When upgrading or maintaining your suspension system, one of the most common questions drivers ask is: what do sway bar links do? These small but critical components are the connection point between your sway bar (also called anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar) and the suspension itself. Without them, the sway bar cannot function — meaning body roll would go uncontrolled during cornering. In this guide, we’ll break down how sway bar links work, why they matter, and how they influence performance in drifting, racing, and street driving.
For further reading, see our in-depth article: What Do Sway Bar Links Do – A Technical Analysis.
What Are Sway Bar Links?
Sway bar links (also known as end links) connect the sway bar to the suspension components — usually the control arms or struts. They transfer forces from the suspension into the sway bar, allowing it to resist body roll. Without links, the sway bar would simply float without influence, providing no handling benefit.
The Function of Sway Bar Links
- Force Transfer: Links transmit suspension movement into the sway bar, engaging it under cornering loads.
- Stability: They reduce body roll by working with the sway bar to keep the car flatter in corners.
- Predictable Handling: A proper sway bar link setup ensures consistent grip balance between front and rear axles.
- Durability: Performance sway bar links are designed to withstand high loads from racing and drifting.
How Sway Bar Links Work in Cornering
When your car enters a corner, weight transfers to the outside suspension. The sway bar twists to counteract this roll. The sway bar links act as the messenger, transferring the vertical suspension load into torsional resistance in the bar. This stabilizes the chassis, improves tire contact patch efficiency, and increases cornering speed.
Types of Sway Bar Links
OEM Sway Bar Links
Stock links are usually made with rubber bushings and mild steel. They work for daily driving but wear quickly under heavy loads.
Upgraded Performance Links
Performance sway bar links use stronger materials, adjustable lengths, and spherical bearings for precision. They are essential for cars running lowered suspension, angle kits, or custom sway bars.
Adjustable End Links
These links allow you to fine-tune sway bar preload and geometry. Adjustable end links are especially useful in motorsport setups where suspension travel and ride height vary significantly.
Signs of Worn or Broken Sway Bar Links
- Clunking or knocking sounds over bumps.
- Excessive body roll during cornering.
- Poor stability at high speed.
- Uneven tire wear in extreme cases.
Do Sway Bar Links Affect Drifting?
Yes. In drifting, sway bar tuning is as critical as coilover setup. Strong and properly sized links ensure that your sway bar operates effectively, keeping the car balanced while still allowing rear traction. Weak or broken links lead to unpredictable transitions and inconsistent angle.
Do Sway Bar Links Matter for Track Driving?
Absolutely. On track, sway bar links ensure the sway bar engages properly under lateral loads. Adjustable or performance links let you fine-tune roll stiffness for optimal grip and reduced understeer or oversteer.
Sway Bar Links vs Bushings
It’s important not to confuse sway bar links with sway bar bushings. Bushings secure the sway bar to the chassis, while links connect it to the suspension. Both need to be in good condition for the sway bar system to work correctly.
FAQs: Sway Bar Links
Do sway bar links improve handling on their own?
No. The sway bar itself provides the handling improvement, while links enable it to function. Upgraded links ensure precision and reliability under load.
Do I need adjustable sway bar links?
If you run coilovers, lowering springs, or adjustable sway bars, then yes — adjustable links prevent preload and allow precise suspension geometry tuning.
How often should sway bar links be replaced?
OEM links may last tens of thousands of miles on the street. In motorsport, frequent inspection and replacement are recommended due to higher stress loads.
