What causes sway bars to go bad?

What causes sway bars to go bad?

The sway bar link maintains the camber angle of the inner wheels to control motion. 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.

How do you replace the bushing on a sway bar?

You may have to remove the sway bar end links to get the sway bar to move enough to replace the bushings grease the bushings properly with wheel bearing grease or another heavy-duty grease to keep them quiet. Make sure you tighten the bushing bolts completely. It should compress the bushing slightly giving you a nice quiet ride.

How do you remove a sway bar link?

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. Two lug nuts hold the sway bar link in place. Start by removing the upper nut first. This nut holds the most weight when the sway bar is at normal rest, so it tends to be the most problematic.

When to replace your sway bar and stabilizer link?

It’s always a good idea to have the undercarriage inspected by a professional after pothole season, but here are some warning signs that your stabilizer link may be damaged: If you are in need of a new stabilizer link, tie rod, or ball joint MAS Industries has you covered with top of the line options.

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.

How much does it cost to replace a sway bar?

Sway Bar Replacement Cost. Typical cost to change the front sway bar bushings and links range between $450 and $900 depending on make and model. The good news is that the parts themselves are very cheap, especially if you buy them online. The typical cost of front sway bar links and bushings is under $100.

How do you replace a sway bar link?

Step 1: Engage the parking brake. Step 2: Loosen the lug nuts. Step 3: Raise your vehicle. Step 4. Secure the vehicle. Step 5: Remove the tire. Step 6: Locate the sway bar link to be replaced. Step 7: Remove the lug nuts. Step 8: Apply pressure on the sway bar. Step 9: Make sure the new sway bar link matches the old one.

What is a broken sway bar?

Because a sway bar helps the car’s suspension to put more pressure on loaded springs, a broken sway bar means that the car’s suspension will not be able to handle corners as well or as quickly. While it is possible to drive with a broken sway bar, as a precaution do not take corners with excessive speeds.

What does a broken sway bar link sound like?

When a car with a defective sway bar link is run through a distance, a distinct odd, clunky sound of the metal can be heard whenever even a slight bump or dip is hit. Sometimes, a faint “metal knock” may be heard when the vehicle undergoes a jerk. This may be a sign of a broken sway bar link.