90 - 01 Toyota Camry Rear End Noise - Sway / Stabilizer Bar Bushing Replacement

A common wear item with Camrys approaching or exceeding 100k miles are the rubber bushings for the rear Sway or Stabilizer Bar. When these bushings wear out, a distinct rattling / clunking noise can be heard when driving over rough surfaces. The noise cannot be duplicated when the car is stationary and the suspension is bounced by pushing against the trunk or bumper. In very bad cases, the Bar can be grabbed and moved within the bushing clearly indicating wear. A common mistake for many Camry owners is to assume the rear suspension struts require replacement. Although the struts may be worn, replacing the bushings to eliminate the annoying rattling noise should first be considered before performing an expensive strut replacement.  Penetrating oil, grease or any other type of lubricant will not make the noise disappear.  Securing a thin hard rubber strip between the bushing contact surface and sway bar can work as a stop gap solution.  

These bolts have a tendency to shear off if too much torque is applied. The rust build up on the threads can be overcome with penetrating oil and perhaps a little heat from a torch. Use a 1/4" socket wrench with a 12 mm socket. A 3/8" wrench provides too much torque and runs the risk of shearing off the bolt head.