To figure out why your sway bar link breaks, it's first important to understand how sway bars work. The sway bar, also known as an anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar, is a vital part of your vehicle’s suspension system and keeps it level during cornering. Sway bars are usually a long and hollow arched steel bar attached to the chassis, connecting the left and right sides. This stabilizes your vehicle while still allowing the suspension to move on its own.

Sway bar links are what connect the outer end of the sway bar to the suspension component. Because the sway bar itself is a torsional swing, the sway bar link smooths the motion transfer between the sway bar and the control arm. The sway bar link maintains the camber angle of the inner wheels to control motion.

Like many automotive parts, over time the sway bar links will wear out. Water intrusion that leads to rust, age, and lack of lubrication all contribute to deterioration over time. A knocking noise from your suspension, rattling sounds while taking corners and hitting bumps, and excessive body roll are signs it may be time for a replacement. Sway bars and their components are all paramount to driver safety.