Best Sway Bar Bushings: Improve Your Vehicle’s Handling
These top sway bar bushings will make your ride smoother
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The stabilizer bar on your car is designed to absorb bumps and reduce noise when you’re driving. They feature rubber bushings that prevent your vehicle from rolling as it corners. Sway bar bushings wear out over time and can cause issues with steering and handling. Check out this buying guide to find the best sway bar bushings on the market.
Moog K7352 Sway Bar Bushing Kit
Moog K8655 Sway Bar Link Bushing Kit
Prothane 4-1138 Red 34 mm Front Sway Bar Bushing Kit
Summary List
- Best Overall: Moog K7352 Sway Bar Bushing Kit
- Best Value: Moog K8655 Sway Bar Link Bushing Kit
Honorable Mentions
Best Sway Bar Bushings Reviews & Recommendations
If you are looking for dependable and high-performance sway bar bushings, then you might want to consider this MOOG K7352 kit. The device features a thermoplastic construction that ensures long-lasting usage for most American vehicles. The inner sleeve of this bushing kit is coated with phosphate for corrosion protection, while all its parts meet or exceed OEM standards.
Most people would consider this kit because of the split design that allows for easy installation without much hassle. The kit features state-of-the-art equipment and technology to ensure they produce unrivaled performance, making your driving feel like you have new steering and wheels. The bushing kit is solid and stiff to reduce wear and tear while still eliminating clunking noises and vibrations.
As it is in all good things, these bushings have a share of cons, too. First of all, they may be too small for certain makes and models. They may require a bit of elbow grease to install, and they are also blue in color, which may not be appealing to everyone.
Like all MOOG chassis products, these bushings are engineered to promote long-lasting dependability. Featuring high-quality material and modern technology, these bushing kits are made to enhance chassis performance and durability while still reducing front end noise and vibrations. This kit is designed to fit perfectly on most 1978-1995 Ford trucks.
The price of these bushings is pocket-friendly and they are a great upgrade to your old, worn-out OEM original rubber bushings. Also, these bushings are crafted to eliminate installation difficulties—they require only two bolts to hold each bushing. Additionally, they are an innovative solution for enhancing a safe, smooth, and stable ride.
Despite their trusted performance and ability to improve your ride, these gadgets are not a universal fitment design, hence you need to measure your sway bar with calipers before purchasing them to make sure they’ll fit. Also, you may need to buy new clamps to ensure a better fitment.
If you are looking for high-end bushings that are crafted with performance in mind, then you should consider the Prothane 4-1138. These bushings come in red and they are precisely fabricated to ensure perfect fitment. Their construction features a premium-grade polyurethane compound to provide the necessary rigidity for your ride while still eliminating clunking noises and vibrations during a bumpy ride.
The bushings are good-quality, thanks to their high-end dense construction and modern technology. They are also easy to install and make your ride a lot smoother, safer, and unique. What's more, these kits improve handling, especially during emergency turning and cornering.
What might put you off with these bushings is the price, which is higher than the other two picks. They also come in red only, which can be a turnoff for some users, particularly those who prefer blue or black.
Moog never disappoints when it comes to producing high-quality sway bar bushings. This particular pair is made from thermoplastic and is super easy to install. Because these sway bar bushings have a split center, they slide right over the sway bar and fit perfectly in a matter of seconds. Overall, you'll reduce the noise and vibration produced by your vehicle in a matter of minutes.
The Moog sway bar bushings are also resistant to heat, wear, salt, road grime, and oils. Quality construction makes them highly durable, and you can enjoy smoother rides for a long time. Furthermore, these two items come at an attractive price, which means you don't have to spend a fortune to improve the performance of your vehicle.
You should, however, double-check the size and the compatibility of these sway bar bushings with your vehicle type. Some buyers had difficulties with the installation, mostly because of the improper sizing. Others complained about dirt and dust penetrating the item because of the split design.
Here we have another pair of Moog sway bar bushings worthy of your attention. These two pieces offer a split design for easier installation, a better fit, and reduced front-end noise. They make an ideal replacement for market sway bar bushings that are already worn out and cause vibrations and discomfort during rides.
These sway bar bushings are made with durability in mind. They feature sturdy materials and have a phosphate inner sleeve for protection against corrosion. Overall, they should last for quite a while and ensure more comfortable rides. You won't even need to spend a lot of money to get this pair and mount it on your vehicle.
The installation might be a little tricky, though. It's challenging to tighten up the item on the sway bar, and the entire process might take quite some time. Another thing you should keep in mind is that some buyers noticed the item is not that beneficial. Although they do reduce noise and vibrations, these sway bar bushings don't always provide the softest ride.
This is one of the most cost-efficient options you can find on the market. Red Hound offers a set of two sway bar bushings that come in two sizes, so you can pick the one that works the best for your vehicle type. You can even choose between front and rear types.
All of the offered types are made of quality and durable materials. The rubber proves to be flexible yet sturdy enough to ensure a long lifespan. Furthermore, the Red Hound sway bar bushings are incredibly easy to install and tighten up on the sway bar. You'll be able to install them on your own and save some money you would otherwise spend in a mechanic shop.
The most challenging thing with this product might be finding the proper fit. You have to consider the size and the compatibility of the item and the sway bar on your vehicle, and then pick accordingly. The description and size chart found on the manufacturer's website can sometimes be misleading.
ACDelco sway bar bushings are one of the most durable options on our list. These are specially designed to withstand abrasion, premature wear, extreme temperatures, oils, and other fluids. With them on, you'll find rides more comfortable and notice way less noise and vibrations in your vehicle.
These sway bar bushings are certified and ensure outstanding quality and performance. They make an ideal replacement for old factory parts and install quite easily. You can mount the sway bar bushings on your vehicle on your own and enjoy smooth turns for quite a while.
We still have to warn you about several possible issues with this particular pair of sway bar bushings. Firstly, some buyers complained about items of the wrong size being delivered to them. Secondly, these sway bar bushings might sometimes be completely unsuitable for the front sides due to the small size.
This is a high-quality pair of sway bar bushings that will reduce the noise and vibration in your vehicle. It will make turns more smooth and provide more comfortable rides. Coming from a reliable company, these sway bar bushings deliver excellent performance and outstanding durability.
These two pieces are made to fit sway bars perfectly. You can order an item compatible with your specific vehicle and make sure it will mount on the sway bar without any issues. Furthermore, these sway bar bushings are made from durable materials resistant to wear and tear. They guarantee outstanding results in the long term.
You will, however, have to pay a bit more to get this pair of sway bar bushings. It's pricier than some other options on our list. If you're on a limited budget, we recommend checking out some inexpensive alternatives listed above. Also, you might need to buy bolts and nuts separately. The package sometimes doesn't come with all the pieces necessary for the installation.
This is a set of sturdy sway bar bushings that prove to be an excellent replacement for old factory ones. These are made from hyper-flex materials and ensure better vehicle performance. Because of the sturdy construction, they are highly resistant to outside threats and very durable.
These sway bar bushings allow for proper suspension performance and make sure you keep your vehicle in control. They are suitable for all kinds of cars, trucks, and SUVs, although we recommend checking the dimensions before the purchase.
Some buyers complained about the package lacking all the necessary end link bushings. You might end up unable to mount them, depending on what package you receive. Another drawback is the price. This set is quite expensive, especially compared to other options on our list.
Our Verdict on the Best Sway Bar Bushings
Our top for sway bar bushings is the Moog K7352 Sway Bar Bushing Kit. They are very solid, easy to install, and greatly improve your vehicle's handling abilities.
For a more budget-friendly pick, consider the Moog K8655 Sway Bar Link Bushing Kit.
Benefits of Sway Bar Bushings
- Reduced road noise. Everyone wants a quiet drive, especially if you are driving for long distances. When you hear rattling, clunking sounds, or squeaking noises under your car, you should know it’s a result of worn-out sway bar bushings. Since the stabilizer bar bushings are located underneath your car, you may want to lube them properly or replace them in order to eliminate the irritating noises.
- Reduced vibrations. Sway bar bushings and sway bar end link bushings are commonly known as anti-vibration mountings due to their role in absorbing bumps and cracks on the road, delivering a softer ride. Properly fitted and high-quality options offer less NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) transmission compared to solid connections.
- Enhanced handling. If you notice slow or sluggish vehicle handling when making quick turns, it is time to change your sway bar bushings. New bushings enhance the cornering capabilities of your vehicle to ensure your driving is comfortable and safe.
Types of Sway Bar Bushings
Metal Bushings
These bushings are made of metals such as iron and steel. They are commonly found in old car models and heavy trucks. They are preferred in heavy equipment due to their stiffness and ability to withstand stretching and abuse. However, they are prone to fast wearing and you may need to lube them constantly for enhanced performance and extended lifespan.
Rubber Bushings
These are the most common types of bushings found in cars today. Rubber is preferred in making bushings due to its ability to withstand friction, heat, and cold. Additionally, rubber bushings are cheap and maintenance-free—no need to lubricate them. However, rubber tends to stretch when put under too much stress, leading to suspension alignment problems.
Urethane or Polyurethane Bushings
Due to the fact that rubber compresses, flexes, and stretches, it may lead to handling problems. For this reason, manufacturers have come up with a stiffer material for bushings—urethane and polyurethane. These types of bushings are almost as rigid as metal bushings but they do not wear as much as their metal counterparts, and they do not wrap around like the rubber bushings. However, they are a bit more expensive compared to metal and rubber bushings
Greasable or Non-Greasable Bushings
Sway bars can either be greasable or non-greaseable. Greasable sway bar bushings feature specialize channels that allow the lube to flow to all the surfaces of the bushings, hence reducing friction and noise. They are long-lasting and provide a very quiet and smooth ride.
On the other hand, non-greasable bushings do not need any grease to function. They are cheaper and maintenance-free as compared to their greasable counterparts. However, they are not very durable and do not offer a very silent ride.
Top Brands
Energy Suspension Inc.
This is an American international company that has been in the manufacturing business for over 30 years. With its plant in San Clemente, Calif., the company has established itself in the world as the leading manufacturer of bushings and suspensions kits. The company uses modern technology, state-of-the-art equipment, rubber, and polyurethane materials to make high-performance, durable, and efficient accessories.
PROTHANE
This is an international company that is based in Ontario, Calif. The company, known as Dee Engineering, has been in existence since the 1970s, when it was involved in the marketing of aftermarket automotive parts. In 1991, it launched its PROTHANE division, which had only 100 products at the time. The company now has more than 5,000 products to its name and has made an international name as one of the world’s leading brands. It manufactures automotive suspension kits such as rear sway bar mounts, front suspension kits, end link bushings, rear suspensions, control arms, and other suspension kits using urethane compounds.
MOOG Parts
Moog is an international American company founded in 1919. The company then extended to Europe in 2001. From there, it is now known as a world leader in manufacturing trusted steering and suspension kits as well as high-quality chassis parts. The company takes quality very seriously and therefore it does all it can to manufacture parts that ensure safe and comfortable driving. For this reason, the company backs all its products with a three-year warranty.
Sway Bar Bushings Pricing
- Under $20: In this price range, expect sway bar bushings that are maintenance-free and very easy to install. They are mostly made of rubber or thermoplastic material and they are efficient. However, they may not withstand extreme stress and they may not be very long-lasting.
- $20-$50: Here you can expect bushings made of urethane and polyurethane materials. Due to their high-quality construction, they can withstand heat and excessive usage. They come with small brackets and can hold grease to reduce noise.
- $50 and up: In this price range, bushings are mostly made of specially formulated polyurethane compounds to ensure the highest levels of street performance. Here, the bushings reduce noise considerably, improving handling and cornering. Also, you can expect them to be durable and to withstand extreme abuse.
Key Features
Size
This is the most important factor to consider when buying bushings, otherwise, you may end up spending money on an item that won’t fit your car. The size of the bushing to install depends on the diameter of the sway bar you are using. The sway bar diameter varies in different cars. Therefore, it is important to know the size you are using before spending any money.
Construction
Bushings can have different constructions and each of them has different characteristics. Metal bushings are the stiffest, but they are prone to wear and tear. Rubber bushings are cheap and maintenance-free, but they are prone to stretching under extensive stress. The best option is polyurethane bushings, which are almost as stiff as metal bushings and are more efficient and long-lasting. However, they are a bit expensive compared to other constructions.
Other Considerations
- Ease of Installation. Despite the fact that you need a mechanic for proper installation, you need to consider the ease of installation before buying bushings. This will save you time and money. Therefore, make sure the bushings you buy are easy to install and come with a clear installation guide.
- Maintenance Required. Although maintenance-free does not necessarily mean long-lasting or reduced noise, it is important to know how easy it is to maintain your bushings. Ensure you buy bushings that do not require constant greasing and changing.
- Durability. This is an important factor to consider with any bushings you buy. Since they cost money in both buying and installation, you want to consider bushings that will last you for some years. Consider the coating, material, and warranty to determine how durable your bushings are.
Tips
- It's important that you keep your sway bar bushings lubricated. They need lubrication if you notice a squeaking sound when you drive over bumps or make aggressive turns.
- Stabilizer bar bushings can be fragile and may require special tools when you replace them. It can be challenging to do the work yourself, so make sure you do your research to ensure they are safely and properly installed.
- If your sway bar breaks, drive slower than you normally do. Avoid highways where you have to change lanes, and don't turn too quickly.
FAQs
Q: When do I need to change my sway bar bushings?
You may need to replace the bushings if you notice your vehicle is more sluggish when making turns. Or you may hear a clunking sound or squeaking noise underneath your vehicle.
Q: Is it okay to drive with a broken sway bar and bushings?
You can still drive a vehicle with a broken sway bar, but you should be very careful. The problem can affect the handling ability of your car or truck. Experts recommend replacing a faulty sway bar and bushings as soon as you can for optimal handling.
Q: How much does it cost to repair a sway bar?
That depends on your vehicle's make and model as well as where you get the vehicle serviced. It can cost a couple of hundred dollars, not including taxes and fees. Since much of this cost is labor, you can save money if you replace the bushings yourself.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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