Also known as a stabilizer bar or anti-roll bar, the sway bar connects suspension components on either side of the car to minimize body leaning in turns. Though the sway bars themselves are made of long-lasting, durable steel, the end links incorporate bushings that can fail with age and wear.

What happens when sway bar end links go bad?

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.

Can you drive with a broken sway bar end link?

If you suspect that a sway bar is broken, you can still drive the car, but you must use caution. ... It will feel “looser”, particularly when driving at high speeds. It's very possible that this will cause you to lose control of the car, resulting in a serious accident if you're not prepared for it.

Can Bad sway bar links cause death wobble?

Sway bar will not cause death wobble. The bar gets turned down from links being too short.

How often should sway bar links be replaced?

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.

How to Replace Sway Bar Bushings and End Links

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What happens if you don't replace sway bar links?

When the stabilizer bar links are starting to wear out, the symptoms can range from barely noticeable to significant, and if you don't have your stabilizer bar links replaced, can result in catastrophic damage to the front end of your vehicle and potentially an accident.

How much does it cost to replace sway bar links?

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.

Why would a sway bar link break?

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. ... Like many automotive parts, over time the sway bar links will wear out. Water intrusion that leads to rust, age, and lack of lubrication all contribute to deterioration over time.

Can I 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.

Do sway bar links affect alignment?

An alignment isn't necessary after any sway bar install.

How do I know if I need new sway bar links?

popping or knocking noise: a popping or knocking noise from the area when you go over bumps is the most common sign of a faulty sway bar link. these sounds will typically come from the area near the front tires. reduced handling: a broken sway bar link means the sway bar is no longer attached to the vehicle.

How long do sway bar bushings last?

The lifespan of different bushings varies. The rubber bushing is designed to last as long as the rubber hoses. However, the bushings are to last for about 14 years, but the environment and management will contribute to this factor.

Can a broken sway bar cause vibration?

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

Are sway bars worth it?

If you notice squeaking or knocking sounds during cornering, the bushings, and links likely need to be replaced. But, if you want to improve your car's handling, stiffer sway bars do have tangible benefits. They reduce body roll and lean, making your car feel more agile and stable.

Are sway bar links and stabilizer links the same?

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.

Should I replace both sway bar links?

The answer is no, however your mechanic may recommend replacing both sway bar links because both links usually wear at the same rate and if one is bad, the other may go soon too. ... There is no need to replace a sway bar link if it's working properly and is not worn out.

Can I replace sway bar links myself?

Sway bars are usually located at the front of the car and are bolted to the suspension on your vehicle. Depending on the make and model of your car, you may have only front sway bars links, or front and rear sway bar links. Step 7: Remove the lug nuts. ... Start by removing the upper nut first.

What do end links do for a car?

End links serve as a connection between your vehicle's sway bar (anti-roll bar) and the vehicle's suspension. To understand why end links are so important, it is also important to understand how sway bars work.

Are stabilizer links important?

Significance. Stabilizer bars links improve handling and shock absorption, keeping the car from swaying too much as you turn--which could lead to loss of control. Adding stabilizer links between the main bars and the wheels refines this process of control, so cars handle "tight."

Do front sway bars wear out?

Many cars have anti-sway bars in both the front and rear. The bars themselves rarely wear out while the “end links” with bushing do wear out eventually. As these wear, the car will sway more in corners, reducing the handling characteristics.

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.

Will sway bars affect tire wear?

A sway bar will affect tire wear and can even make your car handle worse. IF, there are other suspension bushing that are worn or compromised. Upgrades to the suspension and chassis are only a benefit if the rest of the car is healthy.

How tight should sway bar end links be?

Tighten the sway bar link nut using a combination wrench to hold the bolt head and a torque wrench and socket to tighten the nut. Use caution when tightening the link: it only requires light torque, typically 10 to 20 foot-pounds.

Is it illegal to remove sway bars?

1 It is ILLEGAL in ALL states to remove or disconnect stabilizer bars.