What are stabiliser bars and links?
Car body roll occurs when high levels of force are placed on one side of the vehicle. When roll occurs, more weight is placed on the outside of the tyres and less weight on the inside of the tyres. This results in reduced transaction and contact with the road. If too much car body roll occurs, you run the risk of flipping / rolling your car.
Stabiliser bars (also known as anti-sway or anti-roll bars) help prevent roll from occurring and keep the car’s body as flat as possible. The stabiliser bar does this by transferring force from one side of the car to the other. Connected to this component are the stabiliser bar links (also known as sway bar links). These attach the stabiliser bar to the control arm of the suspension. Properly functioning stabiliser bar links are essential to keeping the sway bar in its correct position and allowing improved control over the car’s steering.
Learn more about the stabiliser bar >
The sway bar bushings support the sway bar and cushion impacts. This helps to reduce bumps and shaking. In some cases, damaged bushings can produce similar symptoms for
Causes of stabiliser bar link damage:
- Wear and Tear: Over time, the stabilizer bar link may experience normal wear and tear due to continuous use and exposure to road conditions. This can lead to deterioration of the link’s bushings, joints, or connecting hardware, resulting in decreased performance and eventual failure.
- Road Conditions: Driving on rough or uneven roads, encountering potholes, speed bumps, or other road hazards can put excessive stress on the stabiliser bar link. The repeated impact and vibrations can cause the link’s components to weaken, bend, or break.
- Corrosion: The stabiliser bar link is exposed to various elements, including moisture, road salt, and debris. Over time, this exposure can lead to corrosion and rust formation on the link’s metal surfaces. Corrosion weakens the structural integrity of the link, making it more susceptible to damage.
Symptoms of stabiliser bar link in need of replacement:
- Clunking or Rattling Noises: One of the most common indications of a worn or damaged stabilizer bar link is the presence of clunking or rattling noises, particularly when driving over bumps or uneven road surfaces. The noise may be more pronounced during cornering or when the suspension is under load.
- Increased Body Roll and Poor Handling: A faulty stabilizer bar link can lead to increased body roll during turns or cornering. You may notice that your vehicle feels less stable and exhibits excessive leaning or swaying when navigating curves or making sharp maneuvers.
- Vibration in the Steering Wheel: A worn or damaged stabilizer bar link can cause vibrations to transfer to the steering wheel, particularly when driving over rough surfaces or encountering bumps. These vibrations may be felt as a shaking or trembling sensation in the steering wheel.
- Uneven Tyre Wear: If the stabilizer bar link is not functioning correctly, it can affect the suspension’s alignment and cause uneven tyre wear. Check your tyres regularly for signs of uneven tread wear, such as bald spots or excessive wear on the inner or outer edges of the tyres.
- Loose or Unstable Feeling: A failing stabilizer bar link can contribute to a general sense of instability in the vehicle’s handling. You may notice that the steering feels less responsive or that the vehicle feels looser or less controlled, especially during abrupt steering maneuvers.
Please note: Because the stabiliser / sway bar links are a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) requirement, you will need them to be in good working order to pass your next Warrant of Fitness.
New Stabiliser / Sway Bar Links & Repairs in Hamilton
Is your car in need of new stabiliser bar links? Or have you failed your Warrant of Fitness due to sway bar problems? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, our experienced and qualified mechanics can examine your suspension system and determine if the stabiliser / sway bar links need replacement. From there, we can install new stabiliser / sway bar links, allowing you to have maximum control of your car.
For new stabiliser bar link installation in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!