5 Functions of Car Stabilizer Links & Signs of Damage
Almost all car manufacturers equip the cars they produce with important components so that the car can run well, namely the stabilizer link. This car component is made of strong metal that can withstand the car's weight to keep it balanced and is usually located in the car's suspension and connected to the left and right suspension. However, there are still many drivers who do not know what the function of the car stabilizer link is and what the signs of its damage are. Here is a complete review.
Understanding What Stabilizer Link Is & Its Function
Stabilizer Link is a car component that connects the left and right wheels so that the car remains balanced.
As its definition implies, the general function of the stabilizer link is to maintain the car's balance. However, there are many other functions, as follows:
1. Stabilizing the Car in All Conditions
The first function of the stabilizer link is to stabilize the car when driven in all conditions, whether on a straight road or a winding road.
Stability while driving a car is indeed very necessary because if not, the car could skid when passing through a winding road.
Read Also: Function of Car Brake Pads & Signs They Need to Be Replaced
2. Reducing the Car's Tilt
The second function is to reduce the car's tilt. When passing through a winding road, the driver will automatically turn following the road. This can cause a feeling of dizziness for the driver or passengers in the car.
To reduce this effect, a stabilizer link is needed to adjust the suspension pressure so that the car does not tilt too much when turning.
3. Increasing Tire Grip
The third function of this tool is to increase tire grip when maneuvering. Essentially, the grip of the car when driving on asphalt relies on the tires.
Each car tire is designed with a specific pattern to prevent the car from skidding on asphalt. By activating the stabilizer link, the grip will improve even further.
4. Optimizing the Work of the Stabilizer Bar
The fourth function is to optimize the work of the stabilizer bar so that the shock absorber follows the turning angle of the wheels maximally.
5. Dampening Shocks
You must have experienced hard shocks when the car drives on rough terrain. However, if you activate the stabilizer link, those shocks will be dampened as if there are no shocks at all.
Signs of a Damaged Stabilizer Link
Considering the vital function of the stabilizer link during maneuvers, this component is very important to pay attention to.
To determine whether the car's stabilizer link is in prime condition or not, here are the signs of a damaged car stabilizer link.
- The rubber on this component becomes stiff, hard, or even cracked.
- There is rust on the stabilizer link shaft of the car.
- The shaft of this component is broken or appears bent.
- When used, the ball joint of this component is loose or broken.
- The distance between the shock absorber and the stabilizer bar becomes loose.
Read Also: Effects of Crooked Car Rims as Signs of Damage to the Car
Signs You Feel If the Stabilizer Link is Damaged
After knowing the signs above, what happens if the stabilizer link is damaged? Usually, signs will appear that can be felt while driving if the stabilizer link is damaged. Here are the signs:
1. The Car Feels Wobbly
The first sign is when you maneuver, the car will feel wobbly and sensitive to shocks even though the suspension is not experiencing problems.
2. The Car Becomes Unstable
The second sign is that the car's speed becomes unstable whether driving on a winding or straight road.
3. Rough Noises from the Bottom of the Car
The last sign is that rough and loud noises like “clunking” appear from the bottom of the car when passing over uneven asphalt.
If your car has shown signs like the above, it is best to visit the nearest Daihatsu dealer to get the right handling immediately. The longer you delay treatment, the greater the possibility of other components being affected due to this problematic stabilizer link.
