What it does
The sway bar, also called a stabilizer bar, is a steel bar that keeps the vehicle from leaning too much in turns. Sway bar links connect it to the suspension on each side. They have small joints or bushings that wear out.
Common symptoms
- Popping, knocking or rattling from near the front tires over bumps, the most common sign
- Clunking on uneven driveways or when one wheel goes over something
- More lean in turns and looser handling, which can be easy to miss
What to look for
- Find the links: they're the short rods between the sway bar and the strut or control arm on each side.
- Look: torn boots on the link joints, a broken stud, or a link hanging loose.
- Shake it: grab the link and try to move it. Any knock or play in the joint means it's worn.
Could be something else
Strut mounts, ball joints, tie rods and control arm bushings can all knock over bumps.
Is it safe to drive?
A bad sway bar link usually isn't dangerous by itself. The vehicle still steers and stops, but it leans more in turns and a broken link can rattle against other parts. Get it fixed so the noise isn't hiding something more serious.
Related: Worn struts and shocks · Bad ball joint symptoms
Think it's your sway bar links? Northwoods can check it right where your vehicle sits, anywhere in the greater Twin Ports area.