Car and Truck Sway Bars
A sway bar is a critical part of the suspension. Also referred to as a roll bar or stabilizer bar, they are essential parts of many automobiles and trucks. Knowing more about the component will help you with the shocks of your car or truck.
What does a sway bar do?A sway bar is an integral part of the suspension in many cars and trucks. It is designed to reduce the body roll when there are road irregularities as well as when you take a corner fast. The sway bar link connects the left and right wheels. The torsional spring will reduce the body roll and ensure that the wheels move the same amount. The bar will twist and move lever arms to keep the vehicle more stable.
What types of sway bars are there?You will find that there are many types of sway bars on the market such as a front sway bar, a stabilizer bar, and an anti-sway bar. Some are explicitly designed for the front or rear of a particular make and model. You will want to review the kind of stabilization you are looking for, which will impact the shape of the bar. Here are some:
- Stabilizer
- Support bar
- Narrow splined
- Subframe bar
When you are getting ready to install pieces for your car, it is vital to make sure you have all of the parts you need, including the sway bar link and the bearings. The car should be up on a ramp so you can easily access the undercarriage. Make sure you have plenty of light to be able to see what you are doing, too. Two nuts will hold the link in place. You can use a wrench or a sledgehammer to help pry them loose. From there, you are ready to replace the part with a new one. If you are not comfortable repairing on your own or dont have the right tools, you can also bring the sway bar into a mechanic.
What decisions have to be made when improving suspension?To buy parts, it is necessary to make a few decisions. Doing so will that ensure you buy the right stabilizer bar for your vehicle.
- Make and model: Choose the right bar for the make and model of your car.
- Brand type: Review if youre buying an OEM or aftermarket part.
- Placement on vehicle: Look to see whether it needs to go on the front, rear, left, or right of the vehicle.