is it just for looks, or does it serve some purpose? you can tell I know little about cars!!
2007-03-17 02:56:48 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Other - Car Makes
The purpose of the stabilizer bar, often there are two, one in front, one in the rear, is to help keep the tires flat and level on the pavement while the car is turning.
The tuning and adjustment can get fairly sophisticated if you are racing, but for a fine handling street car like your Focus the idea is thus:
When you turn right onto a highway ramp your Focus leans to the left (outside of the turn). The Stabilizer bar counters this as it is attached to both the left and right side suspension/wheel assemblies.
As the weight shifts to the left, the left wheel, and the left side of the stabilizer are pushed up into the wheel arch or wheel well, the stabilizer bar transfers some of this force to the right side wheel pushing it down toward the pavement to "stabilize" the ride and help keep the right side tire in good contact with the road.
Hope that helps.
2007-03-17 03:52:55 · answer #1 · answered by Halcyon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you go around corners or swerve a sway bar stops the car from leaning.(feels like your rolling over) It will rock like a boat in water without them.The bigger they are is better for cornering because the car will stay flat as you go around turns.It is a stiff but flexable bar connected to both wheels across the car.If one tire goes up or down It will try to take the other one with it.I have an 87 Tbird turbo coupe that has them front and rear.It does not tip going through curves.
2007-03-17 03:19:51 · answer #2 · answered by sceptic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
stabilizer sometimes known as anti sway bars are used/installed to keep the car from leaning too much in high speed turns...to improve control. I would imagine this would not be needed on such a car as a ford focus as this is a very light car. usually you find these on police cars as they weigh a lot. it is meant to improve control in turns at high speeds. hope this helps.
I presume (as you stated is it just for looks) that you are not referring to the spoiler on the end of the trunk.
2007-03-17 04:55:45 · answer #3 · answered by Dangnabit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First answer is correct.
The bar stiffens the vehicle.
Makes it act like it's all one piece.
Stops some flexing.
2007-03-17 03:03:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
for handling and control
2007-03-17 03:00:33 · answer #5 · answered by cheffunk2002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋