You may need a sway bar replacement if the bar snaps or the mounting holes become worn, but it\u2019s more common to replace the sway bar links or bushings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cost of replacing a sway bar ranges from about $200 to over $1,000, depending on the make and model of your vehicle, where you have the repair done and whether any other parts need to be replaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On some vehicles, a sway bar replacement will take as little as an hour. If the replacement part for your vehicle is inexpensive and replacement is quick, your repair costs will likely be on the low end of the price range. If parts for your car are difficult to source or if the repair requires additional work \u2014 like lowering the engine cradle to access the sway bar \u2014 your repair costs will be higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If worn sway bar links or sway bar bushings led to your broken sway bar, you\u2019ll also need to replace those, which may add to your final cost. Your auto shop may recommend a wheel alignment at the time of the repair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sway bar works with your suspension to keep your vehicle from leaning side-to-side too much when you\u2019re turning. When your vehicle turns, its weight naturally shifts to the side on the outside of the turn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sway bar \u2014 also known as an anti-roll bar, anti-sway bar or stabilizer bar \u2014 helps your vehicle maintain an even weight distribution. Not only does this create a more comfortable ride, but it also helps prevent rollover accidents, decreases strain on your tires and improves your traction on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some vehicles have one sway bar, some have two \u2014 a front and a rear \u2014 and some don\u2019t have a sway bar at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of a sway bar in need of repair may include:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not a good idea to drive your vehicle if the sway bar is broken. In addition to being uncomfortable, the lean when you turn could make your vehicle more likely to roll over. You\u2019ll also have less control over the vehicle, so it may be difficult to avoid hazards in the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not common for a sway bar to wear out \u2014 more often, it\u2019s the sway bar links or sway bar bushings that need to be replaced. But if you don\u2019t replace your links or bushings once they\u2019re damaged, the extra strain on the sway bar can damage the mounting holes or even cause the bar to snap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sway bar bushings connect your sway bar to the vehicle\u2019s frame, while sway bar links connect the sway bar to the control arm of the vehicle\u2019s suspension. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other reasons your sway bar might break could include rough driving conditions, corrosion from dirt and salt, or an impact with another car or an object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unless you\u2019re comfortable working on cars, this repair is better left to a professional mechanic. Your vehicle typically needs to be lifted completely into the air in order to access the sway bar \u2014 and unless you\u2019re experienced working with lifts, that can be dangerous to do at home. A technician will also be able to perform a precision alignment afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n