The Ultimate Sway Bar Buying Guide

1 What Does A Sway Bar Do And Why Do I Need Them?

The primary purpose of a sway bar is to prevent the leaning of the vehicle which normally occurs during a turn. While making a turn, the force is distributed towards the outside (weight will shift to the left if you are making a right turn). This will raise the outer wheels. But, with a sway bar, the inner and outer tires are maintained at the same level which levels the entire vehicle. Sway bars ensure that your vehicle doesn’t roll too much while you handle turns. They also help to maintain the overall stability and prevent uneven wheel contact.

Safety – An important reason most vehicles have sway bars. If your vehicle upends too much, it can be dangerous as it may even topple. Apart from the obvious danger of a rollover, sway bars prevent the sliding of the vehicle in turns. This in turn avoids the wheel from losing grip and causing skidding. It will be harder to control your vehicle especially while turning or while applying brakes. 

What Are The Functions Of Sway Bar?

There are two important functions of sway bar:

• It reduces the car body’s tendency to lean. The roll stiffness of the vehicle will affect the leaning of the body but it does not affect the shifting of weight from the inside to the outside wheels.

• It controls the handling balance of the vehicle. Understeering or oversteering behavior will force a vehicle to lean. The proportion of roll stiffness at the front will also change the front and rear axles’ reactions. This forces the outer front wheel to run at a higher or lower slip angle. This situation is kept under control by the sway bars.

How many sway bars does a car have?

Most cars typically have two sway bars—one for the front suspension and one for the rear suspension. These sway bars are designed to help control body roll and improve stability during turns, contributing to better handling characteristics. The front sway bar is usually located near the front axle, connecting the left and right front suspension components, while the rear sway bar is positioned similarly for the rear suspension.

How important is a sway bar?

A sway bar is a crucial component in a vehicle’s suspension system, playing a vital role in enhancing stability and handling. It reduces body roll during turns, helping to keep the vehicle level and improving overall control. The sway bar’s significance lies in its ability to distribute forces between the left and right sides of the suspension, minimizing the impact of weight transfer during maneuvers. This results in improved traction, reduced sway, and a more predictable driving experience, particularly in corners or challenging road conditions. In essence, a sway bar contributes significantly to a vehicle’s safety, handling performance, and the overall driving experience.

What Are The Factors I Should Consider Before Buying Sway Bars?

1. Aftermarket Sway Bars

The right sway bar for your vehicle depends on how you drive and where you drive. Are you a full-time racer? Then aftermarket sway bars can be an ideal choice. Though the aftermarket sway bars are stiffer, they can improve the performance and the handling characteristics of the vehicle. 

2. Stiffness

When going around turns, the outer wheels have a tendency to lift up due to various forces. A stiffer sway bar can help in such situations by lowering the outer end and leveling the vehicle which will increase traction at the wheels making you corner faster and with more confidence. This is why an increase in stiffness is often preferred when wanting track focused handling dynamics from your vehicle. 

The stiffness is measured with regard to factory sway bars stiffness. So a stiffer sway bar for a particular vehicle will carry a 50% or 100% stiffer stock sway bar distinction on it. Use this percentage to decide how much stiffer you want your sway bars and consequently how much sturdier you expect your suspension to handle during cornering. 

If you are using your vehicle on a daily basis just for normal driving then stock sway bars are perfect. Unless your factory sway bars allow body roll, then opt for an increase of about 50% stiffer bars. Sway bars with stock stiffness will offer you a factory-like ride quality.

If you drive regularly on the track or have a track car, then the sway bars with increased stiffness is usually your ideal choice. However, every vehicle is different and so is their suspension. This means you may have to use a trial and error method to determine the best stiffness sway bars for your car. It all depends on your personal preference and what you want from your vehicle. Remember that stiffer sway bars will also impact the everyday ride quality and you may find your ride to be a bit harsher due to the increased stiffness. 

3. Types Of Bushings To Consider

There are different types of bushings available and each has their own characteristics. Rubber bushings are affordable and maintenance-free, yet they will stretch under extreme-stress. Polyurethane bushings can be the best options as they are long lasting. Though they are a bit expensive, when compared to others, they are value for money as they last much longer and provide a good balance of comfort and performance.

Which Top Brand Sway Bar Should I Choose?

1. Dorman Sway Bars

Part Numbers: 927-100, 928-319, 927-110, and more.

Features:

• Ideal replacement – The sway bar suits the fit and function of the original component on specified vehicle years, makes, and models
• Durable construction – This sway bar is constructed of premium finish-resistant materials
• Cost-effective solution – Provides standard original equipment at a reasonable price
• Quality tested – This part has been checked to ensure quality and long life.

For more information and detailed product lines, visit our DORMAN(OE SOLUTIONS)- Sway Bar Section.

2. Delphi Sway Bars

A. Sway Bar Links

Delphi Sway Bar Links are solid and secure. They are tested rigorously for fatigue to avoid premature failure and are shielded against corrosion on each component. A bigger ball case made of surface-hardened plastic, a top rubber boot, and a high-level grate gives a safe and comfortable trip over and over again.

Part Numbers:  TC1198, TC1303, TC1301, and more. 

Features:

• Fatigue and power checking in compliance with OE requirements
• Materials comply with OE requirements
• Ultrasound moulding avoids potential weld breakage.
• Parts shielded to avoid extreme conditions
• Applied friction welding.

B. Bushings

In the steering and suspension setup of modern cars, bushings are intended to eliminate vibrations and noise in the system. Thanks to its strong damping and load-bearing capability, these bushings absorb unnecessary noises and tone, provide a relaxed and calm drive and improve vehicle stability and protection.

Part Number: TD790W, TD1053W, TD1482W, and more. 

Features:

• Comprehensive calculation and material analysis to ensure the highest possible compatibility of the OE and the aftermarket component.
• Checked to resist below -40ºC and over 120ºC temperatures to ensure their efficiency under even the most demanding environments.
• Parts exposed to salt spray for 720 hours, for maximum corrosion safety.
• Further cataphoretic coating for improved corrosion safety and aesthetic enhancement.

For more information and detailed product lines, visit our DELPHI – Sway Bar Section.

3. Moog Sway Bars

A. Moog Sway Bar Bushings

Moog’s Sway Bar Bushings are an ideal way to repair or boost the handling of your car. Moog manufactures each of its sway bars to match or exceed OE standards to ensure that you once again monitor your ride entirely. Moog also provides a lifetime warranty on their sway bar bushings. Move to corners with Moog’s sway bar bushings more comfortably and quickly.

Part Numbers:  K201876, K201418, K7350, and more.

Features:

• The split design makes installation simpler.
• Replacement can minimize the noise at the front end. 
• Restructures such as new steering and handling
• Bushings are designed to ensure long service life and reliability.
• It provides proven concept and engineering functionality
• The internal sleeve is coated with phosphate to resist corrosion.

B. Standard Sway Bar Link

Part Numbers: K750554, K750032, K700538, and more. 

Features:

• The sealed boot avoids corrosion of the internal components
• A greaseable socket design allows modern lubricants to remove rust and remove pollutants from the assembly.
• Wrench flats at the base of the stud allow constructive support and the application of sockets to be mounted quickly and easily.
• Improves upon OE designs
• Improves the functionality of OE
• Provides new-steering, easy installation, and longer service life.
• It combines proven layout and engineering characteristics
• A greaseable socket decreases corrosion and wears by enabling new lubricants to remove contaminants.

For more information and detailed product lines, visit our MOOG – Sway Bar Section.

4. Transit Warehouse Sway Bars

Part Numbers: TOR-K750297, TOR-K80235, TOR-K80230, and more. 

Features:

• Premium grade machined parts that have been designed to last
• Equipped to deal with severe weather conditions
• Provide a stable, smooth ride

For more information and detailed product lines, visit our Transit Warehouse – Sway Bar Section.

5. Beck / Arnley Sway Bars

Part Numbers: 101-4245, 101-4263, 101-7108, and more. 

Features:

• Matches OE form, fit, and function
• Corrosion-resistant coatings
• Includes the necessary components and hardware for complete substitution.
• Hardware feature satisfies the specifications of the original design
• Application designed specifically for certain vehicles. 

For more information and detailed product lines, visit our Beck / Arnley – Sway Bar Section.

How Can Sway Bar Affect My Vehicle’s Dynamics?

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) cars behave differently. So when you upgrade the sway bars, they will respond differently. 

1. Front Wheel Drive (FWD) 

To turn and transmit power to the ground, the front-wheel-drive relies on front tires. Front-wheel-drive cars usually tend to under-steer. By fixing a stiffer rear sway bar, you can reduce the under-steer. If you are planning to upgrade the front sway bar, you ought to be careful, as too much stiffness can cause the inside front wheels to lift. As front tires transmit power to the ground, they can drastically affect the handling of the vehicle and the grip negatively. 

2. Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)

They usually tend to oversteer, as they allow the rear of the car to pivot around the front. By fixing a stiffer front sway bar on a rear-wheel drive, you can reduce the oversteer. To minimize the body roll, you can always stiffen the front sway bars, but you will have to keep in mind that they don’t affect the suspension dynamics negatively. 

3. All Wheel Drive (AWD)

A combination of both the front and rear-wheel-drive is the All-Wheel-Drive cars (AWD). All-Wheel-Drive cars can either oversteer or understeer. In simple terms, if your All-Wheel-Drive car over-steers, then install a stiffer front sway bar and if it under-steers, then fix a stiffer rear sway bar. Adjustable sway bars are also available in the aftermarket where you can either stiffen or soften them, depending on what you are looking for. 

4. Things To Be Noted

It doesn’t mean that stiff sway bars are always better. Increasing the stiffness of a rear-sway bar can reduce understeer in a front-wheel drive. But, an overly stiff rear sway bar will induce oversteer, which makes it difficult for driving. In a similar way, an overly stiff front sway bar will probably under-steer in a rear-wheel drive. It’s all about “balance” when it comes to suspensions. 

Now that you are aware of the importance of a sway bar, the next question is, “Do I need a new one”. Most of the time it’s not always the sway bar that causes the actual problem, but other related components such as sway bar link, sway bar bushings, sway bar frame bushings, sway bar end bushings, and much more. Before we get to know the symptoms, let’s see what are sway bar bushings and sway bar links.

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2 What Do Sway Bar Bushings Do And Why Do I Need Them?

At times, trouble can arise in your vehicle not just because of the sway bars, but other related components such as sway bar bushings and sway bar links that connect them. Sway bar bushings connect the sway bar and the vehicle’s frame. As you make sharp turns, these bushings keep the vehicle under control and stable. With the sway bar bushings in place, the sway bar can rotate and flex freely within the rod’s position. Also, it ensures that the swaying rod stays or fits in place, relative to the rest of the vehicle. Before we get to know the symptoms of failing sway bar bushings, let’s look into the different types available. 

Which Type Of Sway Bar Bushings Should I Choose?

1. Metal Bar Bushings

Made of metals such as iron and steel, these bushings can be easily found in heavy trucks and old car models. They have the ability to withstand the stretch and abuse because of their stiffness and hence they are preferred in heavy equipment. However, they are vulnerable to corrosion and you will have to always lubricate regularly to prevent squeaking sounds and to prolong their life. They are also much stiffer and have no give which can result in a slightly harsher ride. 

2. Rubber Bushings

Rubber bushings are the common ones that you can find in modern cars. Because of their ability to withstand friction, heat, and cold, rubber is usually preferred. They are cost-effective and easy to maintain. You also don’t have to lubricate them constantly. These bushings have shorter lifespans compared to other types as rubber naturally is less sturdy than other materials. They can stretch easily when put under extreme stresses resulting in torn or broken bushings which affect suspension alignment

3. Urethane/Polyurethane Bushings

One of the better solutions that manufacturers have come up with, to replace the rubber bushing is urethane/polyurethane bushings. They are stiffer when compared to rubber and hence they are the better option for holding the alignment of suspension parts such as leaf springs, control arms, and more. This reduces body roll and provides more traction while making turns. They are as rigid as metal bushings, but they don’t wear out quickly. But, they are expensive compared to the above two. 

4. Greasable/Non-Greasable Bushings

Greasable sway bar bushings have a special channel allowing the lubricant to flow through the surface of the bushings. This helps to minimize friction and noise. They last for a long time providing a smooth and safe ride. For non-greaseable bushings, you don’t need any grease to operate. They are affordable and easy to maintain. But they are not long-lasting and may start to squeak over time.

What is a sway warning?

Sway warning is a feature in some modern vehicles that provides a warning to the driver when the vehicle exhibits signs of swaying or unintentional lane departure. Using sensors and cameras, the system monitors the vehicle’s position within its lane and alerts the driver if it detects swaying or drifting without the use of turn signals. This technology aims to enhance driver awareness, promoting safer and more controlled driving by preventing unintentional lane departures.

How to tell if sway bar bushings are bad?

Worn or damaged sway bar bushings can negatively impact your car’s handling and stability. Here are some signs that your sway bar bushings may be bad

1. Excessive Noise: If you hear clunking, squeaking, or rattling noises, especially when going over bumps or during turns, it could indicate worn or damaged sway bar bushings.

2. Poor Handling and Stability: Bad sway bar bushings can result in decreased stability and compromised handling, especially during turns. You might notice increased body roll or a feeling of instability.

3. Uneven Tire Wear: Irregular wear on your tires can be a sign of poor suspension components, including sway bar bushings. If you observe uneven tire wear, it’s worth checking the condition of the bushings.

4. Visible Damage or Displacement: Inspect the sway bar bushings for visible signs of damage, such as cracks, tears, or pieces missing. Additionally, if the bushings are displaced from their proper position, they may need replacement.

5. Oil Leaks: Some sway bar bushings are lubricated, and leaks of the lubricating oil may occur if the bushings are damaged. Inspect for any signs of oil around the bushing area.

6. Excessive Play in the Sway Bar: If you can easily move the sway bar by hand or notice excessive play when pushing or pulling on it, the bushings may be worn out.

7. Changes in Steering Responsiveness: Worn sway bar bushings can affect the responsiveness of the steering. If you notice changes in how your car responds to steering inputs, it could be a sign of bushing wear.

If you suspect an issue with your sway bar bushings based on these signs, it’s advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic. They can assess the condition of the bushings and recommend replacements if necessary to ensure optimal performance and safety.

What Are The Warning Signs Of A Bad Sway Bar Bushings?

With the proper care, the sway bar bushings can last for a long time. However, bushings will wear out eventually. A damaged sway bar bushing will not be able to support the sway bar. Following are some of the signs of bad sway bar bushings. 

1. Squeaking Noise From The Car

Just like any other joint, you will have to lube the sway bar bushings regularly. This reduces the friction between the metal surface of the bushings and the sway bar that are in contact with each other. This acts as a protective layer, keeping the rust away. If there is no sufficient lubrication, then the bushings will grind against the sway bar. You’ll probably hear squealing or squeaking noise while making sharp turns or while driving through rough terrain. This is a sign that your sway bar bushings are worn out. Squeaky noise can also arise if the sway bar and its bushings are corroded. 

2. Sluggish Response By Your Vehicle

As you drive your car daily, you may have a good knowledge of how your car handles on the road. But, is your car responding too slow while making quick turns? Does your vehicle seem less stable while turning in the corner? This is an early warning sign that the sway bar bushings are warning-out. If the sway bar bushings are worn-out, they will not be able to hold the sway bar in position as they may move freely, especially while making turns. This can be dangerous as the car will lose control and become unstable, thereby increasing the risk of an accident.

3. Rattling/Knocking Noise Beneath The Car

The sway bar is located under your car. If the sway bar bushings are worn-out, torn, or completely broken, they will not be able to hold the sway bar steadily. This unstable rod will produce a rattling or knocking noise every time the car bounces. The noise will eventually get louder when you try to steer your vehicle on either side. You can hear this noise, from the front of your vehicle, every time you step your foot on the floorboard. 

3 What Are Sway Bar Links And Why Do I Need Them?

Sway bar link also known as stabilizer bar link is tubular steel with two small ball joints at each end. It connects the outer end of the sway bar to the suspension component. It lifts and lowers the springs that are fixed to the control arm of a corresponding wheel. It also smoothens the motion transfer between the control arm and the sway bar.

Which Type Of Sway Bar Link Should I Choose?

Two types of sway bar links are available in the market today.

1. Extended: Extended sway bar links are designed for vehicles that have been lifted or raised.
2. Non-Extended: Non-extended sway bar links are meant for vehicles that have not gone through any height modifications. 

What Are The Warning Signs Of A Failing Sway Bar Link?

1. Poor Handling / Loose Steering Wheel 

A broken sway bar link can be dangerous and must be dealt with immediately as it will result in handling issues. Poor handling can also rise if the front or rear sway bar link’s bushings are corroded. You may also notice your steering wheel to be a bit loose and the vehicle will start swaying here and there. 

2. Unusual Noise From the Wheel Area

If the front or rear sway bar link is faulty, then it will detach from the frame and flop over. This can hit the suspension components nearby and you will start hearing metal clunking noise from the wheel well. This clunking noise can also arise if the sway bar link bushings are busted when the sway bar link comes in contact with the connection points.

3. Increased Body Roll

If your sway bar link falls loose from the frame of your vehicle, your car will not be able to prevent weight transfer. Therefore your vehicle may experience body roll especially while cornering affecting the handling and the steering performance of the vehicle.

How Much Do Sway Bar Bushings And Sway Bar Links Cost On An Average?

• Sway bar bushings replacement will cost around $88 to $197. The cost of the parts can lie between $8 to $116 while the labor can cost around $80.  

• Sway bar link replacement will be around $130 to $160. The cost of the parts can lie between $99 and $95 while the labor cost can lie between $50 and $70. 

DORMAN(OE Solutions)Sway Bar – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Sway Bar	928-361, 928-325, 927-600, 928-316, 927-113, 927-111, 928-344, 927-109

Delphi Sway Bar – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Sway Bar Links	TC1302, TC1768, TC2687, TC2634, TC2736, TC1304, TC1420, TC2391, TC5002, TC2059, TC2640, TC2899, TC2882,   TC1546, TC1517
Sway Bar Frame Bushings	TD1076W, TD826W, TD810W, TD994W, TD1205W, TD996W, TD1195W, TD1043W, TD560W, TD1481W, TD1489W, TD1490W

Moog Sway Bar – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Sway Bar Links	K750385, K750523, K80296, K700539, K5345,  K700542, K7258, K750205, K750204, K80252, K80880, K80244, K80235,   K750659,  K80478,   K700536
Sway Bar Frame Bushings	K200741, K201413, K201482, K201311, K201483, K80222, K201312, K200216,   K90559,   K200280, K200904

Transit Warehouse Sway Bar – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Sway Bar Links / Kit	TOR-K-80769, TOR-K-90345, TOR-K-80296, TOR-K-7258, TOR-K-80478, TOR-K-90344, TOR-K-750126,TOR-K-80252, TOR-K-90349, TOR-K-750382,

Beck/Arnley – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Sway Bar Links / Kit	101-7108, 101-5257, 101-4911, 101-5718,

4 What Does a Sway Bar Warning Mean?

A sway bar warning in a car typically refers to an issue with the vehicle’s sway bar or sway bar links. The sway bar, also known as an anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar, is a component of the suspension system that helps to reduce body roll during cornering. It connects the left and right wheels of an axle and helps to distribute weight evenly.

A sway bar warning may indicate problems such as:

1. Broken Sway Bar: The sway bar itself could be damaged or broken. This can affect the handling of the vehicle, especially during turns.
2. Worn Sway Bar Bushings: The sway bar is mounted to the vehicle’s frame or subframe using bushings. If these bushings wear out, it can result in noise and reduced effectiveness of the sway bar.
3. Faulty Sway Bar Links: Sway bar links connect the sway bar to the suspension components. If these links are damaged or worn, it can lead to handling issues and noises.

If you receive a sway bar warning, it is advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic. Ignoring sway bar issues can impact the stability and safety of the vehicle, particularly during maneuvers like turns.