The responsibility of keeping your car stable and handling smooth under multiple driving conditions falls on the stabilizer linkage, or sway bar as it's often referred. This mechanical unit is attached to the body of the vehicle by way of a body mount with stabilizer bushings and the stabilizer linkage – which attach to the lower control arm of the front suspension and have bushings along the link for protection and to ensure a smooth ride. When the stabilizer linkages are starting to wear out, the symptoms can range from barely noticeable to significant, and if you don't have your stabilizer linkage replaced, can result in catastrophic damage to the front end of your vehicle and potentially an accident.
Noted below are a few warning signs that will let you know when your stabilizer linkage are starting to wear out and need to be replaced by an certified mechanic.
The stabilizer linkage attach to the lower control arm of the front end of most domestic and foreign cars and trucks sold in the United States. From time to time, the rear end will also have stabilizer linkage. However, the ones that cause the most damage are in the front and located right behind your left and right front tires. 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 linkage causing the sound.
The stabilizer linkage are supposed to fit incredibly snug, without any play or movement except between rubber bushings. When the links are worn out, the stabilizer linkage will begin to make these sounds especially when you're driving around corners or over a speed bump. When you hear these types of noises coming from the front end of your car, truck or SUV, make sure to contact a certified mechanic and have them inspect and replace stabilizer linkage and bushings. This job requires that both the driver and passenger side be completed at the same time.
Poor handling or loose steering wheel
Since the stabilizer linkage are attached to the lower control arm, steering and handling are also negatively impacted when they begin to wear out. Most of the time, the actual culprit are the bushings that are designed to take the majority of the impact and help to protect the metal parts from wearing out. However, the bushings also can cause extensive corrosion, especially if oil, grease or other debris becomes embedded on the stabilizer bar. The direct result of all of these issues is that the car or truck simply won't handle the same way. The steering wheel will appear to be "loose", and the body will sway from left to right more due to the fact that the stabilizer bar links and bushings are wearing out.
A great opportunity for car owners to be proactive about keeping their stabilizer linkage and front suspension protected from significant damage is to ask a certified mechanic to inspect them during a front brake pad replacement, tire replacement, or other front end work. When they look under the front end, they will also inspect the tie rods, shocks and struts, CV joints and boots along with the front stabilizer linkages, bushings and other front end components. Believe it or not, it's actually a good idea to have the front stabilizer linkage links and full bushings all replaced at the same time that other front end work is being completed.
This allows the mechanic to then complete an accurate front end suspension alignment; which properly sets the suspension straight, so that the car drives smoothly, wears your tires properly, and the car doesn't pull to the right or left when you are driving straight.
As with any front end suspension work, it's always best to have a professional and ASE certified mechanic complete your stabilizer linkage replacement. If you notice any of the warning signs or symptoms above, contact AutoFactorNG so they can inspect your stabilizer linkage and supporting equipment.
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