'97 Avalon Sway Bar Question

[tamraw]

I know nothing about cars and am trying not to get swindled like always. I have a thick bar broken in half hanging down inside of my front driver's side tire. I had one person look so far and they said it was a sway bar and that they would have to get into the steering column to fix it and that they didn't do that. They referred me somewhere else, but the question is that when I look up sway bars on the internet, they don't look the same. The parts I see on the internet are the upper part that is coming down from somewhere up above. But, the part that is broken is the large (approx 1 inch diameter) bar that is supposed to go horizontal toward the middle of the car. This has snaped. Is this indeed a sway bar? Does anyone have any idea what it SHOULD cost to fix something like this? The car runs as smooth as ever and I don't even know how long it has been hanging there! Thanks for any advice.

[Tom in Tacoma]

What you're discribing sounds like the sway bar. It shouldn't be all that costly to replace. There's plenty of Toyotas in junkyards that could give up that part - couldn't imagine it would be in high demand.

Once it's replaced you'll see how much better the car rides. You'll be surprised!

[ranger55]

I've never heard of sway bar breaking in half, but anything is possible. You can go to junkyard as mentioned and get a replacement. If you can't do the install yourself, then get a price from a reputable repair shop to install the part. The issue is that you do have to disconnect the steering column neck from the rack and pinion. After that the 2 rear H-frame bolts are removed (with a support jack holding the rear of the frame) giving just enough clearance to access the 4 bolts to remove the bar and install the new one. Its not an easy repair and you can do more damage by not being experienced. Probably at least 2 hour repair.

Good luck

[tamraw]

I appreciate the input! I will stop by a shop on my way into work this morning.