{"id":4571,"date":"2020-04-29T09:27:42","date_gmt":"2020-04-29T07:27:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.febi.com\/?p=4571"},"modified":"2020-04-29T09:27:44","modified_gmt":"2020-04-29T07:27:44","slug":"underestimated-but-important-the-anti-roll-bar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.febi.com\/en\/underestimated-but-important-the-anti-roll-bar\/","title":{"rendered":"Underestimated, but Important: The Anti Roll Bar"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The anti roll bar is a\ncomponent of the chassis and connects the wheel suspension of an axle with the\nbody structure. Many cars have an anti roll bar on the front axle, some of them\nalso have them on the rear axle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anti roll bars have been used\nin passenger cars for decades and have been a virtually unchanged component\never since. Many motorists are unaware of the anti roll bar, although the\nreplacement part makes an important contribution to safety and comfortable\ndriving. The simple reason: without the anti roll bar, vehicles would tip over\nin a curve and driving straight ahead would be extremely uncomfortable. As a\nrule, even the rumbling noises from the chassis can be attributed to a defect\nin the area of the anti roll bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A failure of or damage to the\nanti roll bar is usually not expensive. This is attributable to the relatively\nlow material costs and simple installation. But beware: if the anti roll bar is\ndamaged, the vehicle should no longer be driven. The failure increases the risk\nthat the rolling movements of the superstructure get out of control and the\nvehicle overturns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Design and Function of the Anti Roll Bar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The anti roll bar includes\nother system components, e.g. coupling rod and anti roll bar bush. The anti\nroll bar is usually fitted to a subframe and mounted in rubber bearings. Double\nrods connect the anti roll bar to the suspension struts or alternatively to the\ncontrol arms. Special ball joints on the coupling rods provide the necessary\nfreedom of movement so the anti roll bar can perform its work flawlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When one wheel is deflected,\nthe torsion of the anti roll bar ensures that the other wheel is also raised\nand lowered when it is lowered. This prevents the body from swaying excessively\n(tilting sideways) when cornering. If both wheels enter simultaneously, the\nanti roll bar does not take action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of Failure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If the system fails or is\ndamaged, strong rumbling noises often occur in the chassis when driving over\nbumps or potholes. In most cases, these are due to worn out bearings or\ndefective ball joints of the coupling rods. If the bearings are worn out, there\nmay be an unexpected play between the bearing and the anti roll bar. The anti\nroll bar may begin to rattle in the bearings during compression and deflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A very common type of\ncoupling rod is equipped with ball joints which are protected against spray and\nexternal factors through a rubber boot. Furthermore, they contain a grease\nfilling in order to allow for a smooth movement. From time to time, the rubber\nboots or the associated seals are damaged. As a result, water can penetrate and\ncause an unnaturally high level of wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result: too much play in\nthe joint leads to the sounds described above. The correct torque must be\nobserved when mounting the coupling rod. Otherwise, the ball joint may be\ndamaged and may wear out prematurely or even break off.<\/p>\n