I got a 98 Saturn sc2 with 203k miles. I wasn't paying attention and I got over the curb and I heard a loud thud. After a quick examination, I believe I hit the sway bar. The damage looks minimal/cosmetic, but to be sure what are some symptoms of a bad/damaged sway bar. The car runs and handles perfectly before so it should be easy to tell some change.
symptoms of a bad/damaged sway bar
- cracks, bends, etc. in the bar.
- loose, damaged, or sloppy mounts, bushings, or links.
- Out of alignment suspension
- etc ...
OK I just saw your photo. You didn't hit the bar at all. You hit the mounting bracket, and it doesn't look badly deformed. Looks like it was a very minor, low speed impact.
I would just make sure that the mount hasn't moved (compare its location to the one on the driver's side), and make sure the bolts are tight.
No big deal! You were lucky this time.
Thanks, I drove it a bit I don't feel any difference handling wise and I don't here any noise.
well that's good, but it's not always a reliable indicator. By the time you hear/feel something it's often too late.
Judging from your photo, the only thing I would do is replace the sway bar bushings, which have over 200,000 miles on them and look a little worn. The bar itself seems to have escaped damage.
How so? They look completely intact. No cracks or dryness. Just a little mud on them.
They look like aftermarket bushings and I doubt they have 200k
Like armpits, it's an opinion. Everybody's got'em.
Sure. And some stink more than others. 😛