Spiral-shaped spring that can be compressed or extended without permanent deformation and that is widely used in front and rear suspension systemsChecked 2026-08-16
Springs, stabilizer bar and links
Springs support vehicle weight and wheel travel; the stabilizer bar resists body roll through its links.
Also called: coil spring · leaf spring · sway bar · anti-roll bar · stabilizer link · end link
What it means
Definition
Coil or leaf springs support the vehicle and allow suspension travel. A stabilizer bar connects the suspension across an axle and twists as the left and right sides move differently, reducing body roll in a turn. Short stabilizer links connect the bar to a control arm, strut or steering knuckle.
Why a buyer cares
What it changes
A worn link can knock over bumps without meaning the spring or shock absorber has failed. ‘Suspension noise’ should be narrowed to the joint or component that has measurable play or damage.
In practice
Where you meet it
On suspension inspections and estimates naming coil spring, leaf spring, sway bar bushing or end link.
Two things that look alike
Not the same as
Springs carry load; shock absorbers control oscillation; the stabilizer bar mainly resists left-to-right body roll.
Read next
Related terms
Struts and shocks
The dampers that control how the suspension settles after a bump, as distinct from the springs that hold the car up.
Ball joints and bushings
The pivots and rubber mounts that let suspension parts move — and the wear items an inspector checks.
Wheel alignment and tire wear
The wheel angles that decide how evenly a tire wears, and the wear patterns that reveal them.
Where this comes from
Sources
Stabilizers reduce the tendency of the vehicle structure to roll when cornering thereby improving vehicle stability on bends.Checked 2026-08-16
Suspension geometry and whether an axle uses coil, leaf, air or another spring type vary by vehicle.