How is the sway bar attached to a car?
The sway bar is attached at each end, one end to one wheel and at the other end to the opposite wheel (both fronts or both rears) so that in order for the wheel on one side to be higher than that on the other the bar has to twist.
When to install a stiffer rear sway bar?
If your vehicle understeers, front or rear wheel drive, a stiffer rear sway bar will make the car handle more neutrally. All Wheel Drive (AWD) Cars: To put it simply, if you drive an all wheel drive car that understeers, install a stiffer rear sway bar.
Is it possible for a sway bar to wear out?
Without them, your car could go out of control in an instant, which is why maintaining the health of sway bars is necessary. Sway bars are rods made of iron or steel, so they cannot snap easily, but keep in mind that the front suspension of an engine comes under immense stress, so it is not unlikely for a sway bar to wear out.
How much does it cost to replace a sway bar?
Typically, a car requires new sway bar end links or stabilizer bushings. A replacement sway bar end link will cost between $125 and $160, with labor making up $50 to $70 and the part costing between $55 and $110. The stabilizer bushing replacement cost is between $125 and $160, with labor making up $95 to $120 and the part costing $30 to $65.
Where are the sway bars on a car?
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.
Where does the twisting motion of the sway bar come from?
This twisting motion in the sway bar is translated to the left side of the vehicle, pulling it down and holding the wheel to the ground through the corner. All images by author, except Advance Auto Parts product images.
Do you have to replace the whole sway bar?
This replacement job usually involves taking out the link rather than the whole bar, as that tends to be the weakest part or the part that is most like to break down, but there may be more parts to be replaced, due to the amount of damage your car has experienced.
How are sway bar bushings and links changed?
Sway bar end links have undergone a design change as front suspension design has transformed. The switch to MacPherson struts required a change in how and where sway bar end links were connected. Confusing the matter even more, they connect upward to the MacPherson strut and are longer, or they connect to the lower control arm and are shorter.
What happens when you hit a sway bar?
So a car with a stiff sway bar that hits such a bump will either feel stiffer (as if it had very stiff springs) on the side with the bump, will lift the tire off the road on the other side, or both.
How can I remove a bad sway bar link?
Identify the bad link. A bad link: Remove the nut holding the sway bar link to the sway bar. You will have to grip the shaft below the sway bar so it does not turn – for example pair of vice grip locking pliers.The bottom bolt you can use a socket wrench on the nut, and a wrench on the nut on the other side of the mounting point (see picture).
Can a rear sway bar eliminate body roll?
Adding a rear sway bar to your vehicle is one of the quickest and most cost effect ways to eliminate body roll and improve handling. Stiffen up your rear suspension and regain control of the road. Select your vehicle make, Year, and model, to see a list of products that fit your specific vehicle. Begin by choosing the make of your vehicle below.
Is it possible to back up with sway bars?
Turning sharply to make right or left turns in city traffic does create a “creaking” noise; when riding on the highway, there is no noise at all. Some have commented that backing up is not possible with the sway bars attached. This is extremely dependent upon the application.
What are the features of EAZ lift sway control?
Also, Eaz-Lift sway controls do not lose sway control ability in turns. Comes complete with slide bar, crank handle, spring clips, friction plate, ball tongue plate, self-tapping screws and chrome tongue ball. Eaz-Lift has been inventing and manufacturing the finest in hitch technology since 1952.
How much does it cost to install a sway bar?
However, after reading into the details of the sway bar, it was not rated to handle the all the weight of our trailer. So we installed the second sway bar for less than $80 before our recent 400 mile journey to Paul Wolff Campground in Illinois. This has been the most pleasant towing experience we have had.