There is no difference between a sway bar and a stabilizer bar. Sway bar, stabilizer bar and anti sway bar are three names for the same part: a steel torsion bar linking both sides of the suspension to reduce lean. A strut bar is a different part that braces the strut towers and does not control vehicle sway. 

Search for suspension parts and you will see sway bars, stabilizer bars, anti sway bars, strut bars and track bars, often used loosely and sometimes interchangeably. That makes it easy to order the wrong thing. Here is a clear guide to what each name means, how the parts differ and where our sway bars and sway bar kits fit in. 

Sway Bar vs Stabilizer Bar: Same Part, Different Names

Factory service manuals and many parts catalogs use the term stabilizer bar, while mechanics, enthusiasts and aftermarket brands mostly say sway bar. Anti sway bar is simply a more descriptive version that says exactly what the part does. When you see a front stabilizer bar or rear stabilizer bar listed for your vehicle, it is the same component as a front sway bar or rear sway bar.
 
The same naming rule applies to the supporting parts. Stabilizer bar bushings and sway bar bushings are identical, and stabilizer bar links are the same as sway bar end links. Whichever way round you search it, stabilizer bar vs sway bar or the reverse, the answer is the same part. Knowing this helps you cross-reference parts and avoid paying for two quotes on one job.
 
Sway BarSway Bar

What Does a Stabilizer Bar Actually Do? 

A suspension stabilizer bar is a U-shaped spring steel bar mounted across the vehicle. Its center section is held to the frame by two mount bushings, and each end connects to the suspension through an end link. When the vehicle leans in a corner, one side of the suspension compresses while the other extends, which twists the bar. 

The bar resists that twist and transfers force across the vehicle, holding the body flatter and keeping the tires better planted. You get less vehicle sway, quicker steering response and more cornering traction. Our explainer on what a sway bar does covers the mechanics in more depth. 

Strut Bar vs Sway Bar: Completely Different Jobs 

The strut bar is where most of the confusion starts. A strut bar, also called a strut tower brace, is a rigid bar that bolts across the top of the two front strut towers in the engine bay. It reduces flex in the body shell between the towers, which helps keep suspension geometry consistent under hard cornering. 

A strut bar does not connect to the suspension arms and does not twist, so it cannot control lean the way a sway bar does. The two parts complement each other on performance cars, but they solve different problems. If your vehicle leans too much in corners, the sway bar system is where to look. 

Other Bars That Get Mixed Up With Sway Bars

Part name 

What it connects 

What it controls 

Sway bar, stabilizer bar or anti sway bar 

Left and right suspension, through end links 

Lean and vehicle sway in corners 

Strut bar or strut tower brace 

Left and right strut towers 

Body shell flex between the towers 

Track bar or Panhard bar 

Solid axle to the frame 

Side to side axle movement 

Trailer sway bar 

Trailer to the tow vehicle hitch 

Trailer sway behind the vehicle 
 

Track bars are common on solid-axle trucks and Jeeps, and they keep the axle centered under the vehicle. Trailer sway bars are towing accessories that mount to the hitch, so despite the name they have nothing to do with your suspension. 

Choosing the Right Sway Bar Parts for Your Vehicle 

Whatever name your manual uses, the parts that wear are almost always the bushings and end links. Rubber bushings harden, crack and stop clamping the bar firmly, which causes clunks, squeaks and extra lean. Our polyurethane sway bar bushings resist oil, road salt and ozone, keep the bar firmly located and carry a limited lifetime warranty. 

We offer mount bushings in a wide range of bar diameters, combined mount and end link kits, brackets, end links and complete front and rear sway bar kits, including adjustable options. If you are deciding between upgrading the front or rear, read our guide to front vs rear sway bars. 

FAQs

Looking for more information? Below we answer the most commonly asked questions.

Is a stabilizer bar the same as a sway bar?

Yes, a stabilizer bar and a sway bar are the same part. Factory manuals tend to say stabilizer bar, while the aftermarket and most enthusiasts call it a sway bar.

What is an anti sway bar?

An anti sway bar is another name for a sway bar or stabilizer bar. The name describes its job of resisting lean and vehicle sway in corners.

Is a strut bar the same as a sway bar?

No, a strut bar braces the two strut towers to reduce body flex. A sway bar links the suspension on each side to control lean, so the parts do different jobs.

Are stabilizer bar links the same as sway bar links?

Yes, stabilizer bar links and sway bar end links are the same part. They connect each end of the bar to the control arm or axle.

What is a car stabilizer bar made of?

A car stabilizer bar is made from spring steel, either solid or hollow. It mounts to the chassis through bushings, which are usually rubber from the factory and polyurethane as an upgrade.

Is a trailer sway bar the same as a suspension sway bar?

No, a trailer sway bar is a towing accessory that controls trailer movement behind the vehicle. A suspension sway bar is part of your vehicle's own suspension.

Whatever you call it, we have the parts to keep it working. Browse our sway bars and sway bar kits to find bushings, links and bars for your vehicle.