How much does repairing an anti-roll bar cost?

Anti roll bar links are a common but thankfully easy fix on most cars. In this article we’ll cover how much they generally cost to repair, how to tell if your car needs new ones, and what it is they actually do. 

How much does it cost to repair anti-roll bar links?

In general it should only cost around between £60 to £130 per pair to replace your car’s anti-roll bar links, depending on the type of car and how expensive the garage is.

Thankfully, the anti-roll bar usually only attaches with one or two bolts per side to the cars suspension system, meaning fitting new joints is relatively easy. Changing anti-roll bar joints typically only takes around half an hour per side for a mechanic.

Part costs range from £12 per side for common or small cars, to around £50 for high performance or luxury vehicles.

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How to tell if your anti-roll bar links are bad

When your anti-roll bar link is failing, it is very likely to make a distinctive knocking, usually best noticed at low speeds, when crossing bumpy or damaged roads.

They may also contribute to a looser feel in the steering or more body roll when cornering, but in most cars this will be very hard to notice.

How to tell if a knocking is anti-roll bar links or track rod ends

Broken anti-roll bar joints can make a similar noise to a number of other suspension faults, such as collapsed top mount bearings, or worn out track rod ends. 

One key test is to feel and hear for clunks when turning the wheel whilst stationary. A slight amount of play, accompanied by a knocking noise, is usually caused by the track rod ends. If no noise is present when doing this, but slight bumps whilst driving make a similar noise, inspect anti roll bar joints or drop links first.

What are anti-roll bar joints?

Anti-roll bar joints, commonly known as drop-links are fitted to both ends of the anti-roll bar in most cars. They transmit force from the suspension during cornering into torsional force on the anti-roll bar, helping to keep the vehicle from rolling or leaning when cornering.

In some cases, the anti-roll bar bolts directly to or through a suspension arm, but in many cases, an additional link bar is needed, this has ball and socket type joints on each end, to allow the steering and suspension to move as needed. 

Why do anti-roll bar joints need replacing?

Over time, these joints wear down and become loose. The problem is exacerbated by poor roads, and damaged protective boots that let dirt or grime into the joint.

To work without knocking or excess play, these ball and socket joints need to be made with tight tolerances. Any amount of play or wear will translate to poor steering feel as well as the clunking noise we discussed earlier. 

Other suspension issues that sound or feel like anti-roll bar issues

Because of the complexity of modern car suspension systems, there are a couple of other things that could be mistaken for anti-roll bar issues. 

• Worn top mount bearings: the strut/shock assembly rotates on this bearing, when it wears or breaks, a similar knocking can be heard over bumps.

• Worn suspension bushes: suspension arms are attached to the car via a rubber bushing, when this breaks down, the metal arm or pin can knock against the mount, causing a similar knocking noise.

• Track rod ends: minor bumps can also make worn track rod ends sound a little like drop-links, use the test described above to rule this out if possible

Repair suspension issues with Bumper

Whether your car just needs something minor like a drop link or track rod end, or a complete suspension overhaul, Bumper’s zero-percent interest financing for car repairs can help. Choose from thousands of trusted repairs and split the cost online.