The suspension on your vehicle is responsible for ensuring you have a smooth, comfortable, and responsive ride. The suspension system is the most vital system when it comes to comfort, so keeping your suspension components maintained will be key to keeping you and your passengers comfortable. While there are many different components in your suspension system, today, we are going to focus on the stabilizer links.
What Is A Stabilizer Link?
A stabilizer link, sometimes referred to as a link stabilizer, uses short links to connect the vehicle's left and right wheels to help reduce body rolls when cornering and absorbing shocks from uneven road surfaces or potholes. Most stabilizer links are going to be constructed of a short steel rod and two ball joints to pivot as needed. They are usually mounted between the sway bar and the front control arm on most vehicles.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Stabilizer Link?
Knowing the signs of a bad stabilizer link can ensure that you know when yours need to be replaced. While most vehicles will be able to drive with a bad stabilizer link until it breaks. It is always recommended to get it repaired before your vehicle is not able to steer correctly.
If your stabilizer link is failing, you may experience the following symptoms:
Clunking Or Rattling Noises Near The Tire Area
Since the stabilizer link is made up of bushings or small ball joints, once these become worn out, you can experience more play in the link. This can lead to a clunking or rattling noise that you hear at low speeds near the tire area.
Poor Handling Or Loose Feeling In Steering Wheel
With the main purpose of a stabilizer link being that it helps to improve handling, steering, and stability when they wear out, so will these three items. If you are experiencing poor handling or a loose feeling in your steering wheel, it may be time to check your stabilizer links.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Stabilizer Link?
Replacing a stabilizer link is a relatively easy job for most mechanics. Depending on the vehicle, you might even be able to do this without having to remove the wheel. On average, a stabilizer link replacement is going to cost anywhere between $104 and $146. However, this is going to vary depending on where you take your vehicle and the current prices of labor.
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