The sway bar and its end links go by many names, but they all have the same job. The spring steel bar—also known as the roll bar, anti-sway bar, stabilizer bar, and anti-roll bar—links the frame or subframe and suspension together. It keeps your car flatter through turns and more stable over uneven road surfaces. Links and bushings allow the bar to flex and twist but limit excessive movement.
All that twisting and flexing takes its toll. Did you hear a rattle or clunk driving over the tiniest bump? Does your car wallow around more than usual? It's time to dig into our
DIY video guide and replace those loose links
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. For more information, also see our article about
understanding the basics about sway bar links
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. It further explores how sway bars work, the difference between mounts and links, and how to check for loose or broken parts.
Buying Sway Bar Links and Bushings: OEM vs. Aftermarket
If you’re into hardcore offroading, you may want to invest in a set of quick disconnect sway bar links for extreme articulation.
Ultimately, buying the best sway bar links and bushings depends on what, where, and how you drive. Stock replacement OEM parts are the best fit for most drivers and vehicles. But there are good reasons to choose an aftermarket option.
Aftermarket suspension parts manufacturers offer good, better, and best choices for direct replacements. However, upgraded versions can also improve on automaker shortcomings. For instance, you might find yourself replacing OEM parts that came with so-called lifetime lubrication. Upgrading to end links with greasable fittings or corrosion-resistant coatings can extend service life in the Rust Belt or dusty desert states.
Performance and off-road sway bar links
In some cases, you may have to go with aftermarket links. Raising your suspension with a lift kit for off-roading means swapping your stock sway bar links. It’s the same story if you’re dropping in a set of lowering springs or coilovers for the street. Changing the suspension ride height means getting longer, shorter, or adjustable end links to match.
If you are doing serious off-roading, you may need quick-release links. They detach the sway bar for increased suspension travel and articulation.
Buy the Right Type of Sway Bar Links and Bushings
A set of aftermarket sway bar links allows for adjustment.
Modern cars and trucks leave the factory with at least a front sway bar. Some include a rear setup for improved stability. Every automaker takes a different engineering approach, but sway bar end links fall into three basic categories.
The confusion starts with interchangeable terminology. Sway bar mounts and end links both use bushings to isolate vibrations. Control arm ball joints both use a ball and socket. So do ball joint end links.
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Bolt and bushing: Also known as link and bushing, conventional, straight link, or simply bolt type, these links connect the sway bar ends and suspension with a long threaded bolt, spacers, and two pairs of bushings. This simple and effective setup has been around for a long time in fixed or adjustable configurations. The rubber bushings and plastic spacers usually wear out before the steel bolt. If that rubber bushing goes bad, you can hear it. Metal-to-metal contact results in suspension noise.
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Ball and socket: Ball joint sway bar links use a ball-and-socket type joint at either end of a fixed or adjustable steel rod. Also known as pivot or socket style, ball joint end links are increasingly more common than bolt type on economy and luxury cars alike. Permanently lubricated or greaseable sealed ball joints give these links a durability and performance advantage over exposed bushings. Excessive ball stud and socket joint wear produces a rattle over bumps.
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Hybrid end links: This type of end link combines the simplicity and economy of a bushing-and-bolt end with the performance and durability advantages of a sealed ball joint end. Materials and metallurgy play a role in longevity regardless of type and configuration, but hybrid end links eventually wear out just like the rest.
How to Find Sway Bar Links and Bushings That Fit Your Car
Replace both the front and rear sway bar links at the same time.
Checking your end links for excessive play and wear will tell you what kind of end links you need. Then, add your ride by year, make, model, engine, and trim to the
eBay Parts Finder
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garage to find the right parts for the job.
Like burnt-out headlight bulbs and worn windshield wipers, sway bar end links are best replaced in pairs. This same matched pair methodology applies to sway bar mount bushings and related suspension and steering parts like ball joints, tie-rod ends, and struts.
What should you spend to replace sway bar end links and bushings?
Replacement parts costs can run you less than $20 for a pair of stock replacement bolt and bushing end links. That number can jump into the hundreds for off-road performance quick-release conversions.
If your
sway bar links and bushings
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are worn out, chances are good that your mounts are on their way or already there. Give the tie-rod ends, ball joints, strut rod bushings, and related steering and suspension parts a good look and shake while inspecting the end links.
Should you buy a sway bar link and bushing replacement kit?
Yes. Buying each set of end links or bushings separately is often more expensive. Having everything you need for the job makes getting it done that much quicker. Auto parts suppliers and manufacturers offer a range of bundles, from simple bolt and bushing packs to replacement kits with control arms and total front-end rebuild packages. Replacing worn-out end links won't fix wobbly tie-rod ends. Get the right kit for the job.
Related Parts and Accessories
A floor jack and jack stands are essential when replacing sway bar links.
If you have a floor jack, jack stands, and a basic set of hand tools, removing and replacing stock sway bar links and bushings is usually an easy job. But keep this in mind: These parts are inches off the road, where they are exposed to corrosion from road salt.
Penetrating oil might help loosen stubborn fasteners, but be prepared for stripped nuts and broken bolts. Our
detailed DIY video and article
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includes a full rundown of tools and supplies for the job. With any luck, you won't have to add an air chisel, torch, or Sawzall to the list.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.
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