What are sway bars and what are they for?

Sway bars probably aren't a part of your vehicle that you think about, but they do a lot to keep your car on the road and really do deserve more recognition for the hard work that they do.

Particularly important for vehicles that go off-roading, sway bars—like your shock absorbers—are part of your vehicle's suspension, so let’s take a look at how they keep you safe while you're out and about.

What do sway bars do?

Designed to prevent your vehicle from rolling over when you turn a corner or drive over uneven surfaces, your sway bars help improve the handling of your vehicle for a smoother ride. But what is a sway bar?

Also commonly referred to as anti sway bars or a stabiliser bar, this important part of your vehicle is what connects the two sides of your suspension. U shaped and spanning the width of the vehicle, this piece works with your springs and shocks to improve vehicle stability. You can even get specific sway bars for towing, which means easier steering, and less likelihood of an accident.

Why it's important to have a 4x4 sway bar when off-road

As noted above, 4x4 sway bars are even more important than those on standard vehicles. This is because you're far more likely to encounter situations where your car will want to roll. While some may suggest disconnecting the sway bar on your 4x4 for more wheel mobility and improved suspension, especially for rock climbing, it’s still a good idea to have one fitted. By making this modification you'll increase the roll resistance of your vehicle, and help prevent issues arising from under or over steering. It is also worth having specific all terrain tyres fitted if you often go on these types of adventures, so you can gain more traction on mud, rocks, and through rivers.

Do I need anti sway bars on my caravan?

The standard sway bars on your vehicle should not be confused with anti sway bars for caravans. When referring to sway bars for caravans the part in question is actually an additional accessory. Fitted to reduce the amount of independent movement of your caravan, this particular type of sway bar greatly enhances the stability of your towing experience and is strongly recommended, especially if your caravan is on the heavy or long side.

What does the sway bar link do?

As you may have guessed from the name, the sway bar link is the component that connects your sway bar to the rest of your suspension. Kept in place by sway bar link pins, bushings and rubber isolators which keep everything together and prevent rattling, this part also helps make your ride smoother. If you spot any signs of a broken sway bar link like your tyres wearing unevenly, rattling noises that seem to come from your wheels, or loose steering, it’s a good idea to get your suspension checked to avoid losing control of your vehicle.

What are sway bar bushes?

Your sway bar bushes (or bushings) are small components, usually made of rubber, that attach your sway bar to your vehicle’s body. They’re important because even though your sway bar is meant to be rigid—that's how it does its job after all—you still want some degree of flexibility or your car won't function properly. This is where sway bar link bushes come in. Also referred to as anti-vibration mounting, your bushes allow things to move just enough that you don't have to deal with excessive resistance or rigidity. They also reduce noise and friction.

What is a torsion sway bar?

Although it functions more or less the same as a sway bar, a torsion sway bar is a completely different component. The main reason for this is that your torsion sway bar can twist as necessary, acting more like a spring. These components are often installed on vehicles designed mostly for off-roading, as well as those with a manual transmission, and allow for height adjustments without loss of stability. Note that the installation of a torsion sway bar doesn’t mean you won’t need off-road tyres. Although it’ll assist with handling, you still need the right rubber for maximum grip.

Need a hand with your car’s sway bar?

If you're experiencing issues with your vehicle handling or hearing strange noises, your sway bar may be to blame. The good news is that our friendly team of experts are well equipped to help you install or repair a sway bar either as a standalone service or alongside other works next time you stop by. With over 275 workshops throughout Australia we're always close by to lend a hand, and we take pride in ensuring that your car is safe and well maintained.

Now that you've got a better idea what sway bars are and how helpful they can be, book in to have yours tended to by giving us a call on 13 13 28 before your next adventure. We also have a huge range of specialist 4x4 tyres, and are happy to help with all your servicing needs.