How long does it take to replace a track bar? It takes a certified mechanic about 1-3 hours to complete the job. This includes the time it takes to do an initial inspection followed by a diagnosis and full replacement.

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 track bar replacement? How much do those parts cost?

Refer to your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for the precise part numbers. Here are the tools you’ll need:

New track bar: Your biggest expense will be the replacement track bar that connects to the chassis and axle. These average between $50 and $100, although you can splurge and buy larger or tougher track bars that push several hundred dollars.

New bushings (optional): If the bushings that cushion the ends of the track bar are cracked or look worn, go ahead and replace them when you swap out the track bar. A set of new bushings costs around $10 to $20.

Your mechanic also uses a hefty list of tools and equipment to do the replacement. Here is what they might use:

Floor jack and jack stands

Hammer

Ball joint separator (also called a pickle fork)

Ratchet, socket, and torque sets

Wrenches

Some popular track bar brands include BDS Suspension, Rough Country, and TeraFlex. You can purchase them from local off-road shops, auto parts stores like AutoZone and NAPA Auto Parts, and online retailers such as Amazon and 4WheelParts.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

This answer ultimately depends on you. If you want the assurance of a quality part that fits your vehicle or your vehicle is still under warranty, OEM parts are the way to go. If you’re on a tight budget or just want to head to the store and pick up parts, aftermarket replacements are a good option.

Where can I buy parts for my track bar replacement?

Head to a local off-road shop, your local auto body shop such as AutoZone or NAPA Auto Parts to buy aftermarket parts, or talk to a dealership service center if you’re interested in getting OEM parts. If you’d prefer to shop online, order from an auto part store’s website or search on Amazon.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my track bar replaced?

If you don’t feel up to replacing your vehicle’s track bar, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a mechanic who can. Let Jerry's

GarageGuard™

help you find a trusted repair shop that fits your budget.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from over 2,500 vetted repair shops in the US. They use each shop’s real hourly labor rate and you can see what’s included in the estimates. Plus, they’ll show you real customer reviews, so you can choose a repair shop that you’re comfortable with.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes near you.

110 Reviews

Sunray Gas and Repair

344 Ruth St N suite a, Minneapolis, MN

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$140

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (651) 735-0500

129 Reviews

Valvoline

6445 Canal St, Canal Winchester, OH

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

118 Reviews

Lake Anne Service Center

11410 North Shore Dr, Great Falls, VA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$135

Compare this shop for free with Jerry 703-435-0111

138 Reviews

Dunn Tire - Downtown #35

120 Broadway, Buffalo, NY

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$109.99

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (716) 200-1919

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 track bar?

Once you’ve found a certified mechanic that works on suspension systems, here’s how they’ll replace the track bar:

Raise the vehicle: The mechanic uses a floor jack and jack stands to elevate your vehicle. They might also support the suspension axle with specialized jacks.

Disassemble the track bar: Next, the mechanic removes the mounting bolts or disconnects the ball joints.

Remove the track bar: Now that the mechanic has access to the track bar, they’ll pull it from the frame/chassis mount. Sometimes, the mechanic has to remove the track bar mount, too.

Install the new track bar: The mechanic inserts the chassis end of the new bar before inserting the swivel side of the bar into the axle.

Secure the track bar: The mechanic will hand tighten the nuts before using a torque wrench to fasten the bar in place.

Lower the vehicle: After the mechanic torques the track bar, they lower your vehicle and you’re set to go.

What happens if I don’t replace my track bar?

You don’t want to wait to get your vehicle’s suspension inspected if you think the track bar is bad. Driving with a damaged track bar might lead to these issues:

Loss of vehicle control

Difficulty steering

Damage to the tires, brakes, and suspension

Any of these issues can increase your risk of getting into a serious car accident so fix the track bar as soon as possible.

What is a track bar?

If your vehicle has solid axles, it probably has a track rod, which is also called a Panhard bar. It’s a component of the suspension system that’s underneath the vehicle. One end of the track bar is secured to the chassis, and the opposite end is attached to the axle via bushings. Think of bushings as a cushioning component that’s designed to cut down on vibration.

When the track bar is properly mounted and working correctly, it stops the suspension from moving from side to side. By tracking or centering the axle under the vehicle, you’ll get smooth, precise driving even when the rest of the suspension components move or flex.

If the track bar is coming loose or it’s damaged, you’ll notice that your vehicle doesn’t handle properly. Since the problems will only get worse and could lead to more costly repairs, schedule an inspection if you suspect the track bar is bad.

When should I replace my track bar?

If you’re unsure if something’s wrong with your vehicle’s suspension, here are common signs of a bad track bar:

Difficulty steering: If your track bar needs to be replaced, you’ll struggle to turn the steering wheel. A bad track bar can also make the

steering wheel feel like it’s vibrating or shaking

Vehicle drift: If your track bar assembly is worn out on one side, you’ll notice the vehicle seems to pull to one side when you’re driving.

Tire wobble: Pay attention to how smooth your ride is. If the tires wobble a lot, it’s a sign that you need to get the track bar inspected immediately. There might be too much space between the bushings, so the bar is loose.

Unusual noises: A damaged track bar may cause a clunking or popping noise that you hear at lower speeds. These noises are a sign that the mounting bolts on the bar are too loose.

How often should a track bar be replaced?

There’s no consensus on how long a replacement track bar lasts, but many truck and Jeep owners agree that a track bar typically lasts around 20,000 miles. Keep in mind that the track bar is more likely to wear out or break if you frequently take your vehicle off-road.

Can I replace the track bar myself?

Replacing the track bar is an ambitious project for most drivers—but if you’ve got intermediate DIY auto skills and the necessary tools, you could do the replacement.

Remember: You’ll also need to perform a wheel alignment or take your vehicle in to be serviced after you do the replacement.

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FAQs

What causes a track bar to fail?

The track bar gets a lot of wear and tear, especially if you frequently drive off-road. Debris, water, and road salt can work their way to the bar, causing it to wear out. Sometimes, poor installation or using the wrong bolts can cause the track bar to break.

Can a bad track bar cause death wobble?

It certainly can. Death wobble—when your car shakes or wobbles while driving—can be caused by a problem with the suspension. If something’s wrong with the track bar, it can definitely contribute to death wobble.

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.