Rear sway bar links and bushings

WAGONBRO33

MEMBER
1988 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

This might seem like a silly question, but I can’t tell if my vehicle listed above (wagon) has a rear sway bar or not. I can’t seem to find one, but they make parts for it? I’m guessing I’m not looking in the right spot. Any diagrams or explanations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

Your car uses a solid rear axle. As such, it is not possible for the rear wheels to move up and down independently, so there is no job for an anti-sway bar to do. In fact, the job is to resist the rear wheels from moving independently while still allowing them to do so a little. Your axle is already doing what the anti-sway bar does, but much more solidly.

Your solid axle design is much stronger than what most manufacturers use today. Newer cars have really wimpy little control arms to hold the wheels in place, and they're easy to bend in a minor crash. The only advantage to the newer suspension systems is ride quality.