2012 BMW 328i xDrive Track Bar Replacement Cost

A track bar is a suspension system component typically used in coil spring suspensions. It is a rigid steel rod tying the axle to the frame or body of a vehicle to prevent the axle and wheels from moving side to side. A track bar may be used on the front or the rear suspension.

The track bar runs on a diagonal from a position on the body or frame of a vehicle to the axle. As the wheels move up and down over bumps in the road, the track bar scissors up and down with the axle without allowing the axle to move side to side. The track bar pivots at each end by way of either a bushing or a ball joint. This provides a hinge so that the suspension can travel up and down. The track bar is usually used in conjunction with trailing arms that keep the suspension from moving forward and backward. On some vehicles, the track bar is adjustable (mainly on race cars where adjustments to the position of the axle change the car's center of gravity, or on off-road trucks where a lifted ride height requires that the track bar be lengthened to keep the axle centered).

Since track bars can be used in front or rear suspensions, symptoms may be detected in either location. If the front track bar is bad, a vibration might be felt in the steering wheel. The steering wheel might also have excessive play or be hard to turn. A clunking or knocking sound during turns or over bumps may be heard from either the front or the rear of the vehicle. It might also feel as if the vehicle is loose or floating side to side, or even pulling to one side or the other. Tire wobble might be evident.

If the track bar is worn, the vehicle can be driven for a time, but the symptoms will worsen. If, on the other hand, the symptoms are severe, or the track bar is broken, the vehicle cannot be driven and should be towed to a trusted repair shop to have the bar replaced.