Does your car make a clunking noise when driving?
Or does it feel less responsive when steering or braking?
These could be symptoms of bad sway bar links. Ignoring such signs can make it harder to control your car, especially while turning sharply.
But don’t worry!
We’re here to help you catch these signs early, understand the causes, and take the necessary steps to avoid further damaging your suspension.
This Article Contains:
- 5 Distinct Bad Sway Bar Links Symptoms to Watch Out For
- What Causes Sway Bar Links to Go Bad?
- Can I Drive with Bad Sway Bar Links?
- 5 Bad Sway Bar Link FAQs
5 Distinct Bad Sway Bar Links Symptoms to Watch Out For
When the links on the sway bar (also called stabilizer bar, or anti-roll bar) go bad, they can present several symptoms. Here are the most common ones:
1. A Clunking Noise From the Suspension
One of the first symptoms of a bad sway bar link you might notice is a squeaking or clunking noise from the front suspension area, especially when turning corners or going over bumps. A worn-out ball joint within the links is generally the most common cause of this sway bar problem.
However, issues with the steering system, such as worn tie rod ends or a loose steering column, can also produce these unusual noises.
2. Changes in Handling
Sway bar links help ensure your tires remain in contact with the road. If the sway bar links fail, your vehicle may feel less responsive or more challenging to control when steering or braking.
Sometimes, you may also notice increased vibration in the steering wheel.
3. Uneven Tire Wear
Faulty sway bar links can result in an uneven weight distribution within the vehicle, causing one side to bear a greater load. This imbalance can increase tire friction and reduce tire contact area.
For cost-effective tire and car care tips, consult a professional mechanic.
4. Excessive Body Roll
When the links are faulty, your vehicle’s suspension system becomes less effective at counteracting body roll. As a result, you may notice more tilting or leaning when turning, which can affect your control over the vehicle.
5. Visual Damage
If you suspect a damaged sway bar link, do a visual diagnosis. Look for damage signs, such as bent or broken links, bad sway bar bushings, or loose connections. This would be a clear indication that these car parts need replacing.
Now that we know what signs to look for, let’s examine what might cause a worn sway bar link.
What Causes Sway Bar Links to Go Bad?
Some typical causes for a bad sway bar include:
1. Regular Wear and Tear
The sway bar bushing and the links sit outside the vehicle, exposing them to heat, water, and road debris. These components are under constant stress and movement. With time, the links can rust, corrode, or wear out.
2. Impact Damage
Driving over rough surfaces, hitting the curb, or going over a bump at a high speed puts additional stress on the rear and front sway bar links. A strong enough collision could cause the ball in the anti-roll bar link to separate from the socket or snap the link. It’s also possible for the rubber bushing or studs in banana-style links to break with impact.
3. Overloading the Vehicle
Carrying heavy loads or exceeding the vehicle’s weight limit can stress your vehicle’s suspension system. Over time, this can cause the sway bar links to wear out prematurely.
Tip: If you frequently load your car up, inspect the sway bar and its links more regularly for signs of warping or damage.
4. Lack of Lubrication
The ball joints and rubber bushing within the sway bar links ensure they can move as needed. Each ball joint is lubricated in special grease to maintain good working order. Without lubrication, these bearings can become noisy, experience increased wear, and fail prematurely.
5. Defective Parts
Anti-sway bar links are made of metal, such as steel, aluminum, or both. However, the quality can vary, with poorer-quality links wearing out faster. Also, your sway bar end link can have manufacturing defects. You can reduce this risk using Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts.
Next, we’ll discuss the safety risks of driving with a faulty sway bar link.
Can I Drive with Bad Sway Bar Links?
Driving with a worn or broken sway bar link is never a good idea, as it’s crucial to maintaining control when turning and maneuvering. Moreover, a bad sway bar link or stabilizer link is a relatively easy component to fix. But, if you keep driving with a bad stabilizer bar link, it could lead to more serious issues and expensive repairs.
So, if your vehicle needs sway bar link replacement, it’s best to book an appointment with a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
Still have a few unanswered anti-roll bar link questions?
Let’s go through them.
5 Bad Sway Bar Link FAQs
Here are the answers to some common queries about the sway bar link:
1. What Are Sway Bar Links?
Sway bar links attach the sway bar to the control arm, and the sway bar bushing attaches the bar to the vehicle’s body.
Each sway bar end link plays a crucial role in controlling body roll. As you turn your car, the body tends to roll towards the outside of the turn. The stabilizer link reduces that roll by transferring the weight to the inside of the wheel, keeping your vehicle level.
Both front and rear sway bar links are vital components in your vehicle’s suspension.
2. How Long Do Sway Bar Links Last?
Sway bar links are designed to last the vehicle’s lifetime. However, driving at a high speed over a speed bump or exceeding the vehicle’s weight limit can impact their lifespan.
If you notice any broken sway bar link symptoms, you should schedule a replacement soon to avoid further damage.
3. How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Faulty Sway Bar Link?
The average sway bar link replacement cost is around $200. However, the price could vary if the control arm bushings or another suspension component, such as the strut or tie rod, also needs replacement.
4. How to Change Sway Bar Links (A Step-by-Step Guide)
A sway bar link replacement requires specialized tools and knowledge. So, it’s best to avoid DIY and hire a trained mechanic or visit an auto repair shop to replace a worn sway bar link.
Here’s how a professional mechanic would install a new sway bar link:
- Elevate the vehicle: The mechanic will raise the wheel with a floor jack and secure the car with a jack stand.
- Remove the tire: They’ll then remove the tire to access the stabilizer bar links.
- Locate the sway bar links: They’re usually found at the car’s front end, bolted to the suspension.
- Remove the lug nuts securing the links: Two lug nuts should hold the sway bar link in place. They’ll use an Allen wrench to remove these and detach the links from the bar.
- Remove the old sway bar link: The mechanic will then remove the damaged sway bar link. They’ll also check the sway bar bushings and replace them if worn.
- Install the new sway bar link: They’ll correctly position the new end link and secure the lugs.
- Test the link: The mechanic will try to move the end link laterally and vertically to check for any excess play or noise.
5. How Can You Avoid Sway Bar Link Damage?
Follow these steps to keep your sway bar in top shape:
- Get your vehicle’s suspension and bushings checked regularly, and replace worn parts at the earliest.
- Stick to the recommended Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) — the maximum weight that a vehicle is rated to carry safely. This will ensure the sway bar links are not under too much strain.
- Avoid rough roads and potholes whenever possible. Always drive slowly over speed bumps to reduce stress on the suspension system.
Get Superior Sway Bar Link Maintenance With AutoNation Mobile Services
Sway bar links are a crucial part of the suspension system, helping to prevent body roll and improve handling. If you notice a clunk noise, excessive body roll, or any other symptoms mentioned earlier, there’s a good chance your links need replacing.
Fortunately, AutoNation Mobile Service’s mobile mechanics are at your service seven days a week. Our expert technicians will handle the damaged sway bar links and replace any bad sway bar bushings right from your driveway. Plus, we offer a 12-month | 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.