Anti-roll bar bushes for your car

Keep the steering system stable and smooth Stabilizers are technically simple components, which are of great importance for the stabilization of a steering system. In actuality, a stabilizer is just a steel rod additionally connecting the steering system to the body. It ensures that the steering isn't affected by unevenness in the road. The stabilizer's weak point are the mounts. The effect of the stabilizer can be likened to that of a torsion bar. Stabilizer mounts: Robust, but not everlasting A stabilizer mount consists of a rubber bushing with steel sleeve in the center. It is inserted into a provided recess on the body and bolted to the stabilizer. On many vehicles, the stabilizer and its mounts form a unit. Detecting a defective stabilizer mount As is the case with any rubber element, the stabilizer mounts can lose their elasticity over time. This usually becomes noticeable quite quickly, for a deteriorating mount will result in loud knocking noise. A faulty stabilizer mount poses no immediate danger to driving safety, but driving comfort suffers greatly. The rumbling and knocking resulting from a defective mount is very unpleasant and the stabilizer's effectiveness is reduced. In any case, a faulty stabilizer mount will be criticized during the general inspection. Replace the stabilizer or the mount? In regards to a defective stabilizer mount, this really depends on the size of the component. In many assemblies of this type, the factory stabilizer and mounts form a unit. Oftentimes this means that replacing defective mounts is not worth the effort, wherefore the entire component is replaced. Generally speaking, it is always appropriate to check all related components when dealing with a damaged steering system. All components in a steering system age equally. Thus, a defective stabilizer mount is a likely indication that other components have also reached the end of their service life. Repair kits for suspensions and steering systems are very inexpensive. At just under 200 euro, one can already perform a complete overhaul on most small and medium-sized vehicles. This is always the best choice in terms of driving safety and passing the general inspection. Yet, if your vehicle's stabilizer is a mighty and expensive component with mounts that can easily be replaced, it is the more sensible measure. Replacing the stabilizer mount is relatively easy and can be performed by an averagely skilled hobby mechanic with common knowledge and tools. Replacing stabilizer mounts If the stabilizer is constructed as a continuous, multi-curved steel bar, it will have at least four mount points. These consist of simple rubber bushings that are screwed to the frame via a small additional housing. For this purpose, the stabilizer is completely removed. This involves simply unscrewing the additional housings, whereupon the main stabilizer can simply be pulled out of the engine compartment. To remove the mounts, they are simply cut off with the help of a carpet knife. Next, the stabilizer is thoroughly cleaned and lubricated prior to installing the new mounts. Regular penetrating oil or soft soap are well suited. The new mounts are simply pushed to the same places the old mounts were previously installed at. The stabilizer is threaded back in and installed in the provided space. A layman can accomplish this task in about 2.5 hours. Cost of stabilizer mounts Mounts are always sold in pairs. Including the brackets, a new part costs between 5 and 30 euros. Products with and without clamps are available. If the clamp is in good condition, its replacement is not absolutely necessary. They usually consist of brass or galvanized sheet metal, so that they are sufficiently rustproof.