F53 rear sway bracket broken

[computerguy]

2016 Fleetwood Bounder.
Driving the other day and felt real loosey goosey.
Broken sway bar bracket.
It’s always something…

[fcbbob15]

Unfortunately, this is a common failure. Are the bolts still there? Some are losing the bolts also. When you install the new one-use blue Loctite thread locker and torque to 66 ft. lbs. Others will chime in as there are multiple threads on this subject.

[edge68474]

Welcome to the club.
Many if not all, most all, have that pr0blem with the F53 including me.
Get a hold of skuderdude, a member here, and can fix you up with new poly bushings and I'm pretty sure the brackets. It's been a little while now since I replaced mine. Do them all.
Mine left rear was broken but still hanging on. Others will chime in I'm sure. Easy replacement, at least mine was.


PS. Looking closer at your pic, I see it was the right rear.

[US1]

A member too. 1st time I drove mine I was surprised at how much it leaned in the turns. Broken mount. I took that opportunity to upgrade to the poly bushing. Its a shame mine is a 2007, yours is a 2016, and its still a problem.

[spyderRV]

There appears to be different versions of brackets. Mine on a #18000, 1999,

[SavnTheWales]

I just fixed mine. However I improved the OEM bracket before installing. I added gussets (welds) to corners. I also drilled hole and installed zerk along with poly bushings.

I see you did the CHF. Originally I thought the extra stress from CHF might have caused it, but I broke my first bracket BEFORE I did the CHF.

They all seem to break at same spot, right at the bend. Since I welded up the first one with the gussets I have had no more problems.

[CptBill]

That is some nice looking work!

[mr.tommy]

Originally Posted by SavnTheWales

I just fixed mine. However I improved the OEM bracket before installing. I added gussets (welds) to corners. I also drilled hole and installed zerk along with poly bushings.

I see you did the CHF. Originally I thought the extra stress from CHF might have caused it, but I broke my first bracket BEFORE I did the CHF.

They all seem to break at same spot, right at the bend. Since I welded up the first one with the gussets I have had no more problems.

Love the zerk fitting mod but how do you plan to lube it? I hope not with regular grease in a grease gun. These poly bushing require a special lube like this one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MW5SJ4...sin&th=1&psc=1

[TeJay]

spyderRV,


That large etal bracket was what FORD used on the first few years of the newer SB set up for the 1999 chassis. I'm sure they used it on other chassis as well.


Skuterdude did not like the older bushings. He examined them and decided the hole was not cut ( lazered) properly and was not sufficiently holding the bushing.

[SavnTheWales]

Just for reference:
Rear swaybar bracket OEM:

Part Num…………..Year……………..Chassis
BU9Z-5486-A…..2011-2019…..16k (has gussets on bends)
1C3Z-5486-AA…2011-2019…..16k-22k
8U9Z-5486-A…..2008-2019……24k-26k

Bushings: (measure swaybar diameter with dial calipers)
Part Num………….Size…………………..Chassis
9U9Z-5493-A…..36mm/1.42in…..22k
9U9Z-5493-B…..38mm/1.50in…..24k

Most break like this. I welded gussets on bends and has significantly reduce breakage.

[Tegu]

Well, I was about to post on the CHF thread and was about to say that I am done with it and going back to factory setup, after the second rear bracket failure. I am about to go on a trip and thought I would take a look. The driver side rear bracket is basically gone, the two “feet” of the bracket as well as the bolts are still tight. Now I’m reading of a failure before the chf and welded gussets only reducing breakage. Did I read that wrong, or what. Nice looking job on the welding btw.

[SavnTheWales]

Originally Posted by Tegu

Well, I was about to post on the CHF thread and was about to say that I am done with it and going back to factory setup, after the second rear bracket failure. I am about to go on a trip and thought I would take a look. The driver side rear bracket is basically gone, the two “feet” of the bracket as well as the bolts are still tight. Now I’m reading of a failure before the chf and welded gussets only reducing breakage. Did I read that wrong, or what. Nice looking job on the welding btw.

Yes, my first bracket broke before the CHF. The second broke after the CHF. I have had good luck after adding weld to bend and adding gussets. Ford does sell a version of the bracket with gussets… but I got a welder!

[computerguy]

So I got the new bracket thought this would be a simple job.
NOT
I can’t loosen the bolt/nut assembly. It’s difficult on your back and the brake line is kind of in the way and there is no room to hit with a hammer. I did already try some oil to loosen it up. No luck.
Yes it’s a bolt/nut and nut is not welded. I remember that when I had to replace it a couple years ago.
Looking for suggestions how I might loosen it. Thinking a suspension place might remove the sway bar then torch the old off and get an impact on it.
Originally Ford quoted me over $500 for the repair why I wanted to do it myself.
I’m in Kissimmee for a few weeks so if someone knows someone in the area I can bring it to that won’t try and rape me and make it hurt I’m open to suggestions
I’m still recuperating from the $25,000 engine replacement (3 times!) and staying in hotels from last year.

[twinboat]

You need to bend the bracket back down to get a socket and pipe on the bolt.

Big hammer or a bottle jack against the chassis.