Common Symptoms of a Bad Sway Bar

A healthy suspension system is critical to a smooth ride - and various components of the suspension can significantly alter vehicle performance, one being the sway bar. Read on to learn more about the sway bar, signs it needs replacement, and more.

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What is a Sway Bar?

A sway bar is a critical piece of any vehicle's suspension system. It's often located in the front of a vehicle (though some also have one in the back), and connects the frame and the control arm. The sway bar is designed to reduce body roll while a vehicle corners or turns, ensuring it can properly maintain its handling.

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Bad Sway Bar Symptoms

It's not always easy to get underneath the car and check out the status of your sway bar. The good news is that some common signs and symptoms indicate a sway bar gone bad. Here's a look at them:

• Strange noises: If you're hearing clunking or squeaking while driving, especially when you hit a bump or corner around a turn, it may be a sign that the sway bar is worn, loose, or damaged.
• Leaning during turns: Sway bars are designed for proper handling around corners and turns, so if your vehicle is leaning or body rolling, a bad sway bar could be the reason.
• Uneven tire tread wear: Uneven tire tread wear is also a common sign of a bad sway bar or other problem with the suspension. When the suspension isn't functioning, the weight of the vehicle is often spread out unevenly. This can lead to uneven tire tread wear.
• Poor stability: A leaning vehicle and issues with handling are common with a bad sway bar around turns, but another sign is issues with handling when traveling at high speeds.

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Causes of a Bad Sway Bar

Like most worn vehicle components, a bad sway bar is often the result of wear and tear that occurs over time. As sway bars wear, they often break or become loose, and this can cause issues. Worn bushings or links can also damage a sway bar.

Sway bars may also be damaged in an accident or collision and require repair or replacement.

Sway bars tend to last for up to 50,000 miles before service is necessary.

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Why You Should Replace a Bad Sway Bar

It's not just important to replace a sway bar for ride comfort or to ensure proper handling, but because driving with a bad sway bar can represent a serious safety issue. Bad sway bars impact handling ability around corners and at high speeds, which can put you and anyone you're sharing the road with at risk.

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Find Your Local GreatWater-affiliated Shop for Sway Bar Help!

For more information on sway bars and signs you may need sway bar repair, contact your local GreatWater- affiliated shop today. As a full-service auto centers, we do everything - from routine oil changes and tire rotations to suspension repair and sway bar replacement. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

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