REVOLUTION Track Bar

A track bar, also called a panhard bar or panhard rod, keeps a solid axle centered under the vehicle from side to side. Nolathane track bars suit trucks, pickups, SUVs and 4x4s with solid front or rear axles, whether they?re at stock height or lifted.

Without a track bar, a coil-sprung solid axle would be free to shift sideways under cornering and over uneven ground. The bar locks the axle?s lateral position while still letting it move up and down with the suspension. Each listing shows the position, type and end style.

Track Bar Function and Layout

A track bar is a single bar that runs across the vehicle, roughly parallel to the axle. One end mounts to a bracket on the frame. The other end mounts to a bracket on the axle on the opposite side of the vehicle. Each end has a bushing or a joint that lets the bar pivot.

Seen from the front or rear, the layout looks like a long diagonal brace running from the frame on one side to the axle on the other. As the suspension compresses and extends, the bar swings through a shallow arc around its frame mount. Because it?s a fixed length, it resists the side loads that try to push the axle left or right, which keeps the axle centered.

The bar?s angle matters. The flatter it sits, the less the axle shifts sideways as it travels up and down.

Front and Rear Track Bars

Front Track Bars on Solid-Axle 4x4s

On a solid front axle, the track bar works closely with the steering. The drag link, which connects the steering box to the steering knuckle, runs alongside the track bar at a similar angle.

Both swing as the suspension moves. When their angles match, the axle and steering move together cleanly. When they don?t, the axle?s sideways movement steers the wheels, which is known as bump steer. A worn or loose front track bar is felt directly through the steering wheel.

Rear Track Bars

Rear track bars locate coil-sprung rear axles on trucks, SUVs and some performance cars. They don?t affect steering, but a worn rear bar lets the rear axle shift under cornering, which makes the rear of the vehicle feel loose and less predictable.

Track Bar Types

Track bars come in a few designs, and each listing shows the type.

Fixed-Length Replacement Track Bars

A fixed-length bar replaces the original bar at its stock length. It?s the right choice for a vehicle at stock height, or when a worn or bent bar needs replacing.

Adjustable Track Bars

An adjustable track bar has a threaded section that lets you change its length. Adjusting the length moves the axle sideways, so you can recenter it after a lift has pulled it off center.

Bushing and Rod-End Ends

Track bar ends use either bushings or rod ends, sometimes called heim joints. Bushing ends absorb vibration and road noise. Rod ends give very precise location, but they pass more noise and vibration through to the cabin, and they need regular checking for wear.

How a Lift Shifts the Axle

Raising the ride height with a lift kit or leveling kit changes the track bar?s angle. Because the bar is a fixed length and swings in an arc, a steeper angle pulls the axle toward the frame mount side. The result is an axle that sits visibly off center.

A fixed-length bar can?t correct that. An adjustable bar can be lengthened to bring the axle back to center. On larger lifts, drop brackets or relocation brackets are often used to bring the bar?s angle back closer to level. Those are related parts that are fitted separately.

Signs of a Worn or Incorrect Track Bar

Watch for:

• Wander, and the need to constantly correct the steering
• A clunk over bumps or when changing direction
• The axle sitting visibly off center under the vehicle
• Uneven tire wear
• Steering feel that changes over bumps

A worn track bar can also contribute to front-end shimmy on solid-axle 4x4s, alongside other causes such as worn steering parts or tire balance. Check the whole front end, not just the track bar.

Choosing a Track Bar

Each listing shows the position, type and end style.

Front or Rear Position

Front and rear track bars aren?t interchangeable. Choose the bar to suit the axle you?re working on.

Stock Height or Lifted

At stock height, a fixed-length bar keeps the axle centered as designed. Once the vehicle is lifted, consider whether an adjustable bar or a bracket is needed to recenter the axle.

Bushing Ends and Polyurethane

Nolathane polyurethane bushings resist oil, grease, ozone and weathering, so they hold their shape longer than rubber in harsh conditions. Firmer bushing ends reduce the bar?s free play, which keeps the axle located more precisely.

Fitting a Track Bar

• Support the vehicle at ride height
• Fit the axle end, then the frame end
• If the bar is adjustable, set its length so the axle is centered
• Torque both ends at ride height with the weight on the wheels, so the bushings aren?t preloaded
• Check the clearance to the steering linkage, and compare the drag link angle with the track bar angle
• Have a wheel alignment done
• Re-check the torque after the first drive

On front axles, the track bar affects steering, so qualified fitting is recommended.

Limitations and Trade-Offs

• A fixed-length bar can?t recenter a lifted axle
• A track bar can?t fix worn ball joints, worn tie rods or a worn steering box
• A large difference between the track bar and drag link angles can cause bump steer
• Polyurethane bushing ends transmit slightly more road feel than rubber

Compliance and Insurance

Follow the lift and inspection rules of the state where your vehicle is registered, and tell your insurance company about any modifications.

Warranty and Support

Nolathane track bars are covered by a 3-year or 36,000-mile warranty, and Nolathane bushings carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship, for the original vehicle. If you need help choosing a track bar, our local support team can help.

Shop Track Bars

If the bar is straight and only the ends are loose, track bar bushings are the cheaper fix.

Find the right track bar for your truck, pickup, SUV or 4x4, and order online with fast shipping. Every bar is covered by our fitment guarantee.