Questions You Should Know about stabilizer links

Part of the suspension system, a sway bar is a metal rod that runs across the width of the vehicle and connects to the vehicle’s wheels. Also known as anti-roll bar, stabilizer bar or anti-sway bar, sway bars enable the suspension to flex as the vehicle is turning to help reduce body roll and leaning. Found on the front and/or back of the vehicle, sway bars deliver the handling and stability needed to maintain vehicle control.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit our website.

As the name implies, sway bar links are a suspension part that connects the sway bar to the control arms, steering knuckles or struts in the front and the control arms or frame in the rear. These connective parts are located on the outer ends of the sway bar on both sides of the vehicle. All modern vehicles have a front sway bar, and some have an additional rear sway bar, so a vehicle could have up to four sway bar links – one for each wheel.

Sway bar links help maintain vehicle stability by connecting the sway bar to the frame or other suspension components. These small but important parts smooth out the movement of the sway bar when it is in motion by leveling the force between the bar and the control arm. Front links can help reduce leaning while turning and smooth out the ride while going over rough surfaces while rear links deliver stability.

Symptoms of a bad sway bar link can be the same warning signs of other failing steering and suspension parts. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your trusted auto technician to diagnose the source of the problem.

Clunking Noises

A metallic clunking or knocking sound when going over bumps or traveling athigher speeds is one of the most common signs of a bad sway bar link. When sway bar links have excessive play, it can lead to these unusual noises.

The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.

The sway bar is responsible for keeping your car stable while you drive — those bumps and corners would feel a lot less comfortable without it. It joins the car’s body to the suspension and is held in place by sway bar links, or link pins.

While it’s rare for the sway bar itself to fail, the links can eventually wear out or go bad over time.

» LEARN MORE: Get an estimate for you sway bar link replacement

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Zegao Machinery.

Signs of a worn or failed sway bar link

These are the most common signs of a failing sway bar link:

• 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. As a result, the car may exhibit more body roll and reduced handling. The changes can be subtle, however, so this may go unnoticed.

How to fix the problem

Sway bar replacement is typically a straightforward job that a professional can tackle in under an hour. Both sides will need to be replaced at the same time.

The only time things get complicated is when the link mounting hardware is rusted or seized. Mostly, this happens in locations with extreme winter climates where salt is used on the roads.

While sway bar link replacement by a DIYer is possible, it’s not recommended. For the most part, this is because the vehicle must be raised off the ground and properly supported. Plus, there’s always the chance the link may be seized and require special tools, like an oxyacetylene torch, to remove.

Get it diagnosed by a professional

Find a shop in your area

How sway bars and link pins work

Most vehicles have two sway bars (a front and rear), which are connected to the suspension by sway bar links, also known as link pins. Each sway bar has two links which attach to the bar at one end, and the vehicle’s suspension at the other. When a turn is taken, the links pull on the bar to resist body roll and promote stabilization.

Sway bar links are simple components. They’re basically a metal bar with either ball joints or bushings at each end. Their design allows the suspension and sway bar to flex while remaining attached to one another.

Want more information on stabilizer links? Feel free to contact us.