An automobile’s suspension system is a crucial part that helps keep the passengers comfortable and the car in control while driving. A critical component of the suspension system is the sway bar, which minimizes body roll and keeps the tires in contact with the road while cornering. If a sway bar link becomes damaged or worn, it can cause various suspension system problems.
Here are a few common sway bar link symptoms:
- Knocking noise when going over bumps.
- The car feels like it’s bouncing up and down.
- The steering wheel vibrates at high speeds.
- The suspension seems too stiff or too soft.
- Difficulty steering the car straight.
- Uneven tire wear.
- Loose steering.
- The car drifts when making a turn.
- Vehicle bottoms out over bumps.
- Visual signs of damage.
This article will describe the symptoms of a damaged or worn sway bar link. Read on for more information on what to look for if you think your sway bar links may be going bad.
1. Knocking Noise When Going Over Bumps
When you’re driving down the road, the last thing you want to hear is a knocking noise every time you go over a bump. Unfortunately, this is a common symptom of a problem with your sway bar links.
The sway bar links connect your vehicle’s body to the wheels and allow them to move independently of each other. Over time, they can become worn out or damaged, leading to the knocking noise you hear.
If you suspect that your sway bar links are the problem, the best action is to take your car to a mechanic for an inspection. They’ll confirm whether or not the links are worn out and if so, replace them with new ones. In the meantime, drive carefully and avoid taking sharp turns to prevent further damage.
Read: How To Track a Car Location Online?
2. The Car Feels Like It’s Bouncing Up and Down
Another tell-tale sign of damaged or worn sway bar links is if your car feels like it’s bouncing up and down when you’re driving. This issue crops up when the links can no longer adequately control the movement of the wheels, resulting in a jarring ride. In severe cases, it can even cause an accident.
The typical cause of this problem is either a broken sway bar link or one that has become disconnected from the suspension. Either way, it’s essential to get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your car.
3. The Steering Wheel Vibrates at High Speed
Another common symptom of damaged or worn sway bar links is a steering wheel that vibrates at high speeds. Several different suspension problems can cause this, but one of the most likely culprits is a problem with the sway bar links.
If the links are damaged, they can cause the sway bar to become disconnected from the suspension. As a result, the bar will no longer be able to properly stabilize the vehicle, causing the steering wheel to vibrate.
If you suspect that your sway bar links are the cause of this problem, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for inspection and repair.
4. The Suspension Seems Too Stiff or Too Soft
One of the most common complaints from drivers with damaged or worn sway bar links is that their suspension seems too stiff or soft, making driving both uncomfortable and dangerous.
If your vehicle’s suspension seems too stiff, it’s likely because the sway bar can no longer control the movement of the wheels correctly. As a result, the car will bounce more than usual, making for a rough ride.
Conversely, if your vehicle’s suspension seems too soft, it’s likely because the sway bar can no longer stabilize the car properly. This softness can cause the car to feel unstable and even lead to an accident.
If you suspect that your sway bar links are the cause of this problem, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for inspection and repair.
Read: How Much Does It Cost To Paint a Car?
5. Difficulty Steering the Car Straight
Anyone who has ever driven a car with damaged or worn sway bar links knows how difficult it can be to keep the vehicle going straight. The slightest turn of the wheel can send the car careening off to the side, and even minor bumps in the road can cause the vehicle to veer dangerously.
In addition to being dangerous, this can also be highly frustrating for drivers trying to stay on course. The good news is that there are several things you can do to resolve this problem, including:
- Ensuring the sway bar links are adequately lubricated and in good condition.
- Replacing worn or damaged links with new ones.
- Checking the suspension for any other issues that could be causing difficulty steering.
By addressing these problems, you should be able to regain control of your car and make driving a safer and more enjoyable experience.
6. Uneven Tire Wear
Another tell-tale sign of a problem with your sway bar links is uneven tire wear. If the links are damaged or worn, they can cause the tires to rub against the suspension, eventually leading to bald spots and other forms of uneven wear.
If your tires are starting to show uneven wear, especially when driving hard, it’s essential to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for inspection and repair. In some cases, you can resolve the problem by simply replacing the worn or damaged links. However, in other cases, more extensive repairs may be necessary.
Read: Car Won’t Start but Lights and Radio Work
7. Loose Steering
One of the most dangerous effects of damaged or worn sway bar links is loose steering. If the links are not correctly secured, they can cause the steering to feel loose and sloppy, making it challenging to keep the car going in a straight line.
Loose steering is extremely dangerous, especially at high speeds, as it can make it difficult to avoid obstacles or other vehicles.
It is vital to regularly check your sway bar links for damage and replace them if necessary to prevent this problem. By doing so, you can help ensure that your car remains safe to drive.
8. The Car Drifts When Making a Turn
Have you ever noticed your car drifting when you make a turn? That is a pretty common symptom of damaged or worn sway bar links.
As I mentioned, the sway bar is an integral part of the suspension system, and it helps keep the car stable when turning. However, if the links are damaged, they can’t do their job correctly.
As a result, the car may start to drift, making it difficult to control. The resulting drift can be hazardous, so it’s crucial to have the problem fixed as soon as possible.
If you’re not sure how to fix the problem yourself, you can always take it to a mechanic. They’ll diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and safely.
Read: Bad Car Transmission Symptoms
9. Vehicle Bottoms Out Over Bumps
If you find that your car is bottoming out over bumps, it’s likely because the sway bar links are damaged or worn. When the links are in good condition, they help to absorb the impact when going over bumps.
However, when they’re damaged, they can’t do their job correctly. As a result, the car may bottom out, causing a jolt that can be highly uncomfortable for passengers. In some cases, this may also damage the suspension.
If you suspect that your sway bar links are causing this problem, have them inspected by a mechanic. They will be able to tell you for sure and can also replace the links if necessary.
Pro Tip: Besides the sway bar links, ensure other crucial suspension components, such as shock absorbers, are in good shape. Try this Monroe 911506 Reflex Monotube from Amazon.com if you need a quality shock absorber. It comes with a durable all-weather fluid, which can help extend the life of your shocks.
Read: Why Car Speedometer Not Working?
10. Visual Signs of Damage
One of the best ways to tell if your sway bar links are damaged is to look for visual signs of damage. If you can see that the links are bent, broken, or otherwise damaged, it’s a pretty good indication that they need a replacement.
In some cases, you may also see that the bushings are damaged. These are the small rubber components that help to cushion the links and prevent them from making noise.
If you can see that the bushings are cracked, torn, or otherwise damaged, it’s a good idea to replace them. Otherwise, they may cause further damage to the links.
The following video describes how to inspect your car for damaged or worn sway bar links:
