Anti-Sway Bar Working Mechanisms and Symptoms of Problems
How does your car stay on its feet so well when you go around corners at high speed? The reason is one of the components of its suspension system: the anti-sway bar. You can also call it a sway bar, stabiliser bar or roll bar. Typically, a sway bar is a cylindrical, U-shaped steel bar that joins both sides of your vehicle's suspension. Its primary responsibility is to keep the vehicle from swaying and rolling over when you take on corners, especially at high speed. Learn more about your vehicle's anti-sway bar by reading this piece:
The 'Sway' Problem
When your car takes on a corner, the vehicle's sprung mass shifts towards the outer side, resulting in body roll. A countering force tends to push you towards one side of the vehicle, and it isn't something you want because it interferes with the ride comfort. The tilting also reduces the contact patch between the tyres and the road, making the vehicle less responsive to your steering commands.
Bringing in an Anti-Sway Bar
Fitting an anti-roll bar will not do away with the swaying problem entirely. However, it reduces the body roll significantly to ensure that the car delivers excellent ride comfort and safety. Essentially, the anti-sway bar transfers energy from the heavier side of the transmission system through the steel bar. It pulls the vehicle effectively to the opposite side to create a desirable balance.
Signs of a Failing Sway Bar
What do you need to look out for when your stabiliser bar is not working correctly? Here are a few signs:
Rattling and clunking — Most vehicle manufacturers fit the stabiliser bar to the lower control arms at the front of the vehicle. A few vehicles also have these bars in the back. These bars should fit perfectly without any play and movement. If you hear metal-on-metal noises and rattling, that is your stabiliser malfunctioning.
Poor handling — The stabiliser bar sits close to the steering rack for a reason. It ensures that you have a responsive steering wheel. If your vehicle doesn't handle as well as it used to, then the rubber bushings on the stabiliser are worn-out. They will not absorb the impact as they should when you go around corners.
Physical damage — A glance at the physical condition of the stabiliser bar can reveal cracks and dents, which are clear indications that you need to replace it.
Dealing With a Bad Anti-sway Bar
If you have a bad sway bar, refrain from driving the vehicle unless it is necessary. Drive carefully and slowly, especially when negotiating corners. A professional car services provider will replace the stabiliser bar for you and align the suspension properly to give your vehicle top-notch performance.
