What is the Stabilizer Bar Bushings all about?

Stabilizer bars help keep your car from rolling over when you take sharp turns. The bars transfer the vehicle weight from side to side to prevent the rolling feeling when cornering. This job places great amounts of stress on these metal bars. Bushings are used to mount the stabilizer bar to the undercarriage of your vehicle, to absorb some of the stress, and to reduce road noise and vibrations that could transfer into the cabin of your vehicle. If the stabilizer bar bushings are worn, the stabilizer bar will still work, though there will be a fair amount of clunking or squeaking. If the stabilizer bar bushings come out of place or are badly damaged, the stabilizer bar is far less effective and much more body roll can be felt.

Keep in mind:

• Don’t assume your bushings are in good condition because you don’t hear odd noises or clunks; regular maintenance is necessary.
• Stabilizer bar bushings should always be replaced as a pair.

How it's done:

• The vehicle front wheels are put straight and the vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands
• The defective steering stabilizer bar bushings are removed
• The new steering stabilizer bar bushings are installed
• The vehicle is removed from jack stands
• The vehicle is started and checked for steering stabilizer bar operation

Our recommendation:

The stabilizer bar bushings should be inspected every time you have your vehicle serviced or suspension work performed. If the stabilizer bar bushings are worn or loose, have one of our expert mechanics replace them.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Stabilizer Bar Bushings?

• Clunking noise under your vehicle when your car moves over bumps or when turning, braking, and accelerating
• Creaking or squeaking noise when going over bumps

How important is this service?

The stabilizer bar bushings provide cushioning for the stabilizer bar itself. If the bushings are cracked or loose, they do not pose a safety hazard. If the bushings are missing or have come out of place, it becomes more important to have the problem addressed quickly.