This article should help you recognize some of the most common symptoms of a bad sway bar link.
Why is this important? Well, the sway bar link is a crucial part of the car’s suspension.
When it’s faulty, it affects the car’s handling on the road making this problem a matter of safety.
Worth knowing, you’ll agree.
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Related article:
HOW TO REPLACE A SWAY BAR LINK? WITH VIDEO TUTORIAL
SYMPTOMS OF A BAD SWAY BAR LINK
1. CLICKING NOISE FROM THE SUSPENSION
First among the symptoms of a bad sway bar link that you’ll easily notice is a clicking sound coming from the suspension.
At first, it is vague and barely noticeable. Later and especially in the final phase of the problem, it becomes a fully-fledged clunking.
Also, the clicking sound is especially noticeable when going over speed bumps.
2. LESS STABILITY ON THE ROAD
The next very common symptom is a less stable ride.
Instead of your car firmly holding the road so stay, you’ll notice a wobbly and jittery reaction on the road.
This goes double if the road quality is poor, you might be all over the place.
3. INCREASED BODY ROLL
When cornering, you’ll notice some serious body roll.
One of the symptoms of a bad sway bar link that may catch you by surprise and feel very awkward.
There will be much leaning to either side, especially when you go through a bend or corner a bit faster.
This is a red alert to inspect the problem since you can easily lose control of the car (especially when the road is slippery).
4. THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS AWKWARD
You may also notice an awkward wobbly feel on the steering wheel.
It’s much less noticeable than with a bad tie rod, for instance. It’s barely present but you’ll definitely feel it.
5. UNEVEN TIRE WEAR
The last of the symptoms of a bad sway bar link is uneven tire wear.
Bad sway bar links are a part of the front suspension and when they’re faulty, they affect the wheel angle resulting in uneven tire wear.
The sway bar links must be faulty for a long time for this symptom to appear.
For more information about car tires and checkups, click here.
CONCLUSION
Again, the sway bar link has a big role in the car’s stability and control on the road.
The moment you notice any of these symptoms (mainly the clicking sound ) inspect the problem as soon as possible as this is a matter of safety.
Also, if the quality of the roads in your country is poor, be prepared to replace sway bar links more often than usual.
The replacement itself is usually not that complicated and often isn’t expensive. On lots of cars, it’s a pretty easy DIY job.
Having this in mind, solving a sway bar link problem shouldn’t be an issue and something worth postponing.
Written by: Sibin Spasojevic
Former car technician, life-long car and DIY enthusiast, author for Despairrepair.com
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