QA

Quick Answer: What Does Sway Bar Links Do

Sway bar links are what connect the outer end of the sway bar to the suspension component. Because the sway bar itself is a torsional swing, the sway bar link smooths the motion transfer between the sway bar and the control arm. The sway bar link maintains the camber angle of the inner wheels to control motion.

What are the symptoms of bad sway bar links?

Warning signs of a broken or bad sway bar link include clunks and squeaks. Over-steering or excessive lean through turns are also symptoms of worn sway bar links, but they can also be signs of larger problems with your vehicle’s suspension system.

What Will Bad sway bar links do?

A broken or damaged sway bar link can cause your vehicle to handle poorly, particularly if the sway bar link is broken. If it is broken, then the sway bar is not connected to the chassis properly and will not prevent the car from leaning in a corner. Your car will lean more in corners if the link is broken.

Do sway bar links affect alignment?

Registered Member. Sway bar end links, or anything to do with a sway bar, won’t affect wheel alignment settings. Most places don’t have an option anymore about 2 or 4 wheel alignments.

Can you drive without sway bar links?

Hello. Driving without sway bar end links can be dangerous because as you’ve noticed, the vehicle will not steer correctly. Sway bar end links are meant to stabilize a vehicle when turning and at high speeds. You can have your sway bar end links installed by YourMechanic for 97.00.

How much does it cost to fix a sway bar?

The average sway bar replacement cost is between $125 and $160, with labor making up $50 to $70 and the part costing between $55 and $110. It’s not usual to need a new sway bar. Typically, a car requires new sway bar end links or stabilizer bushings.

Can Bad sway bar links cause vibration?

No, sway bar cannot cause vibrations. It can transmit them, but not cause them.

How often should you replace sway bar links?

Now, when it comes to the overall lifespan of the sway bar link, it will be from four to five years. However, if the roads have treated the car exceptionally well and the turns were not that sharp, you can expect them to last over five years.

Can sway bar links cause tire wear?

Broken anti-sway bar end links do not cause tire wear.

Does sway bar affect steering?

While sway bars are meant to reduce swaying while turning on a corner, it can help improve car handling and stability because it impacts steering and keeps the wheel firm on the ground.

Should I replace sway bar links in pairs?

Some sway bar links have ball joints and studs, while others are basically a long bolt with a sleeve and bushings. Most professionals recommend replacing sway bar links in pairs (i.e., both front links or both rear links).

Are sway bar links and stabilizer links the same thing?

The stabilizer and sway bars go by different names. You might know them by stabilizer link, anti-roll, and anti-sway bars. No matter what you know them by, they are basically the same thing.

Do you really need a front sway bar?

Sway bars are an essential piece of suspension equipment on your truck or Jeep that controls and prevents excessive sway that can lead to a rollover. How much sway control you need depends on your off-road truck or Jeep and what you do with it.

Do you need a sway bar?

Sway control or sway bar hitches are optional pieces of equipment that you can add to your camper or hitch to prevent sway. Although they’re not required, adding a sway bar will provide a much more comfortable and stable towing experience and give you peace of mind.

How long does it take to change sway bar links?

Bushings should take maybe 30-40 minutes to change (in pairs) front and rear.

Does sway bar make noise?

Sway bar links connect the two sides of the suspension together with the sway bar. If the sway bar link breaks and loosens, it can make a rattling or clunking sound as it taps other parts of the suspension.

Do sway bars improve handling?

Basically sway bars reduce roll and dramatically improve handling. They connect one side of the suspension to the other with attachment points generally on the lower A-arms and frame (chassis), and twist to limit the roll during cornering. As the truck enters a corner, centrifugal forces create a body roll force.

Do sway bar links affect camber?

Swaybars do not affect static camber. You do not need an additional alignment as long as none of the components removed touches any of the eccentric bolts used to align for camber, any of the slotted holes for camber and toe, or the adjustment nut up front for front toe.

How much does it cost to replace front sway bar links?

As with any car parts, the cost will vary from one car to another. The average sway bar link replacement cost is usually between $125 to $160 including labor. The links themselves cost between $40 to $110 each, while the labor will set you back anywhere between $50 to $70.