the front of it when I bought it. There was a LOT of brake dive when the guard was on the vehicle. I am thinking the bumper bar contributed to the bushings going bad like this.

View attachment 442655

View attachment 442657

My advice, do not add a front bumper guard to such vehicles that are not really designed with a heavy duty or truck suspension.

Did you figure out how to fit some tools in there or did you try and drop the sub-frame?

2013 Highlander AWD 2nd Gen Front Sway Bar Bushings

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