Clunking or rattling noises from the tyre region, poor handling, and a slack steering wheel are all common symptoms of broken stabiliser bar connections.
The stabiliser, or sway bar as it's also known, is responsible for keeping your vehicle steady and behaving smoothly under a variety of driving circumstances.
This mechanical unit is connected to the vehicle's body via a body mount with stabiliser bar bushings and stabiliser bar links, which join to the front suspension's lower control arm and feature bushings for protection and a smooth ride.
A faulty stabiliser bar link will result in a MOT failure, therefore, have the stabiliser bar links changed by a skilled mechanic before scheduling your next MOT testing service.
The symptoms of worn stabiliser bar links can range from hardly detectable to severe, and if you don't have your stabiliser bar links changed by a car mechanic at a car service near me garage, it can result in catastrophic damage to the front end of your vehicle and possibly an accident.
Here are some warning signs that your stabiliser bar links are wearing out and need to be changed by a professional mechanic:
1. Clunking or Rattling Sounds from the Tyre Area - Most domestic and foreign vehicles and trucks sold nowadays have stabiliser bar links that connect to the lower control arm at the front end. Stabiliser bar links are also found in the rear of some vehicles. However, those at the front, directly behind your left and right front tyres, suffer the most damage. If you hear a clunking, rattling, or metal-on-metal scraping noise while driving down the road, it's possible that the stabiliser bar links are to blame. As mentioned earlier, faulty stabiliser bar links will result in a MOT test failure. It is therefore recommended that you check your cars MOT status and have a stabiliser bar link replacement completed by a trained technician. The stabiliser bar links are designed to fit extremely tightly, with no flex or movement other than between the rubber bushings. The stabiliser bar link will begin to make these noises when the links become worn down, especially when going through corners or over a speed bump. If you notice these kinds of sounds coming from your vehicle's front end, have a trained mechanic inspect and repair the stabiliser bar links and bushings. This job necessitates the completion of both the driver and passenger sides at the same time.