As a certified master mechanic who just performed this job on a 2006 Saturn Vue with the 3.5 liter V6 in AWD trim, I have to say that everything written by GM for the instructions is dead wrong, at least when it comes to the AWD V6 Vue. In fact, I spent more time trying to follow the false factory instructions of sliding the sway bar in from the drivers side with only the tie rods removed than what it took me to actually do the job once I realized GM didn't take into account vehicles with AWD.
Do not listen to the GM instructions if you have an AWD 3.5 liter Vue. They are false and in the case of GM I'd imagine this bankrupt and now shuttered car maker formerly known as Saturn lied and misquoted the job to take advantage of their mechanics who were probably doing these sway bars all the time under warranty. Obviously the design is ridiculous and even a kid could tell that such a design would be destined to fail. Too many bends! Period
If you are a mechanic, you will want to charge at least 3 or 4 labor hours depending on how crusty the vehicle is.
So, if you want the REAL instructions as they pertain to the 3.5 liter sway bar replacement on the Saturn Vue with AWD here they are.
Remove the steering rack then lower the cradle down by removing the rearward two 18mm bolts that hold the cradle to the body. You will also have to remove the two triangle like braces that have two 15mm bolts on either side. Be sure to have jacks to hold the sub frame.
Now when installing, you don't try and run the bar in thru the drivers side opening, rather you install it just behind the cradle (on the drivers side) and slide it all the way towards the passengers side as far as it will go, then walk it slowly thru the left drivers side opening. Even with the steering rack out and the cradle down I was never able to just "slide" this bar thru the left drivers side opening. It's just not possible due to the bends.
Now it may be possible to slide this bar in as GM claims with the 4 cylinder or the non AWD V6's but I'm telling you there is no way you are going to twist that bar into a Vue with the AWD V6. Be sure to charge accordingly for the AWD V6 version.
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
And FYI - The part number for 2006 Saturn Vue V6 3.5 liter AWD sway / stabilizer bar from GM is 22732114 and retails for just over $700! Even online the best I seen one new was north of $500 + shipping!
Be sure you don't order up a bar for the 4 cylinder as they only cost $120 brand new, and are much smaller. I made this error but thankfully the customer was honest and pointed out that such a price could only be for a 4 cylinder bar. Turns out he was right and the difference in cost between the two is insane! Luckily I was able to source him a good used bar from a yard at the same cost as a brand new bar for the 4 cylinder.
So to recap-
4 Cylinder Sway / Stabilizer Bar GM part number - 21990361
6 Cylinder Sway / Stabilizer Bar GM part number - 22732114
Hope that helps some fellow mechanic out there who might otherwise spend 2 hours trying to twist a bar into an AWD V6 with factory GM instructions or even worse yet, rookie web instructions of people not having a flipping clue.
For reference, here are the factory instructions
Stabilizer Shaft Replacement
Tools Required
J 44015 Steering Linkage Installer
SA91100C Tie Rod Separator
Removal Procedure Turn the front to the full right position. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information. Remove the front tire and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels. If equipped with a 2.2L (L61) engine, remove the front exhaust pipe. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
Disconnect the stabilizer link from the stabilizer bar. Remove the left outer tie rod to steering knuckle nut. Discard the nut.
Using the SA91100C , separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.
Remove the stabilizer bar clamp to cradle bolts. Remove the stabilizer bar clamps and bushings from the stabilizer bar. Important: Take care not to catch the transmission shift cable or left wheel house plastic trim when removing the stabilizer bar.
Remove the stabilizer bar from the vehicle through the left wheel opening.
Installation Procedure Important: Take care not to catch the transmission shift cable or left wheel house plastic trim when installing the stabilizer bar.
Install the stabilizer bar to the vehicle through the left wheel opening.
Install the stabilizer bar clamps and bushings to the stabilizer bar. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
Install the stabilizer bar clamp bolts.
Tighten Tighten the bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
Inspect the stabilizer link boots for damage and replace the stabilizer link if needed.
Important: Hold the ball stud when tightening the nut.
Connect the stabilizer links to the stabilizer bar. Do not allow the boot to twist.
Tighten Tighten the bar to link nut to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).
Connect the left outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Use the J 44015 to seat the ball stud taper to 40 N·m (30 lb ft). Remove the J 44015 . install a new tie rod retention nut.
Tighten Tighten the nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
If equipped with a 2.2L (L61) engine, install the front exhaust pipe. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust. Install the front tire and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels. Lower the vehicle.
BUT BEWARE - THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO THE AWD 3.5 LITER V6 VERSION! For these vehicles you must lower the sub frame and proceed as I have stated in the thread above.
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
Yes that part number appears to be the proper number.
Looks like a nice kit too, complete with everything you would need.
I have also noticed that these year Saturn Vue's suffer from a rusted out right front passengers cradle mounting area! It may be what contributes to the sway bars breaking as I have seen more than four of them in really bad shape, one of which we had to perform a repair. Since the area is part of the chassis it usually puts the car down, so I wonder if Dorman is going to make a kit to address this as well? I have photos but it would take me awhile to find them.
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
