Sway Bar Replacement Cost

A sway bar, also known as an anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar, is an important component of any vehicle's suspension system that helps reduce body roll during turns and cornering.

While a sway bar tends to last the lifetime of most vehicles with proper maintenance, they can eventually wear out or break due to age, rust, or damage from potholes or accidents.

If your sway bar is showing signs of wear, you may be wondering how much it will cost to replace it. In this article, we'll discuss sway bar replacement costs and the factors that influence the price.

Where is the Sway Bar Located?

Sway bars are typically located across the axles of a vehicle, connecting the left and right sides of either the front or rear suspension.

Front sway bars are more common, as they help stabilize the chassis and minimize body lean during turns and braking maneuvers.

Some high-performance vehicles may even have sway bars installed on both the front and rear axles.

Signs Your Sway Bar Needs Replacement

• Excessive body lean or "tilt" during turns and braking
• Loud clunking noises emanating from the front or rear suspension
• Rusted or corroded end links
• Visible cracks or fractures in the bar itself
• Loose or disconnected end links
• Sagging or drooping vehicle posture

Average Sway Bar Replacement Cost

The average cost to replace a front or rear sway bar ranges from $200 to $400 for most cars and trucks. However, prices can vary significantly depending on the make and model of your vehicle as well as where you get the work done:

Dealership

Labor rates at dealerships tend to be higher, so expect to pay $300-$500 or more for a sway bar replacement performed by factory-trained technicians. You'll also pay a premium for OEM parts.

Independent Shop

Independent repair shops typically charge $200-$350 on average for labor and parts to swap out a sway bar. This is usually the most cost-effective option.

DIY Replacement

If you have basic mechanical skills and proper tools, you can replace a sway bar yourself for just the $50-$150 part cost. However, you'll need to factor in the value of your own time.

Front vs. Rear Sway Bar

Replacing the front sway bar usually costs slightly more than the rear due to additional labor involved. Expect to pay $200-$350 for a front job versus $150-$250 for the rear.

Sway Bar Replacement Process

Here are the typical steps involved in replacing a sway bar:

1. Loosen and remove end links connecting the bar to the suspension arms.
2. Raise and support the vehicle securely with jack stands.
3. Working on one side at a time for easier access, remove any bolts or brackets securing the sway bar to the frame or subframe.
4. Slide the old bar out from its mounting points.
5. Install the new bar and bolt it into position using new hardware if needed.
6. Replace and tighten the end links, making sure they're aligned properly.
7. Lower the vehicle and check for smooth suspension movement without binding.
8. Have an alignment performed to correct any changes in toe and camber settings.

With the right tools and sufficient mechanical skills, most DIYers can complete the job in 2-4 hours depending on rust and condition of old parts. Professional shops usually wrap it up within an hour or two.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Sway Bar Life

To maximize the lifespan of your vehicle's sway bar(s) and delay future replacement costs:

• Inspect bars and joints periodically for wear, cracks or looseness
• Grease end links and fittings annually to reduce rust and friction
• Wash undercarriage regularly to prevent road salt and chemical damage
• Avoid curbs, potholes and rough terrain whenever possible
• Consider polyurethane bushings for higher durability than rubber
• Replace worn suspension components like ball joints and bushings
• Degrease and repaint rusted bars to prevent further corrosion

Proper maintenance and care can help keep original sway bars functioning smoothly for 10+ years in most driving conditions. Replacing worn parts proactively prevents more expensive repairs down the road.

In summary, the average cost to replace a front or rear sway bar ranges from $200-400 installed depending on your vehicle and shop.

With DIY skills, you can save the majority of labor costs for a basic job. Inspect your sway bars regularly so you catch any issues early to avoid added repair costs.

Maintaining all suspensionLink) components ensures your vehicle's steering and handling remain balanced and controlled for the long haul.