What are stabilizer bar links?
Sway bar links—also known as stabilizer bar links and anti-roll bar links—are part of the suspension system in many vehicles. Their primary purpose is to connect the sway bar to the suspension system on the right and left sides of the car. They reduce body roll and maintain vehicle stability by transferring force between the sway bar and suspension.
When should I replace the stabilizer bar links on my car?
There is no fixed replacement interval for the stabilizer bar links. Instead, you’ll need to replace yours when they break or fail. The top signs of faulty or broken sway bar links include:
Noisy suspension: One of the main signs of bad sway bar links is a noisy suspension. You may notice clunking or squealing noises from near the wheels if your stabilizer links are bad.
Loose or unresponsive steering: Bad sway bar links can cause your steering wheel to feel loose or unresponsive, especially when cornering.
Increased body roll: When sway bar links fail, you’ll likely notice your car leans more heavily to one side while turning.
How often should I replace my stabilizer bar links?
While you should check the sway bar links as a part of your routine maintenance inspection, there is no fixed replacement interval for them. Instead, you’ll only need to replace yours if they break or fail. The most common signs of bad sway bar links include loose steering and clunking or rattling noises near the wheels.
Can I replace my stabilizer bar links myself?
Yes—replacing your stabilizer bar links can be an excellent DIY project. It’s a relatively straightforward task, and it generally requires low-to-mid-level automotive experience. With the right guidance, even novices should have no issues replacing their sway bar links.
That said, if you’re uncomfortable performing the service yourself, you should visit a professional mechanic.