SWAY BAR SYSTEM FAULTS

[@EasyFixShaun]

Amazon links for parts. I make money on purchases. Thank you! Subaru Front: amzn.to/3W10cQw Subaru Rear: amzn.to/3FTyWOa

[@josephd529]

Don’t forget to check motor mounts. Just did a diag for a clunk… suspension all checked out good and turned out to be motor mounts.

[@EasyFixShaun]

Great tip! 😃

[@jeffclark5024]

You often can’t feel that play on sway bar bushings when it’s up in the air. Often the bushings are under tension. The best way that literally nobody ever mentions is on the ground. Have a helper rock the car side to side by pushing above the side windows. This is truly the best way to find loose sway bar bushings and end links.

[@EasyFixShaun]

I agree 😃. Here's my full length video kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoSbe3WblM-hbMk

[@TopdogGameboy]

Probably a stupid question but not every one has some one to teach them. I only ask because your way of checking was one that concerns me. I initially started to feel that sort of slide or drift feeling on some turns. And then to your statement I also noticed that if I shake the car it continues for a minute after feel like it should stabilize quicker that when I'm parked just sitting in the car. Would that be the sway bar bushings then or possibly other issues.

[@jeffclark5024]

@@TopdogGameboy usually the shaking that continues after you stop shaking or bouncing the car is worn or bad struts. Hard to say without looking at the car. If you’re not confident I’d just take it into a shop with a good reputation and tell them your concerns and ask them to give it a good once over.

[@auberjean6873]

@EasyFix Thank you! This excellently edited video shows what to look for and I'm grateful.

[@EasyFixShaun]

You're welcome! Glad to help out 😃🔧

[@nathanmccumber8965]

​@@EasyFixShaunWhen I turn my car I hear noise or when I am light waiting but when I am at natural no noise could that bushing be worn out.

[@bigrad86]

Thank you for this video 👍, I have a sound coming from my front suspension I think this is it.

[@EasyFixShaun]

Excellent! No problem glad to help out 😀🔧

[@joanstehlik235]

This is when saved inner tubes come in handy. Just cut strips out and wrap around the bushing to tighten it up.

[@EasyFixShaun]

Great idea in a pinch 🤏😃

[@juancarlosbarrera6375]

Great video! Quick question. Mine makes the clunking noise sometimes while driving, but mainly when turning at very low speeds, like coming in and out of a parking spot. Do you think it is the bushings or the links? Perhaps both? I should also mention... The tire toe wear is very very bad.

[@EasyFixShaun]

You may have other issues with the toe wear. Probably a loose worn or broken steering or suspension component. The links and bushings could cause clunking, but they typically don't cause any tire wear. An overall steering suspension inspection is needed to try and pinpoint bad parts. You could have multiple issues going on.

[@jesuschrististruth3731]

I just bought a 07 rav 4 I have a clunk sound. Thinking it was transmission issue but changed the fluid and filter and everything in the pan was fine. When I changed the rear shocks I noticed a missing sway bar link on my drive side. It's definitely the problem of the clunk I hear when decelerating and coming to a stop.

[@EasyFixShaun]

No problem glad to help! Here's the full length video if you need a ton more information 😃kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoSbe3WblM-hbMk

[@fgonzalez78959]

I had one in rear..yes this fix it

[@EasyFixShaun]

awsome! 😃

[@samchisolm5832]

My truck sways like the video on the bottom.. I’m definitely gonna be checking these out mañana 🙌🏿

[@EasyFixShaun]

Right on! I have a full-length video that can help if needed 😀🔧

[@samchisolm5832]

@@EasyFixShaun that would be awesome.. what’s the link?

[@EasyFixShaun]

I am so sorry I missed your reply. Thread replies get buried sometimes. Here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoSbe3WblM-hbMk

[@leroyjenkinz665]

That’s weird normally it’s the other way around rarely see bushings wear out on the outside like that it’s normally where it wraps the bar it has a gap

[@EasyFixShaun]

Kinda wild its everywhere like that. Very weird. It's a Subbie thing. It's also very worn out inside. Good case study for a video 😃🔧

[@ProleDaddy]

I was thinking maybe they shrunk.

[@EasyFixShaun]

hard

[@mythics791]

i remember cars without sway bars.

[@EasyFixShaun]

Me too! 😀

[@sheffielduk3428]

I've just changed my rear near side rear drop link thinking the noise was that but NO so guessing this next haha

[@EasyFixShaun]

could be. The bushings are sneaky loose sometimes. Especially when older with lots of miles.

[@804MRMAN]

I've never understood why people say sway bars only affect cornering. On a 2nd gen Lexus gs300 the sway bar is literally connected to the lower control arms tying both sides together. If a link breaks the car becomes unstable in a straight line or cornering.

[@EasyFixShaun]

Correct! They help with all aspects of stability in suspension, steering, braking, and acceleration 😃

[@youngburnah]

this may be an old post but if you can help out. i have a 2016 wrx and stock sway bars, bushing have never been replaced. it makes rattle or the same noise you show in the video it makes noise during low speed turns. do you think it can be that. i do have aftermarket coils overs and endlinks. do you think it can be the bushings?

[@EasyFixShaun]

Hi! Watch my full length video on my channel. I show several ways to easily test the components out 😃

[@zazou4992]

Bro😂😂😂😂😂😂 funny shit. I just replace those like 3h ago on a customer car at work today. Same subaru same bushing

[@EasyFixShaun]

😂 no way thats awesome.! Everything go well?

[@zazou4992]

​@@EasyFixShaunYea it was easy. I just heated the bolt. Cuz you know I live in Québec. Worse than the rust belt. Didn't want to broke them. Also I do suggest to put some grease inside the bushing so it doesn't squeak when the torsion bar rotate

[@zazou4992]

​@@EasyFixShaunOh and idk how much kmh yours as but mine I did was so fucking rusted😂

[@EasyFixShaun]

@@zazou4992 Rust is the worst 😃

[@jwester7009]

My car does a lot of clunking noises after the car has been raised on jack stands. It usually settles after a while. But if it hits a road bump at certain angles it gives an even worse clunking noise. I can't find out what is causing it

[@EasyFixShaun]

You should shake down all steering suspension brake and wheel components. Hopefully you can zero in on the culprit or culprits 😀😀

[@bsb703_2]

So when I’m in park and rock side to side inside the car I get a similar clunk but I also have spongy brakes now.

[@EasyFixShaun]

Could be something else in the steering suspension brakes or wheels. I would inspect all of that and fix any problems. A" hand shake test" will sometimes expose obvious problems in the links or bushings. I have another long form video for that if needed. Good luck sorting it all out. Let me know what you find 😀

[@frederickschulze8014]

Yeah I wouldn't assume it's the sway bar. Just give every suspension linkage a shake, and usually that will show you the problem if it's bad.

[@EasyFixShaun]

Thats a great idea. Could be anything. Hopefully it jumps out at you when checking. Let me know what you find 😀

[@Mbrown553]

Thanks for saying usually the life of the vehicle. I've seen em rusted and snap. Not many though.

[@EasyFixShaun]

Right on! I have seen a few snap but its not super common 😃🔧

[@jayphagan5270]

Good info! Thanks!

[@EasyFixShaun]

No problem! Glad it was helpful 😃🔧

[@whoelsebutthekidace]

I have 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer & changed the strut assembly, sway bar end links, Inner/Outer Tie Rods are fairly New and I’m still getting the clunking noise especially over speed bumps like the car is gonna fall apart. If anyone has any advice I would greatly appreciate it. Also I changed the sway bar bushings like 4-6months ago. Can the sway bar itself go bad? It’s 8 years old?

[@EasyFixShaun]

Can you reproduce the sound by jouncing the vehicle while parked?

[@whoelsebutthekidace]

@@EasyFixShaun Thank you for the quick reply!🙏🏽 So I bounced front left/right sides & didn’t hear any noise.

[@EasyFixShaun]

Ok. If you can reproduce the sound at a stop usually you can track down the sound by looking for loose components with a helper. But it sounds like that isn't the case for you. When it only happens while driving at speed it can be difficult to track down. Especially if you don't deal with noises like that daily. A wireless chassis ear will solve the problem for you. You can clip it on suspect parts and test drive until you find the problem. Its basically a stethoscope with a microphone, you can listen while you drive, that helps you locate hard to find noise. I put some links in the description. As a side note, sway bar links do somewhat commonly make phantom noises like you have that are hard to track down. Usually when they are just starting to go bad. Cheap link parts are prone to doing it. Aftermarket bushings are usually slightly different size than oem parts and rubber compound can also be different. A lot of times they end up making noise prematurely. I can happen to oem stuff but its most common with aftermarket. I have seen near zero issues with genuine oem parts causing weord phantom noise issues like yours (if that is what you have). Sorry you are having trouble. Stick with it until you correct it 😀🔧

[@whoelsebutthekidace]

@@EasyFixShaun Thank you so much for the feedback! I do have cheap links but struts are KYB, Also bushing are aftermarket from RockAuto. Didn’t have a helper just did it myself. I rocked the car in every direction. I noticed that the rear struts have to be changed bcuz of excessive bounce. But I’ll have to get the gadget you mentioned or even a camera. Maybe I’ll stick with OEM parts Or good quality brands. Thanks for the help.

[@EasyFixShaun]

No problem! Stick with it until you find the culprit 😃

[@AJDENG]

Had a clunking noise, turns out it was a slightly loose caliper. Garage said I needed a new lower control arm ahahah.

[@EasyFixShaun]

really?

[@ltrainn69]

What if the bar moves side to side? Does that mean the bushings are bad ?

[@EasyFixShaun]

Yes if you can slide the bar to easily side to side the bushings could be worn and loose.

[@ancientdiscoverys]

Would these cause the front wheel to have a slight random feeling like the wheel sometimes isn't hitting the ground properly when the car is on uneven roads

[@804MRMAN]

Yup! Especially on an independent suspension

[@804MRMAN]

The wheel is literally bouncing up and down like a basketball

[@EasyFixShaun]

Sounds like a very good possibility. Try the hand shake test in the video or one of the other tests and see if you can pinpoint the culprit 😃🔧

[@realestgamer2479]

Where can i get a bracket to hold the bar? Had realized it it only had one

[@EasyFixShaun]

Ebay for used or the dealer for new. Amazon might have something also. Usually most parts stores don't carry too many make and model brackets to sell because they typically last forever snd are re usable. So you may have to do a little research 😀😀

[@realestgamer2479]

@EasyFix. I ended up going to a local scrap yard and finding the part there.

[@EasyFixShaun]

Perfect! Nice job 😃

[@matthewjharrell]

Did you replace the bushings?

[@EasyFixShaun]

Yes! Working on another short. I will show the easy (typical) replacement soon 😃🔧

[@luvr381]

If they do nothing when the car is level, how can they help more than just cornering?

[@EasyFixShaun]

Level is the resting state of the system. There is no twisting pressure on the bar when level. As soon as the vehicle moves, the suspension is constantly moving a tiny bit somewhere. As soon as either side of the suspension moves the bar is now working by twisting and trying to being it back to its resting state of level.

[@dthorne4602]

They work all of the time, anytime the car is moving, the sway bar is active.

[@zelepuza3518]

Unrelated and related but my buddy took a link out of his sway bar in his 99 ranger and it looks ridiculous bombing around corner 😂 not only that but he usually has 8 foot fire stick antenna’s on and it just adds to the ridiculousness

[@Krankie_V]

I'm letting my old beater Chevy clunk... Probably until the end link finally breaks 😂 Naw in all reality I'll take care of the links whenever I get around to replacing that growling wheel bearing

[@EasyFixShaun]

Both repairs are safety related.

[@Krankie_V]

@@EasyFixShaun I'm well aware. Neither one is a big deal yet.

[@Sak-zo1ui]

@@Krankie_V if the wheel bearing is making noise its past the not a big deal yet stage.

[@Krankie_V]

@@Sak-zo1ui it's really not. There's no play in it at all. I work on this shit every day. I know when it's a big deal and when it's not.

[@Sak-zo1ui]

@@Krankie_V if a bearing is squealing it is dry. If it is growling it is chattering which means it isnt seated correctly or has dirt in it. Or the caging is failing. It sounds like a big deal.

[@moisesmartins8063]

Barra de instabilidade muito importante

[@juggernautxtr]

and if poly urethane ones are available do it.

[@bwame]

I have all poly bushings on my 3rd gen 4Runner. All front and rear control arm bushings either total chaos or energy suspension poly. I have been very happy with them but they definitely do not absorb as much vibration as the rubber ones. The ease / freedom of travel they provide when paired with mid/long travel suspension is worth it but I don't know if I would use them on a regular vehicle. I guess they wouldn't really increase vibration feel for sway bars though - no idea though because I don't have sway bars on it.

[@EasyFixShaun]

I have never installed poly believe it or not. I stick to oem type stuff usually. Do they sound the same? Poly is stiffer and i always wondered if that changed anything. Do they ride better? Do they last longer?

[@EasyFixShaun]

Interesting! That would have been my basic theory on them. I would like to try it out someday to see how they react. Pros and Cons. Might be worth it depending on application and use 😃🔧

[@juggernautxtr]

@@EasyFixShaun they will stiffen the ride a little the biggest benefit is that the poly urethane is better at resisting oil and grease, which is usually what degrades those rubber ones before their time.

[@EasyFixShaun]

Thats cool and makes sense. Most bushings i see are rotted out and don't fail from oil. But i can see how that would be better with poly for sure. I also think some cars i have owned over the years could benefit from a stiffer ride. Right out if the gate they kind of just felt like they "lumbered" around when changing directions in parking lots 😀🔧

[@luisnoyola6424]

Can bad sway bar links cause vibration?

[@EasyFixShaun]

Usually bad links will cause instability while driving or clunk sound while driving. They usually don't cause a vibration, unless you are referring to sound type vibration 😃🔧

[@luisnoyola6424]

What can cause vibration in my truck? I put new tires on it and balanced them and it continues to vibrate. What could it be? Thank you sir

[@EasyFixShaun]

Something spinning is the most likely cause. Check tires fir irregularities(even if new). Check wheels to be sure they are all true. Check wheel mount area for defects. Remove ANY wheel spacers if present. Make sure no debris or corrosion is between wheel and rotor. Also rotor and hub must be perfect and clean. If that all looks good- next inspect driveline for problems. Bent or broken or worn Cv-axles, universal joints, driveshafts. If thats perfect i have seen transmission and engine mounts cause weird vibrations/droning inside the vehicle. I hope that helps 😀😀

[@luisnoyola6424]

THANK YOU sir motor mounts was the problem

[@EasyFixShaun]

No problem. Nice job finding your culprit 😃

[@BigDipper79]

If you can wiggle that sway bar while it’s on the ground you have bigger issues than bushings.

[@EasyFixShaun]

If the suspension is level side to side the bar will be in a neutral position just like on a hoist. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoSbe3WblM-hbMk

[@BigDipper79]

@@EasyFixShaun huh

[@804MRMAN]

​@BigDipper79 The reason it's moving easily is because of the bushings 😂 Did you watch the video?

[@EasyFixShaun]

Testing can be done on the ground or in the air as long as the bar is in a neutral position. If it's on the ground and level side to side any play in the bushing can be felt and diagnosed. Same thing goes when in the air lifted up if both sides have equal droop side to side. Otherwise the bar twists and loads if side to side droop isn't level. It's just trying to do its job and level the car. But, if there is load on the bar often a clunk won't be felt on a loose bushing because it's being pushed against by the load.

[@aaronsmith2719]

Bro. Its you blown strut for sure. Sway bar bushings get fixed at the same time.

[@EasyFixShaun]

kzbin.infooKtYe7iBIc0

[@H3lzsn1p3r]

My links and bushings will outlast my trucks for the last 30 years i have been taking the front swaybars off my trucks so they will never wear out! 😂😂😂

[@johncoldwell340]

Easy unless you own a bmw mini or live where things rust really really bad 🤣

[@EasyFixShaun]

For sure!

[@JeltipShorts]

I can feel something wrong in my suspension but 3 mechanics are basically saying I'm crazy...

[@EasyFixShaun]

Take them on a test drive and verify the noise with them. That way they will know what symptom to chase down and fix for you 😀

[@Iowa599]

Faster & cheaper to remove the bar. Shit's only wasting mpgs.

[@804MRMAN]

Try doing that on suspension that literally has the sway connected to the control arms of the car... You'll have a VERY HARD TIME KEEPING YOUR CAR STABILIZED!!!

[@Iowa599]

@@804MRMAN I can't think of any car that has the sway bar used as a control arm. The dog bone links (that are at each end) stop any anti-roll bar from locating the control arm.

[@EasyFixShaun]

There are some odd ball suspensions that incorporate the sway bar and it cant be removed. Cars are also much more unsafe without them. 😀🔧

[@sansman9093]

Jesus loves you god bless

[@EasyFixShaun]

amen

[@peted5217]

Time to Trade

[@EasyFixShaun]

😂

[@EasyFixShaun]

Full Length A+ Sway Bar Link Video~ kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoSbe3WblM-hbMk

[@applepoop10]

No sway bar = weight reduction.

[@EasyFixShaun]

good tip 😃