What are Stabilizer Links and Why are They Important?
If you\'re not familiar with stabilizer links, also known as sway bar links, it\'s important to understand their function in the suspension system of your vehicle. These long metal rods connect the driver and passenger side suspension and keep both sides more level during a turn. Stabilizer links attach the ends of the sway bar to the driver and passenger side suspension, while stabilizer bushings are the fulcrum of the sway bar that attach it to the frame of your vehicle.
- Noise (clunking, knocking, rattling)
- Metallic Sound going over bumps
- Excessive Body Roll
- Sluggish Turning
If you experience any of these symptoms while driving, it\'s possible that your stabilizer links or bushings need replacement. In fact, driving with damaged or worn-out stabilizer links can be dangerous as they can cause excessive body roll during turns which can lead to loss of control.
How to Check Your Stabilizer Links / Bushings for Damage?
If you suspect that your stabilizer links or bushings may be damaged, manually checking them is a good idea before replacing them. You can do this by following these simple steps:
- Jack up your vehicle and secure it with jack stands or blocks.
- Place the stands in such a way that the suspension is supporting the weight of your vehicle.
- Locate the sway bar and move it up and down.
- Observe both end links and bushings for any visible signs of damage or wear.
If you notice any looseness or play in either component or visible signs of wear such as cracks or deformation, it\'s best to replace them immediately. The good news is that replacing stabilizer links and bushings is a simple job that can be done in the home garage with the right tools and instructions.
What is the Cost of Stabilizer Link / Bushing Replacement?
The cost of replacement stabilizer links ranges from $20-$100 (replacement – premium) while stabilizer bushings cost anywhere between $10-$30. However, most of the total replacement cost comes from labor which averages around $70-$100 per hour. If you\'re moderately mechanically inclined, you can save yourself some money by replacing these components yourself at home.
Benefits of Polyurethane Stabilizer Links and Bushings
If you\'re looking for an even more dramatic improvement in body roll reduction than OEM rubber components, polyurethane stabilizer links and bushings are a great upgrade option. They offer increased stiffness and durability over their rubber counterparts which translates to better handling during turns and a longer lifespan for your suspension system.
Some well-known brands that offer high-quality polyurethane stabilizer links include FORD MAVERICK ESCAPE MAZDA 2 PROTEGE TRIBUTE Stabilizer Link OEM:4049981 FDL6938 K80104 JTS7611 among others. Before making any purchase decision, make sure to research which brand fits your specific vehicle requirements best.
What are Stabilizer Links and Why are They Important?
If you\'re not familiar with stabilizer links, also known as sway bar links, it\'s important to understand their function in the suspension system of your vehicle. These long metal rods connect the driver and passenger side suspension and keep both sides more level during a turn. Stabilizer links attach the ends of the sway bar to the driver and passenger side suspension, while stabilizer bushings are the fulcrum of the sway bar that attach it to the frame of your vehicle.
- Noise (clunking, knocking, rattling)
- Metallic Sound going over bumps
- Excessive Body Roll
- Sluggish Turning
If you experience any of these symptoms while driving, it\'s possible that your stabilizer links or bushings need replacement. In fact, driving with damaged or worn-out stabilizer links can be dangerous as they can cause excessive body roll during turns which can lead to loss of control.
How to Check Your Stabilizer Links / Bushings for Damage?
If you suspect that your stabilizer links or bushings may be damaged, manually checking them is a good idea before replacing them. You can do this by following these simple steps:
- Jack up your vehicle and secure it with jack stands or blocks.
- Place the stands in such a way that the suspension is supporting the weight of your vehicle.
- Locate the sway bar and move it up and down.
- Observe both end links and bushings for any visible signs of damage or wear.
If you notice any looseness or play in either component or visible signs of wear such as cracks or deformation, it\'s best to replace them immediately. The good news is that replacing stabilizer links and bushings is a simple job that can be done in the home garage with the right tools and instructions.
What is the Cost of Stabilizer Link / Bushing Replacement?
The cost of replacement stabilizer links ranges from $20-$100 (replacement – premium) while stabilizer bushings cost anywhere between $10-$30. However, most of the total replacement cost comes from labor which averages around $70-$100 per hour. If you\'re moderately mechanically inclined, you can save yourself some money by replacing these components yourself at home.
Benefits of Polyurethane Stabilizer Links and Bushings
If you\'re looking for an even more dramatic improvement in body roll reduction than OEM rubber components, polyurethane stabilizer links and bushings are a great upgrade option. They offer increased stiffness and durability over their rubber counterparts which translates to better handling during turns and a longer lifespan for your suspension system.
Some well-known brands that offer high-quality polyurethane stabilizer links include FORD MAVERICK ESCAPE MAZDA 2 PROTEGE TRIBUTE Stabilizer Link OEM:4049981 FDL6938 K80104 JTS7611 among others. Before making any purchase decision, make sure to research which brand fits your specific vehicle requirements best.
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