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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace stabilizer bar bushings?
Where can I get my stabilizer bar bushings replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my stabilizer bar bushings?
What happens if I don’t replace my stabilizer bar bushings?
What are battery cables?
Can I replace my battery cables myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace stabilizer bar bushings?

The average cost to replace sway bar bushings is $150-$200+. But remember, those prices are average estimates, and the actual total cost you’ll pay depends on your car and location.

How long does it take to replace stabilizer bar bushings? You should expect replacement times to vary from car to car. That said, a trained mechanic will generally take between one and two hours to replace sway bar bushings.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my stabilizer bar bushings replacement, and how much do those parts cost?

It’s a good idea to check your

owner’s manual

and vehicle repair guide to find model-specific information. But here’s a basic breakdown of what you may need:

Sway bar bushings: These are the primary parts you’re going to replace. They can cost between $10 and $40 per pair.

Sway bar links: If your sway bar end links are damaged, it’s a good idea to replace them at the same time. These can cost between $20 and $60 per link.

You can buy shock absorber parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. Three brands we recommend for sway bar bushings are Moog, Energy Suspension, and Mevotech. For sway bar links, Moog, TRW Automotive, and ACDelco are our top recommended brands. Keep in mind that the best parts and brands for your replacement will depend on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are generally the safest choice for most automotive repairs—especially if you drive a newer car.

OEM parts are produced by your vehicle’s manufacturer specifically to fit your make and model. They come with a strong warranty and are usually built from reliable, high-quality materials. OEM parts aren’t always ideal, though, and they can be expensive and difficult to find.

Aftermarket parts are made by third-party companies and can fit a broader range of cars. They tend to be cheaper than OEM parts but are available in budget, premium, and performance versions. Aftermarket parts are good for older cars, drivers looking to save money on repair costs, and those who want to customize their vehicles.

Where can I buy the parts for my stabilizer bar bushings replacement?

For OEM parts, you’ll have to visit your local dealership or contact an authorized parts supplier. You can find aftermarket parts at many local auto parts stores—like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts—and online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my stabilizer bar bushings replaced?

Finding the right auto repair shop can be difficult and time-consuming. Luckily, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

makes it easy to compare hourly rates and repair estimates from thousands of shops around the country.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ provides fair price estimates based on the actual hourly rates from local shops. Use it to discover diagnostic charges, plan for future maintenance work, and find the shops near you with the best customer reviews.

Check out some of our top-rated vetted shops below and download the app to search for quality repair services in your neighborhood.

177 Reviews

54th Street Auto Center

415 W 54th St, New York, NY

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$191

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (212) 265-3120

154 Reviews

61 Auto Center

1226 Centre Ave, Reading, PA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$70

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (610) 370-7224

105 Reviews

Velasquez Auto Care - Palatine

1450 N Rand Rd, Palatine, IL

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$120

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (224) 326-1282

187 Reviews

106 St Tire & Wheel

106-01 Northern Blvd, Manhattan, NY

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$25

Compare this shop for free with Jerry 718) 446-6769

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my stabilizer bar bushings?

These are the general steps a mechanic will follow to replace your sway bar bushings:

Raise the vehicle off the ground and support it with jack stands or a hydraulic lift

If replacing the rear sway bar bushings, remove the rear wheels; if replacing the front sway bar bushings, remove the front wheels

Disconnect the sway bar links

Remove the sway bar bushing bracket bolts and the brackets

Remove the old bushings

Lubricate the new sway bar bushings and position them on the stabilizer bar

Position the brackets and install the mounting bolts

Torque the bushing bracket bolts to the manufacturer’s specification

Reconnect the stabilizer bar links and torque the bolts to the manufacturer’s specification

Replace the wheels and torque the lug nuts

Lower the car

Take the car on a 10-mile test drive

What happens if I don’t replace my stabilizer bar bushings?

If you choose to ignore bad sway bar bushings, you’ll likely face the following issues:

Reduced stability and handling: When the sway bar bushings become damaged or worn, the stabilizer bar won’t be able to perform its job properly. This can lead to increased body roll when cornering and overall reduced vehicle handling.

Steering issues: The sway bar also plays a role in your car’s steering responsiveness. If you have bad bushings, your steering wheel may feel loose or less precise.

Noisy suspension: If the bushings are bad, you’ll likely notice noises from your car’s suspension. You may hear clunking, knocking, or squeaking noises.

Uneven tire wear: Bad sway bar bushings can affect your suspension system’s ability to keep the car balanced and level. This can lead to uneven tire wear.

Damage to other suspension components: Faulty or worn-out sway bar bushings can put extra stress on other components, like the control arms, struts, ball joints, tie rods, and sway bar links.

Safety issues: If the bushings are bad, the stabilizer bar won’t be able to do its job properly. This can cause reduced handling and stability, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle control.

What are battery cables?

The battery in a vehicle is designed to power all the electrical components in your car—but that battery can’t work correctly without battery cables. Think of your car battery like a heart. The cables are blood vessels running an electrical current to the alternator, which powers all electronic systems.

As with any other part of your car, the components of your battery system will wear over time and begin to malfunction. In most cases, the battery cables start to corrode and interfere with the electrical system. This can lead to malfunction in several parts of your car.

How do I know when my battery cables need replacing?

There are a few telltale signs that your battery and/or its cables will need to be checked out by a mechanic. Here are the most common symptoms to watch for:

Trouble starting your car’s engine

A clicking sound when trying to start your engine

Corrosion deposits on the battery itself

Battery cables show signs of wear and tear, such as fraying or loosening

Interior lighting dimming

Engine stalling after startup if your car doesn’t get moving

Remember: Everything runs off your car battery and the battery cables—so if the cable is worn and the electrical current isn’t being transferred to the alternator, your electrical systems won’t work correctly.

How often should battery cables be replaced?

Battery cables will usually last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Based on an average mileage of 14,000 miles per year, they may need to be replaced every 3.5 and 7 years. But don’t rush into changing them if they don’t show signs of wear and tear.

Battery cables are constantly used, which means wear and tear can result in corrosion, overheating, or insulation perishing.

If the battery light is flashing but nothing is wrong with the battery, it could also indicate that the cables need replacing.

Can I replace my battery cables myself?

Replacing your battery cables is a straightforward process that you can easily do at home, even if you don’t have extensive automotive repair knowledge.

This process is as easy as removing the negative and positive terminals and cable terminals, removing the battery, disconnecting the cables, and reinstalling new cables.

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FAQs

Can you drive a car with a broken stabilizer bar?

You should avoid driving with a broken sway bar whenever possible. Driving with a broken stabilizer bar can lead to the following issues:

Increased body roll

Reduced handling

Uneven tire wear

Increased risk of rollover and accidents

Do you need an alignment after replacing a stabilizer bar?

In general, you don’t need a wheel alignment following a stabilizer bar replacement. However, if you replace other suspension components—like struts or control arms—at the same time, you will most likely need an alignment.

What causes a stabilizer bar to break?

A sway bar can break due to various factors, including:

Metal fatigue

Rust and corrosion

Impact or excessive force

Off-road driving

Faulty or worn-out bushings

Manufacturer defects

Collisions and accidents

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.