Cost Of Sway Bar Link Replacement – A Complete Guide

1 What Is A Sway Bar Link And How Does It Work?

A sway bar, also known as stabilizer bars or anti-roll bars, is part of the suspension system that keeps the vehicle stable while cornering and saves you from rolling over in extreme conditions. A sway bar is connected to the vehicle’s wheel arms on both sides with the help of sway bar links. It features ball joints on both sides, one end of the sway bar link is connected with the wheel arm while the other is attached to the sway bar. The sway bar link provides flexibility to the sway bar.

While driving around a turn, the suspension of the outer side of the turn compresses, and the ones on the inner side expand. While this is happening, a centrifugal force generated while turning the vehicle makes a car’s weight shift outwards. This causes the vehicle’s body to roll, also known as body roll. The sway bar ensures the vehicle’s body stays level and stable while cornering. This helps in reducing body roll, discomfort while driving, and reducing the chances  of the vehicle flipping  over. The sway bar is connected to the suspensions via sway bar links. Since sway bars are not flexible, sway bar links have ball joints on each side to connect with the suspension. They provide the flexibility necessary for the system. The sway bar is attached to the vehicle’s body with the help of sway bar bushings and brackets that allows the bar to flex and rotate.

2 How Does A Sway Bar Link Fail?

Since the sway bar links are connected to your vehicle’s suspension system, you’ll notice symptoms quickly if the links fail. Prolonged driving over poor roads and rough terrain is a major reason for sway bar link failure. The sway bar links last a long time, but ball joints wear out and become loose, which decreases the sway bar’s ability to keep the car stable. The sway bar links are continuously exposed to water, road salt, and external elements, which cause the dust boots to fail, leading to rust and loss of lubrication inside the joint. Whenever the wheel drops into a pothole, the sway bar link is subjected to a massive shock load, causing it to break. The thicker the sway bar, the greater will be the impact because thicker sway bars provide better handling but inflict increased stress on the sway bar link rods.

3 What Are The Signs Of A Bad Sway Bar Link?

If you do not spend a lot of time tinkering under your car, you might not notice your sway bar links. Usually, this component is overlooked and is replaced when it goes bad. With this in mind, it’s necessary to know about the symptoms of a bad sway bar link because it will help you identify the problem sooner and prevent further damage. Some ‌symptoms are‌:

• If your sway bar links have worn out and are about to fail, you will hear rattling, squeaking, or grinding noises underneath the car. This can happen when the sway bar link bushings get damaged. Although other worn-out suspension components can also be the culprit, to ensure the sway bar link is the problem, carry out a visual inspection.
• A loose sway bar can make it difficult for you to steer the wheels. If the sway bar link gets damaged, it can develop the play, making the steering response sloppy. However, you should also check your power steering system, as this can also be because of a problem in the steering system.
• If the sway bar link gets damaged or worn out, it can lead to increased play in the sway bar, causing the vehicle to drift or swerve to one side. This can be dangerous while driving if the problem persists.

4 What Is The Cost Of Replacing A Sway Bar Link?

The total cost of replacing your sway bar links can be around $100 to $150. The average sway bar link price varies between $40 to $80, depending upon the quality, make and model, and material used. While the labor costs somewhere between $60 to $100, it can vary depending on the time spent and the charges at the workshop.

Some sample costs of replacing sway bar links for some popular car models are mentioned in the table below. These prices are an estimate and are subject to change. They do not include taxes, diagnostics, and other charges.

5 Additional Costs Related To Sway Bar Link Replacement

Sometimes you also need to replace the sway bar bushings while replacing the sway bar links. The cost of replacing your sway bar bushings can be approximately $80 to $130. The sway bar bushings hold the sway bar in its position and allow it to flex and rotate. Your mechanic might also recommend replacing the whole sway bar. In such a situation, the sway bar replacement cost can range somewhere between $200 to $300.

6 Factors That Affects The Cost Of Sway Bar Link Replacement

The sway bar link replacement costs can vary, depending on your vehicle, workshop, and several other factors. Some parameters that can increase or decrease the total cost of replacement are discussed below.

A. Make And Model Of The Vehicle

The total cost of replacing your sway bar links depends on what type of vehicle you drive. SUVs and off-road vehicles use sway bar links with heavy-duty rubber bushings at the end, which significantly increases the cost of the parts compared to a passenger car. Similarly, high-end brands will also have high parts costs compared to economical vehicles. For example, the cost of a Mercedes Benz sway bar link can range from $160 to $200, whereas a Honda CRV sways link replacement costs around $70 – $100.

B. Labor charges

The most significant factor that contributes to the replacement cost is the labor charges that can vary depending on the mechanic and the location of the workshop. Some big chains and service companies offer a replacement at any location, which costs more than usual and can even go up to $90 an hour. In most cases, replacing a sway bar link will take an hour, at least. This should give you an estimate of how the costs can vary.

C. Replacing Single or Both Sway Bar Links

Sway bar has two sway bar links, one on each side. Although it’s recommended to replace both the sway bar links in pairs because both have the same mileage. Therefore, if one fails, the other might be in a similar condition too. It is necessary to check both the sway bar links for damage. However, if one sway bar link is fine, and another gets damaged due to an accident or impact, you can choose to replace a single sway bar link. It is recommended that you replace both your sway bar links to prevent further issues and labor charges. It will cost you a little extra but save you money in the long run.

D. OEM vs Aftermarket Sway Bar Links

An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part usually costs more than aftermarket parts. Besides that, if you go to dealerships to get your sway bar link replaced, expect to pay higher labor charges as well. Aftermarket parts are cost-effective and designed to perform just like the OEM parts. With the increasing popularity of aftermarket parts, brands also offer OEM equivalent warranties too. Aftermarket sway bar links are a good way to save your overall replacement costs.

7 Should You Replace Sway Bar Bushings?

Sway bar links connect the ends of the sway bar to the suspension on both sides. Sway bar frame bushings are used between the frame mounts, the frame, and the bar itself. They allow the bar to twist while cornering and absorb hard effects from potholes and speed bumps. The sway bar bushing is made from rubber that softens and degrades quickly. If the sway bar bushing gets damaged, it leads to clunking and squeaking noise while moving over potholes. You can also inspect them visually for any cracks or signs of damage.

The sway bar is there to stabilize the vehicle by reducing how much your car leans when turning. Broken or damaged sway bar bushings can make driving risky The warning signs can range from subtle noises to significant problems with steering and handling, making the car unpredictable and difficult to control. In worse cases, it can lead to vehicle accidents and other safety concerns. So it’s recommended to be on the safe side and get your sway bushings checked while you are getting your sway bar links replaced.

8 How To Replace A Sway Bar Link?

A major part of the sway bar link replacement cost goes to the workshop. But you can reduce the expenses by doing it yourself. The sway bar link replacement process is simple and requires some mechanical skills and some tools. Follow the simple step-wise guide below on how to replace your sway bar links.

Tools Required

• Car Jack
• Jack Stands
• Wheel Chocks
• Rust Loosening Spray or WD-40
• Torque Wrench
• Lug Wrench
• Ratchet
• Socket Set
• Wrenches

Step 1: Removing The Damaged Sway Bar Link

• Park your car on a leveled surface, secure the rear wheel of the vehicle using wheel chocks and engage the parking brakes.
• Take a lug wrench and loosen the lug nuts holding the wheels. Do not remove the lug nuts completely.
• Place a jack under the car to lift it off the ground and install the jack stands under the vehicle. To ensure the correct placement of the jack under the vehicle, refer to the owner’s manual.
• Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
• Locate the sway bar link and the nuts holding it in their place. Use rust loosening spray or WD-40 if the nuts are difficult to remove because of the rust.
• Use a breaker bar to remove the top bolt first and then the lower one. You might have to hold the back of the nut with a wrench. Some sway bar links feature an Allen or Starkey bolts at the back.
• Once both the upper and lower nuts are removed, use the pry bar to get the damaged sway bar link out easily.

Step 2: Installing The New Sway Bar Link

• Install the new sway bar link into the space and replace the nuts. Since the new sway bar link has no play, you might have to lift the suspension using a jack to match the mounting holes.
• Once the sway bar link is aligned, use a torque wrench to tighten the nuts to the manufacturer’s specification, as mentioned in the user manual.
• Reinstall the wheel and hand tighten the lug nuts before lowering the vehicle.
• Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to proper specifications.
• Perform a final check by driving the vehicle around to ensure everything is in its place.
• Repeat the process for front or rear sway bar links you want to replace and take your vehicle for a test drive.

9 FAQs

How long does it take to replace front sway bar links?

Replacing front sway bar links is usually a straightforward job that can be completed in under an hour by a professional mechanic. However, the time required to replace the links can vary depending on the complexity of the vehicle and the skill level of the person performing the replacement.

How long do sway bar bushings last?

The lifespan of sway bar bushings can vary depending on the quality of the parts and the driving conditions. On average, they can last between 80,000 and 160,000 kilometers. However, the actual lifespan of the bushings can be influenced by factors such as the type of vehicle, the quality of the replacement parts, and the driving conditions.

How much does it cost to replace sway bar bushings?

The actual cost of replacement sway bar bushings ranges from $10-$30 with most of the total replacement cost being labor, which averages around $70-$100 per hour. The cost of replacement sway bar links ranges from $20-$100 (replacement – premium). However, the actual cost of replacement can vary depending on the complexity of the vehicle and the skill level of the person performing the replacement.

What do bad sway bar links cause?

When the sway bar links go bad, they can cause a variety of problems with your car. Some of the most common symptoms include:

1. Extreme body roll: Without solid sway bar links, there’s a lack of stabilization in the vehicle. This can lead to more leaning, especially when going around turns.
2. Strange clunking/popping noises: When the sway bar links fail, it’s normal to hear some clunking and popping sounds. You might notice the noises more when you travel over imperfect roadways or bumps.
3. Poor handling: With all of the other problems mentioned, it should be obvious that the car’s handling is going to suffer. Once the sway bar links become damaged, there is a lack of stabilization. This problem leads to poor handling, mainly when tackling a corner. Your vehicle steering could feel loose. You may even notice some drifting as you take a corner.
4. Unusual vibrations: For the same reasons that the car can start making noises, you may also experience strange vibrations.

How often to replace sway bar links?

The replacement interval for sway bar links can vary depending on the driving conditions and the quality of the parts. It is not uncommon to replace sway bar links every few years, especially if you drive on rough surfaces frequently. However, the actual replacement interval can be influenced by factors such as the type of vehicle, the quality of the replacement parts, and the driving conditions.

Can you drive with bad sway bar bushings?

It is not recommended to drive with a flawed or broken sway bar bushing, as it can cause a variety of problems with your car. The sway bar helps to keep the vehicle stable while turning, and if it is not functioning correctly, you may experience extreme body roll, poor handling, strange clunking/popping noises, and unusual vibrations. If you must drive with a bad sway bar bushing, you should be cautious and steady in driving, as you can quickly lose control of the car, resulting in an accident if you are not prepared enough.

How much is a stabilizer bar?

The cost of a replacement stabilizer bar can vary depending on the type of vehicle and the quality of the part. The average cost to replace a stabilizer bar is $201. However, the actual cost of replacement can vary depending on the complexity of the vehicle and the skill level of the person performing the replacement.

What happens if your sway bar link breaks?

If your sway bar link breaks, it can cause the sway bar to disconnect from the suspension, leading to reduced handling and stability. The center of gravity for a vehicle will stay stable due to the presence of the sway bar link that keeps the tires in place. If the sway bar link breaks, the steering wheel loosens because the car’s parts are not kept in place. This results in an unstable drive and if you’re not careful, can even cause accidents.

How to replace the stabilizer link?

Replacing a stabilizer link is a relatively simple process that can be done with a few basic tools. Here are the general steps to follow:

1. Lift the vehicle: Use a jack to lift the vehicle and place it on jack stands.
2. Remove the old link: Locate the old stabilizer link and remove it using a wrench or socket set.
3. Install the new link: Install the new stabilizer link in the same position as the old one and tighten the nuts.
4. Lower the vehicle: Lower the vehicle back to the ground.

What causes sway bar links to go bad?

Sway bar links can go bad due to a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Insufficient lubrication: Lack of lubrication can cause the sway bar links to wear out quickly.
2. Wear and tear: Over time, the sway bar links can become worn out due to regular use and exposure to the elements.
3. Water intrusion: Water can get into the link joint and cause rust, which can lead to the failure of the sway bar links.
4. Worn ball joint: The ball joint within the links can wear out due to age, causing the links to fail.