Each suspension system component has its role in the way how a vehicle handles the road. A sway bar isn’t a suspension component found in every car although they’re very helpful in reducing body roll and sway.
When it comes to performance cars, and modified vehicles, sway bars are a common addition if they’re not already factory fitted. Some people even upgrade their stock sway bars with performance ones, whether it’s for increased handling capabilities or looks.
In this article, we’ll go through all you need to know about sway bars, what they do, how to install them, types, as well as pros and cons.
What Are Sway Bars And What’s Their Function?
Sway bars are also known as anti-sway bars, stabilizer bars, or anti-roll bars. A sway bar is a metal bar that’s connected to the front wheel struts or control arms on both sides of the car. It’s part of the suspension system, however, not every car is fitted with a sway bar.
A common misconception is that sway bars are the only components that affect a car’s body roll and sway. The truth is that every suspension component, including suspension geometry, have an effect on the car’s handling. Sway bars specifically affect sway and body roll, increasing a car’s performance capabilities.
To understand the function of a sway bar, we must know what happens to a car when running and turning. When your car turns, the weight shifts from the center to one side, creating a certain amount of body roll. Sway bars, or anti-roll bars, help the car keep all wheels touching the ground during cornering, preventing it from rolling over and increasing its grip.
Sway bars are especially important in race cars, drift cars, and high-performance vehicles that need to go through corners as fast as possible.
Do Sway Bars Affect Ride Quality?
Although a sway bar is part of the suspension system and has a direct effect on the car’s ability to reduce body roll and sway, it doesn’t affect the stiffness of the car, and how comfortable it is. This is a common misconception amongst those who don’t understand what a sway bar is and what it does.
Springs, shock absorbers, and even tire size plays a role in how comfortable the car will be.
Types of Sway Bars
Sway bars seem like a very simple suspension component, however, there are four types of sway bars used in the automotive industry. These include solid bars, hollow bars, splined bars, and active anti-roll bars.
Solid sway bars are most commonly found in modern cars. They are the heaviest out of all the types but are the most durable. They are U-shaped and connect wheels on the same axle.
Hollow sway bars are a more popular option for modified and high-performance cars. Visually, they’re almost identical to solid sway bars, however, they’re much lighter due to their design. Hollow sway bars are like pipes – they’re hollow in the middle. Just like solid sway bars, they are very durable, but the downside is that they cost more than solid sway bars.
A splined sway bar is straight, and it’s used for racing and high-performance cars. It can be either split or hollow, and the difference between this and a traditional sway bar is that a splined sway bar rotates on the connecting arm. It’s also adjustable, which is why it’s such a popular option for race and track cars.
The last type is the active sway bar, or active anti-roll bar, as many call it. The difference between other types of sway bars and an active anti-roll bar is that this is an electronically controlled component. The car’s ECU uses a variety of sensors and actuators to adjust the suspension system in real time for the best handling and grip.
Removing a Sway Bar And Replacing Bushings
It’s highly unlikely that a sway bar will need to be replaced due to wear, but you can always upgrade your stock sway bar. Bushings, on the other hand, will need to be replaced due to wear and tear. The process isn’t too complicated, and with the right set of tools, almost anyone can do it. If you’re one of the people who aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty, this short guide will help you replace the sway bar and bushings on your car.
You’ll need a high-quality socket set, a floor jack, and jack stands. Make sure your car is on a flat surface before lifting it. Removing the wheels isn’t required on all cars, but it’s recommended to make it easier to remove the sway bar. If you’ll be removing the wheels, unscrew the bolts while the car is still firmly on the ground. Place the jack properly under your car, and carefully place the jack stands under it. After your car is secure and lifted safely onto jack stands, you can continue removing the wheels.
For the next part, you’ll need to remove the bolts holding the sway bar to the end links. At this time, it’s a good idea to check the condition of the end links, and possibly replace them if necessary. Once the sway bar is detached from the end links, you’ll need to unscrew the bolts holding the sway bar bushings. After both sets of bolts are successfully removed, you can start removing the sway bar carefully.
Reinstalling new bushings and sway bars is the same as removing them. You’ll need to take your time and do things slowly due to the sway bar’s complicated form. For someone experienced, the entire process shouldn’t take more than an hour, but if it’s your first time replacing a sway bar, you might want to arm yourself with enough patience to finish the job.
After replacing the sway bar or bushings, it’s recommended to get your car’s suspension geometry checked and sorted. Just as other suspension components, a sway bar can be adjusted to provide the right amount of stability to your car. Adjusting a sway bar is the easiest with splined sway bars, while traditional sway bars require more experience and know-how.