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The average sway bar link replacement cost is usually between $125 to $160 including labor. The links themselves cost between $40 to $110 each, while the labor will set you back anywhere between $50 to $70.
Is it safe to drive with bad sway bar links?
It is possible to still drive a vehicle with broken sway bar links, but handling performance will suffer so use caution by driving on paved roads, taking turns slowly, and staying off high-speed highways and/or interstates that require lane changes.
How much does it cost to replace a sway bar?
The average sway bar replacement cost is between $125 and $160, with labor making up $50 to $70 and the part costing between $55 and $110. It’s not usual to need a new sway bar. Typically, a car requires new sway bar end links or stabilizer bushings.
What are the symptoms of a bad sway bar link?
Warning signs of a broken or bad sway bar link include clunks and squeaks. Over-steering or excessive lean through turns are also symptoms of worn sway bar links, but they can also be signs of larger problems with your vehicle’s suspension system.
What happens when sway bar links go bad?
If you’re driving down the road and you start to hear a clunking, rattling or metal-on-metal scratching noise, it is possibly the stabilizer bar links causing the sound. When the links are worn out, the sway bar will begin to make these sounds especially when you’re driving around corners or over a speed bump.
Do sway bar links affect alignment?
Registered Member. Sway bar end links, or anything to do with a sway bar, won’t affect wheel alignment settings. Most places don’t have an option anymore about 2 or 4 wheel alignments.
What kind of noise do bad sway bar links make?
They can be found at the end of the sway bar and help support a stable ride and limit body roll. If the sway bar link breaks and loosens, it can make a rattling or clunking sound as it taps other parts of the suspension.
Are sway bars expensive?
The average sway bar link replacement cost is usually between $125 to $160 including labor. The links themselves cost between $40 to $110 each, while the labor will set you back anywhere between $50 to $70.
Can I replace sway bar links myself?
Replacing the sway bar links is a repair process that can be done with a few basic tools. If you don’t have access to the correct tools or are short on time, ask a certified mechanic from YourMechanic to replace the sway bar links for you.
Can you drive without a sway bar?
Vehicles can be driven safely without a sway bar or with it disconnected. The vehicle does feel different while cornering but is not “uncontrollable”. Just take corners at legal posted speeds or lower and be careful changing lanes on the highway.
Why would a sway bar link break?
Because the sway bar itself is a torsional swing, the sway bar link smooths the motion transfer between the sway bar and the control arm. 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 long does sway bar links last?
Now, when it comes to the overall lifespan of the sway bar link, it will be from four to five years. However, if the roads have treated the car exceptionally well and the turns were not that sharp, you can expect them to last over five years.
Can Bad sway bar links cause tire wear?
Broken anti-sway bar end links do not cause tire wear.
Can a bad sway bar cause shaking?
The stabilizer bar should be checked for stiffness. This causes side to side motion in the car which affects steering and handling of the vehicle, which may cause shaking or unstable driving conditions.
Should I replace sway bar links in pairs?
Some sway bar links have ball joints and studs, while others are basically a long bolt with a sleeve and bushings. Most professionals recommend replacing sway bar links in pairs (i.e., both front links or both rear links).
Does sway bar affect steering?
While sway bars are meant to reduce swaying while turning on a corner, it can help improve car handling and stability because it impacts steering and keeps the wheel firm on the ground.
Are sway bar links and stabilizer links the same thing?
The stabilizer and sway bars go by different names. You might know them by stabilizer link, anti-roll, and anti-sway bars. No matter what you know them by, they are basically the same thing.
Can a sway bar be repaired?
Sway bars are very common on many vehicles today and are an integral part of the vehicle’s suspension system. The good news is most of these sway bar problems can be repaired using just a few basic hand tools and in less than an hour.
How much should it cost to replace sway bar links and bushings?
The actual cost of replacement sway bar links ranges from $20-$100 (replacement – premium) and sway bar bushings from $10-$30 with most of the total replacement cost being labor, which averages around $70-$100 per hour.
