Sway bar links help keep your car stable and minimize side-to-side swaying when you take sharp turns.
But like all parts, they can wear out over time, leaving you with a rough, unstable ride. If every bump feels like a jolt, it’s time to take a closer look.
Wondering how much it costs to replace worn sway bar links?
We’ll reveal the sway bar link replacement cost and signs of a failing link so that you can fix the issue before it escalates into bigger problems. We’ll also explore if you should attempt a DIY repair.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Sway Bar Link Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the Worn Sway Bar Links?
- 5 Clear Signs You Need a Sway Bar Link Replacement
- How Long Does a Sway Bar Link Last?
- Can You Replace a Sway Bar Link Yourself?
How Much Does a Sway Bar Link Replacement Cost?
Here’s what you can expect to pay for new sway bar links (also called stabilizer bar or anti-roll bar links):
A. Range
Replacing a sway bar end link usually costs between $75 and $305.
This includes:
- Cost of parts:
- Front sway bar links: $15 to $95 per pair
- Rear sway bar links: $10 to $40 per pair
- Cost of labor: $50 to $170
NOTE: Front sway bar links are more expensive as they are subjected to higher loads and require a more robust design to maintain vehicle stability.
B. Factors Affecting Replacement Cost
The cost of replacing a sway bar link primarily depends on local labor rates and the make and model of your car.
Some other factors that can influence the final bill at the repair shop include:
- Type of sway bar links: Bolt-type sway bar links are the cheapest, commonly found in older vehicles and some entry-level models. Meanwhile, ball joint style links, found in modern cars, are expensive as they’re made from forged steel or aluminum.
- Location of part: Replacing the front sway bar links is slightly more expensive than replacing the rear ones. This is because front sway bar links are usually harder to access, which means more disassembly and a higher labor cost.
- Number of damaged links: If only one anti-roll bar link is damaged – say, from an accident or impact – you can opt to replace just that one. However, if the sway bar links wear out, replacing both the front and rear ones at once is smarter to avoid future issues and additional labor costs. That’s because if one link has worn out, the other is likely not far behind.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) vs. aftermarket parts: OEM sway bar links will cost more than aftermarket parts, as the former are more durable and offer better performance.
- Additional repairs: During suspension repairs, mechanics often inspect related components like the tie rod end, sway bar bushings, or coil spring for signs of wear. For example, if the sway bar bushings are damaged, their replacement cost (ranging from $80 to $130) will be added to the repair bill.
Is It Worth Replacing the Worn Sway Bar Links?
Yes, indeed.
A damaged sway bar link can make driving unsafe, especially at higher speeds or during sharp turns.
But that’s not all.
A broken stabilizer bar link puts extra strain on other suspension system components (control arms, struts, and bushings), leading to more expensive repairs.
5 Clear Signs You Need a Sway Bar Link Replacement
You might need to replace the sway bar links if you notice:
- Unusual noises: Clunking, knocking, or rattling noises, especially when driving over bumps or making turns point to a loose sway bar link. Meanwhile, squeaking or grinding sounds underneath the car indicate that the sway bar bushing set is damaged.
- Reduced handling and stability: This occurs when the sway bar links or the control arm fails to keep the suspension balanced. You may also experience excessive body roll and reduced stability while cornering.
- Steering problems: A broken sway bar end link can throw your suspension out of balance, making your steering wheel feel loose or wobbly. You might even notice the vehicle pulling to one side while driving.
NOTE: A failing power steering pump may also have similar symptoms.
- Uneven tire wear: Damaged sway bar links can affect suspension alignment, causing one side of the tire to wear out faster than the other.
- Physical signs: If the sway bar link moves around too much when you check it by hand, that’s a clear sign it’s not holding things together as it should.
How Long Does a Sway Bar Link Last?
Sway bar links are generally designed to last the lifetime of your vehicle — around 12 years or up to 200,000 miles.
However, they can wear out sooner due to frequent driving on rough or uneven roads.
Further, vehicles with a trailer hitch for regular hauling should pay extra attention to sway bar link wear. The added weight can accelerate deterioration, leading to poor handling and increased body roll during turns.
Can You Replace a Sway Bar Link Yourself?
If you lack auto repair experience, it’s best to leave sway bar link replacement to a professional mechanic. They’ll have the proper tools and know-how to do the job safely.
Here’s how they’ll replace a sway bar link:
- Park the vehicle on a level surface. While replacing the front sway bar links, they’ll engage the parking brake for stability. However, they may use wheel chocks instead of engaging the parking brake for rear sway bar link replacement. That’s because the parking brake may interfere with suspension movement.
- Slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheels using a lug wrench.
- Use a jack to lift the vehicle and place jack stands underneath for safety.
- Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel.
- Locate the sway bar link and the nuts securing it. Apply rust-loosening spray like WD-40 if needed.
- Use a breaker bar to remove the top bolt first, followed by the lower one. They may use a wrench to hold the nut from the back.
- Once both bolts are out, use a pry bar to remove the old sway bar link.
- Install the new sway bar link. If needed, lift the suspension slightly with a jack to align the mounting holes.
- Tighten the new nuts with a torque wrench, following the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Reinstall the wheel and screw in the lug nuts.
- Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque specifications.
- Perform a short test drive to ensure everything is secure and functioning properly.
Replace Your Sway Bar Links & Say Goodbye to Bumpy Turns
Worn sway bar links can make your ride feel loose, unstable, and downright unsafe. Ignoring the problem will only lead to more expensive repairs down the line.
The good news?
Regular inspections can catch early signs of trouble before they turn into costly repairs.
But if you suspect the sway bar link is already worn out and making your ride unsafe, contact AutoNation Mobile Service.
Our mobile mechanics can replace your sway bar links right from your driveway and get you back on the road quickly. We also offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on various services, like spark plug replacement, fuel pump repair, cabin air filter replacement, and more.
Schedule your sway bar link replacement today.