Getting To Know Your Suspension - Stabilizers

What Is the Function of A Semi-Truck Stabilizer?

If you've been keeping an eye at our series on suspension systems, then your journey is coming to an end. Last, but certainly not least, we'll be concluding our series with an article on stabilizers. For those that have been researching stabilizers, you've come to the right place. Our experts have put together the following article on the stabilizers in your fleet vehicle's suspension system. Read on to learn more about stabilizers!

What Are Semi-Truck Stabilizers?

The stabilizer is an important part of commercial truck suspensions that reduces body roll during fast cornering and irregularities in the road. Stabilizers wheels together through short lever arms linked by a torsion spring.

The stabilizer in your truck is a suspension solution that combines the towing and hauling benefits of a stiff spring setup with the handling of a leaf spring system.

A truck with a larger load will bend in the rear and reduce traction from the front wheels. This can be fixed with springs that are more rigid, but the trade-off is a more difficult ride when you're not towing anything. Stabilizers are designed to stop that that problem. With stabilizers, body roll is significantly reduced, drivability and handling are improved, and loads are consistently level under the weight of any load.

"Stabilizer bars provide a dampening function and structural support. Their purpose in life is to try to keep the car's body from "rolling" in a sharp turn." ( How Do Stabilizer Bars Work?)

What Does A Stabilizer Bar Do?

When you are turning in a vehicle, the force pulls your body to the outside of the turn. The same thing is happening to all the parts of your semi-truck. This means that the components of the vehicle that are on the outside of the turn get pushed down and the components of the truck inside of the turn raises. The body of a truck rolls between 10 and 30 degrees toward the outside of the turn. If you take a turn fast enough, the tires on the inside of the turn raise off the road, which can cause the vehicle to flip.

Stabilizer bars are developed to make sure the truck's body is flat by transferring force from one side to the other.

What's The Difference Between A Sway Bar and A Stabilizer Bar?

You may be wondering what the difference between sway bars and stabilizer bars is. With a sway bar the end links are the attachment points between the suspension components. Also known as a stabilizer bar, the sway bar connects suspension components on either side of the car to minimize body leaning in turns.

Read More About Semi-Truck Suspension Systems

Now that you know more about the stabilizers in your semi-truck, you may want to read more on the topic of suspensions. If so, you've come to the right place! Our team of specialists has put together articles on each of the parts of your suspension system. Whether it's torque rods, u-bolts, bushings, or shocks, we have the article you've been looking for to help you research suspensions. Click on any of the links below for more articles on suspensions.

1. Getting To Know Your Suspension System
2. Getting To Know Your Suspension: Shock Absorbers
3. Getting To Know Your Suspension: Shocks vs. Struts
4. Getting To Know Your Suspension: Torque Rods
5. Getting To Know Your Suspension: Leaf Springs
6. Getting to Know Your Suspension: U-Bolts

Shop Now for Suspension Parts!

If you are ready to purchase new stabilizers for your fleet vehicle, then look no further! Our online store has a massive selection of stabilizers for you to choose from. If you need parts, we have exactly what you're looking for at an amazing price. For a great way to make sure you are using only the right parts in your semi-truck's suspension system, choose us!