A Quick Guide To Buy Sway Bar Links
Keeping all four wheels on the ground as you make a turn is important not just for faster cornering but also for safe turning at higher speeds. This can only be done with the help of sway bar and sway bar links. The sway bar links help connect the sway bar to the control arms on either end and hence play an important role in vehicle stability. Broken sway bar links can compromise safety and handling performance. Find out the best replacement sway bar links and increase your vehicle’s performance.
1. What Are Sway Bar Links And What Does It Do?
- How Many Sway Bar Links are on a Car?
- What are the Two Types of Sway Bar Links?
- What are Stabilizer Links?
- What are End Links on a Car?
2. Which Type Of Sway Bar Link Should I Choose?
- Based On Size
- Based On Construction
- Based On Bushing Material
3. What Are The Things I Should Consider When Buying New Sway Bar Links?
4. What Are The Top Brands Of Sway Bar Links I Can Choose From?
- Mevotech Sway Bar Links
- Moog Sway Bar Links
- Delphi Sway Bar Links
- Transit Warehouse Sway Bar Links
5. What Are The Warning Signs That My Sway Bar Link Is Failing?
- How Long Do Sway Bar Links Last?
- Poor Handling / Loose Steering Wheel
- Unusual Noises
- Increased Body Roll
6. Can you Drive with a Broken Sway Bar Link?
- How Important are Sway Bar Links?
1 What Are Sway Bar Links And What Does It Do?
The sway bar link also known as the stabilizer bar link is used to attach the sway bar with either the control arm or the spindle. The sway bar is a simple bar that connects the left and right suspension components in an independent suspension system. Sway bars are also referred to as anti-roll bars, anti-sway bars, roll bars, or stabilizer bars. The job of the sway bar is to reduce body roll and keep all four wheels of a vehicle grounded as the vehicle makes a turn. The sway bar link helps connect the sway bar to the suspension system and acts as a pivoting point to allow the sway bar to flex or rotate as the vehicle moves.
How Many Sway Bar Links are on a Car?
The number of sway bar links on a car depends on the car’s make and model. Most cars have two sway bars, one in the front and one in the rear, that are joined together to the car’s suspension by the sway bar links. However, some older car models may only have a sway bar on the front axle.
What are the Two Types of Sway Bar Links?
There are different types of sway bar links, but the most common ones are bolt type, hybrid, and ball joint style. The bolt type sway bar link is the most basic type and is used in most cars. It consists of a bolt that goes through the sway bar and the suspension component. The hybrid sway bar link is a combination of the bolt type and ball joint style sway bar links. The ball joint style sway bar link contains two ball joints on either end that connects to the sway bar and suspension component, which is usually the lower control arm.
What are Stabilizer Links?
A stabilizer bar system is part of most vehicle suspension systems. It is designed to reduce body roll and fine-tune the suspension by connecting the front wheels (left and right), and in many cases the rear wheels, through short links connected to a suspension component at each wheel. Stabilizer bars are also referred to as anti-sway bars, sway bars, anti-roll bars, and roll bars.
The stabilizer bar system consists of several components, including the stabilizer bar itself, stabilizer links, stabilizer link bushings or sockets, stabilizer bar to vehicle frame bushings, and bushing brackets to hold the bushings in place against the frame or unibody member. All of these components are designed to help force opposing sides of the vehicle to lower or rise to similar heights and reduce the body roll of the vehicle on curves, sharp corners, or over large bumps.
What are End Links on a Car?
End links, also known as sway bar links, serve as a connection between your vehicle’s sway bar (anti-roll bar) and the vehicle’s suspension. The sway bar helps to decrease the amount of weight transfer, keeping a greater contact patch of the tire on the ground, increasing the grip & performance of the vehicle. Whenever you change a vehicle’s ride height, the suspension geometry changes and in order to correct the angles that are changed, shortened or adjustable end links may be needed. The end link below is adjustable which can be shortened or lengthened in order to correct the sway bar angle.
Top Picks For Sway Bar Links
2 Which Type Of Sway Bar Link Should I Choose?
Depending on the suspension design, the sway bar link used in a particular vehicle can vary and so there are a few different types available. The various categorizations are as follows:
Based On Size
Extended: Extended sway bar links are designed for vehicles that have been lifted or raised from their original ride height or modifications made to the suspension system.
Non-Extended: Non-extended sway bar links are meant for vehicles that have not undergone any modifications with the suspension system.
Based On Construction
There are three types of sway bar links based on their design. These are:
1. Ball Joint / Socket Style: This type of sway bar link contains two ball joints on either end that connects to the sway bar and suspension component, which is usually the lower control arm. Ball joints allow the sway bar and control arm to move relative to one another while still transferring the force from both sides. This type of sway bar link can be found in many modern independent suspension systems. The ball joints provide a flexible connection point which allows the sway bar and control arm to move freely relative to one another providing a smoother ride.
2. Bolt Type: A bolt-type sway bar link consists of a bolt with bushings on either end that connect the sway bar to the control arm. These bushings provide a softer connection point which provides a smoother steering response and a more comfortable ride.
3. Hybrid style: A hybrid sway bar consists of a bushing and bolt connection on one side and a ball joint on the other. This enables the sway bar to move with greater freedom on the ball joint end and has a supple connection on the bushing end combining the advantages of both styles of connections.
Based On Bushing Material
The bushing used in a bolt-type sway bar link can be made of different materials which offer different advantages. The factory-equipped bushings are usually made of rubber that is softer but provides a more comfortable ride. However, this ride comes at the cost of more body roll during turns due to the softer nature. Additionally, rubber bushings are cheap and maintenance-free—no need to lubricate them.
The other type of bushing used is polyurethane which is harder and much more durable which makes them last longer and minimizes body roll during cornering. One drawback to this is a firmer ride due to the hard nature of polyurethane bushings.
Metal bushings are made of metals such as iron and steel. They are commonly found in old car models and heavy trucks. They are preferred in heavy equipment due to their stiffness and ability to withstand stretching and abuse. They last a very long time but are prone to rust which can cause premature sway bar link failure. Metal bushings provide good handling performance but can be harsher on the ride quality.
3 What Are The Things I Should Consider When Buying New Sway Bar Links?
A. Bushing Material
Different types of bushings offer different advantages. It is important to buy the right type of bushing according to your specific needs. Rubber bushings are quite affordable and offer comfortable ride quality but can cause excess body roll when turning, whereas polyurethane bushings give a harsher ride but are firmer which provides better handling characteristics. Metal bushings are a long-lasting option but are vulnerable to corrosion and rapid wear if not lubricated regularly. They are ideal for heavy-duty applications as they can withstand more abuse before failing.
B. Sway Bar Link Style
Sway bar links are available with varied connection types as discussed earlier. The links can be attached to the suspension components either by a ball joint or directly bolted with bushings or can have both a bushing and ball joint on either end. The type of sway bar you need to choose depends on the original type your vehicle came with. Check the existing sway bar link type and buy the same type of link.
C. Greasable Vs Non-Greasable Design
Some sway bar links need to be lubricated regularly for the best performance and to prolong component life. Bushings, as well as ball joints, need to be greased regularly to prevent wear and tear. Failing to lubricate them can cause excess wear in metal bushings and ball joints that will cause the link to fail eventually. To counter this, maintenance-free components or non-greasable design is used which does not require regular greasing of the ball joint or bushings. However, these designs generally have a shorter lifespan compared to greasable designs. Maintenance-free or non-greasable sway bar links are ideal for compact and sedan cars where the wear and tear on various suspension components is lower. Whereas for heavy-duty applications, the greasable design is recommended.
4 What Are The Top Brands Of Sway Bar Links I Can Choose From?
Mevotech Sway Bar Links
Mevotech gives technicians the edge, by innovating chassis components. Their engineers focus on making their parts faster and easier to install, and they engineer them to provide a longer service life. Employing punishing durability testing, they validate every new design to ensure you get the performance you can trust.
Mevotech Sway Bar Links Part Number: MS40871, MK80478, MK80066, MS76859, and more
Features:
- OEM quality standards with fast and smooth installation are offered at affordable prices.
- Metal design of internal components – Internal metal designs are widely used in the manufacture of Mevotech X Factor stabilizer links. These designs incorporate highly durable upper and lower metal bearings that surround the ball joint stud and ball, and they include grease fittings to allow for grease and lubrication to be injected into the central area to prolong the life of the stabilizer link.
- Greasable – Greasable stabilizer links enable the ball joint to be serviced, to flush out old grease and contaminants by injecting new grease during inspection and maintenance routines.
- Black oxide coating – The black oxide coating provides high resistance to variable corrosion factors such as road debris and adverse road and weather conditions, ensuring the prolonged life of the stabilizer link.
- It is designed to meet or exceed OE replacement.
For more products, visit our Mevotech Sway Bar Link section.
Moog Sway Bar Links
MOOG® provides durable and long-lasting suspension products and is the preferred brand of replacement chassis parts by professional technicians. Featuring problem-solving innovations for longer life. Moog’s line of sway bar end links comes in a variety of shapes and styles, each one designed specifically for the vehicle it’s listed for. Known for its high-quality parts, Moog stays true to form with each of its end link designs. Maximize your vehicle’s performance and value with a set of Moog’s sway bar end links, all covered by Moog’s lifetime warranty.
1. Moog Standard Sway Bar Links
Part Number: K75003, K750049, K750658, K750018, K750784, and more
Features:
- Wrench flats at the base of the stud allow for a positive hold and the use of sockets for quick and easy installation and removal
- Improves upon OE designs
- Quiet, dependable operation
- Provides like-new steering, ease of installation, and longer life
- Incorporates proven design and engineering features
- A greaseable socket reduces corrosion and wears by allowing new lubricant to flush contaminants
- Sealed boot keeps the internal components free from contamination
2. Problem Solver Sway Bar Links
Part Number: K700538, K700526, K700528, K700530, K700531, and more
Features:
- The Grade 8 coated bolt makes the link extremely durable
- Features an enhanced solid hex spacer of strong, lightweight, anodized T-6 aluminum to resist corrosion
- Heavy-duty bushings made from new urethane material are extremely durable, absorbing road shocks while resisting oil, heat, and ozone
- Bushings feature new patent-pending stress reliefs to improve durability and sensitivity to installation torque
For more products, visit our Moog Sway Bar Link section.
Delphi Sway Bar Links
Delphi Technologies’ sway bar links are strong and stable. They go through rigorous fatigue testing to prevent premature failure, with anti-corrosion protection applied to each part. With an enlarged ball bin made from surface-hardened steel, a top-grade rubber boot, and high-performance grease, Delphi sway bar links deliver a safe and comfortable ride, time and time again.
Delphi Sway Bar Links Part Number: TC1302, TC2687, TC2634, TC1768, TC2736, and more
Features:
- Tensile strength and fatigue test to OE standards
- Materials meet OE specifications
- Ultrasonic molding prevents future weld breakage
- Parts coated to withstand harsh conditions
- Friction welding applied
For more products, visit our Delphi Sway Bar Link section.
Transit Warehouse Sway Bar Links
TOR offers a full range of heavy-duty steering and suspension car parts, built for optimal fit and extended service life. Each component is tested throughout the manufacturing process to ensure exceptional performance and reliability.
Transit Warehouse Sway Bar Links Part Number: TOR-K80235, TOR-K80230, TOR-K80867, TOR-K80296, TOR-K750523, and more
Features:
- Premium quality precision-machined components built to last
- Engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions
- Delivers a smooth, stable ride
- Rigorous Testing Procedures
- Multi-Axis Vibration- to confirm overall design durability
- Impact Resistance-to verify material’s toughness
- Salt Fogging-to check surface coating corrosion resistance capabilities
- Artificial Ageing-to ensure long-term durability and safety
For more products, visit our Transit Warehouse Sway Bar Link section.
5 What Are The Warning Signs That My Sway Bar Link Is Failing?
Sway bars are made of long-lasting and durable metal bars but the bushings and ball joints on sway bar links are susceptible to wear and tear and can fail over time with prolonged use. A broken sway bar link can affect the handling and steering performance of the vehicle, increasing body roll, and reducing steering response. This makes it necessary to find failure which is evident from the following signs of failure.
How Long Do Sway Bar Links Last?
The lifespan of sway bar links depends on the quality of the parts and how well they are maintained. Car owners need to replace their sway bar links once throughout the car’s entire lifespan. Expect them to last at least 50,000 miles. However, if you drive down roads that are excessively bumpy and rough, the links may only last around 50,000 miles. The links provided by the manufacturer on your new car will last a long time. Useful life of 150,000 miles is not unusual.
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 lose and the vehicle will start swaying as you make a turn.
Unusual Noises
As the sway bar link ball joints wear, the metal components within start to contact each other which is evident from grinding or knocking noise coming from the suspension as you make a turn or drive over a bump. Similarly, torn bushings in the sway bar links will cause metal-on-metal contact causing a grinding or clunking noise. If the sway bar link is faulty, then it can detach from the frame completely. This can result in the sway bar links hitting other suspension components and will produce a metal clunking noise from the wheel wells.
Increased Body Roll
Since sway bar links are connection points between the suspension and the sway bar itself, faulty or broken sway bar links can cause increased body roll. This is because the weight transfer that is possible due to the sway bar connection is broken and so the vehicle tends to lean or roll as you negotiate a turn. You will experience body roll especially while cornering affecting the handling and the steering performance of the vehicle.
| Mevotech Sway Bar Links – Part Number Catalog | |
| Category | Part Numbers |
| Sway Bar Links | MS40871, MK80478, MK80066, MS76859, MS30851, MS50820, MS25821, MS308116, MK80859, MS40817, MS10828 |
| Moog Sway Bar Links – Part Number Catalog | |
| Category | Part Numbers |
| Standard Sway Bar Links | K75003, K750049, K750658, K750018, K750784, K750155, K750385, K750289, K750719, K750322 |
| Problem Solver Sway Bar Links | K700538, K700526, K700528, K700530, K700531, K700533, K700537, K700542 |
Transit Warehouse Sway Bar Links- Part Number Catalog | |
| Category | Part Numbers |
| Sway Bar Links | TOR-K80235, TOR-K80230, TOR-K80867, TOR-K80296, TOR-K750523, TOR-K90455, TOR-K750043, TOR-K750659, 72-K80230, 72-K90349 |
6 Can you Drive with a Broken Sway Bar Link?
You can still drive your car with a broken sway bar link, but the performance of the vehicle will be affected. The sway bar link is responsible for stabilizing the vehicle by reducing how much your car leans when turning. If the sway bar link is broken, the car’s stability will be compromised, and the steering wheel will loosen, resulting in an unstable drive.
If your sway bar link is broken, it is recommended that you drive at much lower speeds, less than 50 km/h. Your drive may not be as smooth because your steering wheel would be looser, but you won’t have to risk losing control of your car, as you would if you were driving at a higher speed.
How Important are Sway Bar Links?
Sway bar links are an important part of your vehicle’s suspension system. They connect the sway bar to the suspension and help to reduce body roll when turning or driving on uneven surfaces. Without functioning sway bar links, your car’s handling and stability can be compromised. Here are some of the benefits of functioning sway bar links:
- Improved Handling: Sway bar links help to reduce body roll and keep your car level when turning or driving on uneven surfaces. This can help to improve handling and make your car easier to control.
- Better Stability: When your car is stable, it is less likely to roll over or lose control. Sway bar links help to keep the car level and prevent it from tipping over.
- Safer Driving: The proper functioning of sway bar links is crucial for safe driving. They help to improve the car’s handling and stability, which can prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe.
