You might need a sway bar replacement if the bar snaps or the mounting holes become worn, but it’s more common that you might need to replace the sway bar links or bushings.
How much does a sway bar replacement cost?
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.
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 a quick job, your repair costs will likely be closer to the lower end of the price range. If parts for your car are difficult to source or if the repair requires additional work—like lowering the engine cradle to access the sway bar—your repair costs will be higher.
If worn sway bar links or sway bar bushings led to your broken sway bar, you’ll need to replace those, which may add to your final cost. Your auto shop may also recommend a wheel alignment at the time of the repair.
What does a sway bar do?
The sway bar works with your suspension to keep your vehicle from leaning side-to-side too much when you’re turning. When your vehicle turns, its weight naturally shifts to the side on the outside of the turn.
The sway bar—also known as an anti-roll bar, anti-sway bar, or stabilizer bar—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.
Did you know? Some vehicles have one sway bar, some have two—a front and a rear—and some don’t have a sway bar at all.
How do I know if my sway bar is broken?
Bad sway bar symptoms might include:
- You hear a clunking or rattling noise, especially when you go over bumps
- Your vehicle leans to the outside of a turn
- Your tires show more wear on one side of your vehicle than the other
- You notice less traction in turns
Can I drive with a broken sway bar?
It’s not a good idea to drive your vehicle if the sway bar is broken. In addition to being uncomfortable, the noticeable lean when you turn could make your vehicle more likely to roll over. You’ll also have less control over the vehicle, so it may be difficult to avoid hazards in the road.
What causes a sway bar to need replacing?
It’s not common for a sway bar to wear out—more often, it’s the sway bar links or sway bar bushings that need to be replaced. But if you don’t replace your links or bushings once they’re damaged, the extra strain on the sway bar can damage the mounting holes or even cause the bar to snap.
Sway bar bushings connect your sway bar to the vehicle’s frame, while sway bar links connect the sway bar to the control arm of the vehicle’s suspension.
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.
Can I replace my car’s sway bar links at home?
Unless you’re 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—and unless you’re experienced working with lifts, that can be dangerous to do at home. A technician will also be able to perform a precision alignment afterward.
John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John\\\’s work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit. Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who previously lead up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.
