The anti-roll bar, also called an anti-sway bar, connects the left and right suspensions together and anchors to the vehicle frame. Typically used at the front and rear of the vehicle, the anti-roll bar is commonly used to adjust the handling balance of the vehicle and limit the amount of sway or body roll during cornering.
In essence, an anti-roll bar works as a torsion spring, so as you approach a high speed corner, the vehicle will begin to lean downward toward the outside corner pushing upward on the outside end of the anti-roll bar. The upward movement of the outside end of the anti-roll bar is transferred to the inside end of the anti-roll bar, which responds by also applying the same upward movement to the inside cornering of the suspension. This compresses the inside corner of the suspension while also providing torsion to the anti-roll bar so the outside edge can better resist the upward movement. All this results in a vehicle that'll remain level even while making high-speed corners and keep traction more equal for the inside and outside tires.
Whether you're looking to increase performance on your daily driver or looking to have the ultimate autocross/road race machine, we offer a wide array of anti-roll bar products.
Performance Street Anti-Roll Bars:
Eibach Anti-Roll Kit:
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Further reduces body roll
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Cold-formed from high strength aircraft grade steel
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Designed to fit without vehicle modification
H&R Anti-Roll Bar:
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Perfectly complements H&R springs, coil-overs, performance shocks and cup kits
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Crafted from spring steel that is stronger, more resilient than other materials
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Bent on proprietary machines designed by H&R to produce complex curves and a perfect fit
Hotchkis Sport Anti-Roll Bars:
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Improves handling while reducing body roll
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Designed for the everyday commuter and occasional road course or track use
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Includes tubular front and rear anti-roll bars
Autocross/Track Anti-Roll Bars:
Hotchkis Sport Suspension AutoX Anti-Roll Bar:
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Improves handling and reduces body roll
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Track-tested, lightweight, hollow
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Includes greasable bushings and brackets
Hotchkis Competition Anti-Roll Bars:
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Designed for the highly competitive road course and autocross course
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Maximizes tire performance and achieves slight oversteer
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Tubular front and rear bars with greasable polyurethane bushings, brackets and 90-degree zerk fittings (where applicable)
Shop by vehicle to view all anti-roll bars offered for your daily driver, autocross or road race vehicle. Also, take a look at replacement shocks and struts to complement your new anti-roll bars by reading, "Which Bilstein Replacement Shock or Strut is Best for Your Vehicle?"
Looking for a complete lowering spring and damper kit that'll add improved handling without a big sacrifice in comfort? Then take a look at the Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit. By combining Eibach's proven Pro-Kit springs with specially tuned Bilstein shocks and struts in one complete package, you can get the best that both companies have to offer for the following vehicles:
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Late model C- and E-Class Mercedes-Benz
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Fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf
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Fifth-generation VW GTI
In nearly all cases, the use of a lowering spring requires replacement of the Original Equipment struts and shock as the higher spring rates are more than the O.E. units can handle. For best durability, switching to a performance oriented shock with heavy duty components will maximize the performance of the spring and eliminate the chances of premature wear. Eibach went to one of the best in the suspension industry and asked them to design a durable and responsive companion for their Pro-Kit spring.
Key Features & Benefits of Bilstein's B12 Pro-Kit:
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Professional Cornering System
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Lowers up to 40mm
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Bilstein monotube gas pressure technology
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Eibach Pro-Kit application-specific progressive rate performance springs
To see if the Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit could improve your vehicle's performance, shop by vehicle.
One of the most simple, yet beneficial upgrades you can make to your suspension set-up is an improved sway bar. Available in front and rear matched kits, or as stand alone front or rear units, sway bars are a great way to reduce unwanted body roll under cornering loads.
If your car is well balanced from the factory, a full sway bar kit is likely the way to go. However, many people will see improvements with just a front or rear bar. Do you have a car that understeers or pushes into corners? A rear sway bar may be what your vehicle needs. In this scenario, a stronger and stiffer rear sway bar will help the car rotate into corners and reduce some of that understeer present in many of today's automobiles.
With options available from Eibach, H&R and Hotchkis, Tire Rack has the suspension products you need to properly fit your vehicle.
Having already c
hosen the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set for my 1997 740i, it's time to turn my attention to the the shocks and struts, known collectively as dampers. The available options include the Bilstein Touring Class, Bilstein Sport and KYB GR-2.
The Touring Class and GR-2 are similar to one another in that they're both premium quality replacements for the stock dampers. They are valved about 10% firmer than the originals to account for the wear that accumulates in other suspension components over time and their goal is to provide ride and handling that equals or exceeds the Original Equipment.
The Bilstein Sport is a high-performance shock absorber designed for use with lowering springs. The mono-tube design, while more expensive to produce, has advantages for heat dissipation, longevity and consistent performance.
Do I spend the money on the Bilstein shocks or save some cash and go back with a factory-equivalent part? The Bilstein Sports are the only replacement shock absorbers that are officially recommended to use with the Pro-Kit springs. Using the Touring Class or GR-2 with lowering springs would void their warranties. While this wouldn't be the first warranty I've ever voided when modifying a vehicle, I think that if I'm going to go through the trouble and expense of replacing them, it's worth doing it right. The Bilstein Sport was the winner and will make a great addition to my BMW 740i.
My 1997 BMW 740 is likely overdue for a suspension overhaul. The potholed and broken pavement that is typical of this time of year has highlighted that fact. With over 180,000 miles on the vehicle (only about 20,000 are from my driving), I have not replaced the BMW shocks or springs and do not know whether the original owner did either. The existing components could very well be the ones that came from the factory!
The decline in handling from sloppy, worn-out suspension components is taking a toll on my enjoyment of the car. Therefore, it's time to start plotting my replacements. Springs are easy to replace and relatively affordable. I have narrowed my choices between the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set and H&R Sport Spring Set. Both brands are excellent and well priced. For a car like mine that may see some fast driving but is generally a daily driver, the Pro-Kit offers an excellent combination of comfort and handling.
Shocks are a little tougher choice and more expensive. Check back next week to see what option I've chosen.
I received the following question in one of the forums I help moderate: "I have 137,000 miles on my car. I've heard that some people experience sagging springs. Under what conditions, if any, do springs wear out and how can I tell other than a lower ride height?"
Springs support the weight of a vehicle and over time can certainly sag and result in lowered ride height and reduced body control. While you may never "need" to replace springs (short of one being broken) on your vehicle, 137,000 miles is quite some time for the Original Equipment. You would likely see a noticeable improvement by replacing your springs after this amount of driving and time supporting the vehicle's weight. While you're replacing these suspension components, consider the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set.
Below are a few areas that will improve by replacing worn out springs with a new set of lowering springs:
- No more bottoming out
- Reduced body roll
- Reduced pitch and dive when braking and accelerating
- Better handling and steering feel
For more information about lowering your vehicle, take a loot at "A Look at Lowering."
If you're wanting to close up that wheelwell gap, without sacrificing ride quality, a product like the
Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set would be a great solution. You'll see a mild drop in the 1.0" - 1.5" range which will improve the stance and handling while maintaining a near factory ride.
Are you ready to hit the track while wanting a wide range of adjustments (including your Ford shocks) for your vehicle? It may be time to explore a coil-over kit. Again, Eibach steps up to the plate offering drops adjustable between 1.0" and
2.4". The
Multi-Pro Coil-Over (shown above) features a 10-way independently adjustable compression and rebound which allows for combinations that are near limitless to dial your car in perfectly.
Options are available for most years and models of the fifth-generation Mustang (2005 and up).
Whether you're looking to buy shocks online or purchase a coil-over kit,
shop by vehicle to find the right suspension products for your vehicle.
Since their inception into the market, the 2011 Mustang GT and the 5th Generation 2010+ Camaro have attracted much attention, and I must note I too fell prey to their new designs.
In February, I took ownership of a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 6-speed. The only options on my car were the Brembo performance brake and wheel package and the 3.73 rear gears. I wanted the fastest base Mustang GT I could buy, but yet even that was not without room for improvement.
My first step toward correcting the lackluster steering response and turn-in feel was to replace the spring and strut / shock assemblies. My components of choice were the off-the-shelf 2011 Mustang GT Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set and a set of 2010 Mustang GT model Bilstein struts and shocks. Although Bilstein does not yet have a 2011 Mustang GT specific fitment at this time, the use of 2005-2010 Ford Racing strut mounts and the 2010 model Bilstein struts allowed me to successfully use the components. For a more plug and play application and a user friendly guaranteed fitment, consumers can purchase the matching Eibach Pro-Damper Kit which is specifically tuned for Eibach springs on the 2011 models and bolts up without any modification to the strut mount units.
Although the Eibach springs are not the stiffest available, their progressive rate is far beyond the factory rate of 150lbs/in. For that reason, it is important to increase the compression and rebound rates of the shock assemblies, not only to increase the life of the shock, but also to increase performance while cornering, and reduce unfavorable motion on transitions and rough surfaces.
At left is a picture of the factory 2011 Mustang GT front strut and its Bilstein rival. The differences in shaft size should be obvious. Upon installing this aftermarket suspension package, my 2011 GT feels like an entirely new car. It doesn't exhibit the floating feeling associated with the stock pieces, and generally feels firmer and more responsive. The steering inputs are met with crisp turn-in and the car behaves very neutral at the limit, which left me quite surprised.
For questions on suspension and more, contact one of our sales specialists.
Coil-over suspension kits represent the top end of the suspension market, giving the driver the most flexibility in adjusting both the ride height and "firmness" of the shock absorbers to fine tune the handling of their vehicle. Sounds like a great option to have right? Well, the answer lies in how and where you drive your vehicle.
The first thing to remember is that any component that lowers the ride height of your vehicle will affect ride comfort (see a previous blog post titled
"What Should I Expect from Lowering Springs?"). Even the most modest lowering spring (
1.0" of drop or less) will affect ride comfort, but any coil-over setup will have a much more aggressive spring rate which translates to a firmer ride. In my mind, the coil-over suspension is intended for a driver that wants to maximize the handling of the vehicle in "track" conditions and also have the flexibility to adjust ride height (and damping rates) to suit track conditions. If local road conditions are poor, coil-overs will make a rough ride even rougher!
The Eibach Multi-Pro Coil-Over R2 and the KW Variant 1 have the least "aggressive" spring rates, which will minimize the change to ride comfort but still improve handling and allow you to adjust your ride height for the perfect stance.
The Bilstein PSS Coil-Over Kit and KW Variant 3 represent the elite in coil-over systems and provide the greatest range of adjustability for ride and ride height.
Check out our full line of
coil-over systems!
Nee
d to improve the cornering and handling on your Dodge Challenger? Eibach has the perfect solution in the
Eibach Pro-System Plus Kit. This is a total solution that upgrades the dampers, springs and anti-roll bars. You can also do the upgrades in steps if you prefer.
With this kit installed, you will lower the vehicle just under an inch and significantly reduce body roll when cornering. The ride quality will be a bit firmer, but most people will wonder why the car wasn't s
et up this way straight from Dodge in the first place.
Read our
Suspension Component Test Results to see how the Eibach Pro-System Plus Kit can improve your vehicle's suspension.
The kit is available for model years 2008, 2009 and 2010 in all engine and trim levels.
To see which suspension products work best for your vehicle,
shop by vehicle.
Looking for new springs that are right for your vehicle and the way you drive it?
Tire Rack has performed back-to-back product comparisons to help consumers with their purchasing decisions. Our Suspension Component Research page shows
Eibach Springs,
H&R Springs and
KONI results from our Real World Road Ride route and Performance Test Track course. Our findings can help you select the springs that are right for your application.
For example, we tested spring sets from Eibach against the Original Equipment installed on a BMW E46 328i. Our tests results showed the Eibach springs enhanced the handling and feel of our test vehicle while increasing lap time speeds. To evaluate the benefits of modifying your vehicle’s suspension, read:
“
Spring Testing”
You can also contact one of our
sales specialists for more information.
Eibach Springs designs and markets a complete line of tuned dampers, anti-roll bars, strut tower bars, alignment kits, motorcycle and motorsports springs.
The
Sportline Spring Set will help you achieve a low and race-replica look. The lowering springs can drop your vehicle typically 1.50” to 2.00” and give your ride the ultimate in balance and comfort.
Tire Rack’s
Tech Center is a great way to research information on suspension products and lowering your car. For more information on dropping your vehicle, read:
“
How Low Can I Go?”
How can springs improve your vehicle’s suspension?
Springs are designed to provide cushion to absorb road imperfections and return the vehicle to a set ride height. Shorter overall lengths and a higher spring rate are commonly used to lower the ride height which helps improve handling and enhance the vehicle’s appearance. Car springs are a major contributor to a car’s handling balance and ride quality.
Whether you choose
Eibach springs,
H&R Springs or springs from
KONI, Tire Rack has the equipment to fit your application.
Shop by vehicle to see which springs work best for your vehicle.
Looking to get rid of that unsightly wheel fender gap while simultaneously improving handling, braking and reducing body roll? All for a minimal cost? A set of lowering springs from
H&R or
Eibach may be the answer. Whether you drive a BMW, Porsche, Audi, Infiniti or even a Honda,
lowering springs can make your car more fun to drive!
Benefits of lowering springs:
- Improved appearance with reduced fender well gap
- Lower center of gravity
- Reduced body roll
- Reduced pitch and dive when braking and accelerating
- Better handling and steering feel
Shop by vehicle to see which suspension options work best for your vehicle.
Are you looking to improve the suspension on your vehicle? With options available from companies such as
H&R,
Eibach and
Koni, Tire Rack has the products to improve your vehicle's appearance and handling.
An entry-level introduction to improving your vehicle's appearance and handling is to purchase a set of
lowering springs and
performance dampers.
If you are looking for more control over adjustability then consider a
coil-over or
cup kit.
Anti-roll bars are also a great addition to improve handling and help remove body roll around corners.
Lowering will change the ride characteristics of the vehicle, therefore give some thought to the balance you want to maintain between handling, looks and ride comfort. If you have upgraded your wheels and tires to a larger-than-original size, you will also want to check clearance before you decide on the kit you want.
Aftermarket springs and performance suspension kits are worth every penny, but sometimes that penny doesn't quite equal the price you're willing to pay.
Eibach Springs is a very well respected suspension company, and their products get great reviews from our previous customers.
"[The Eibach Sport System Kit] gave my car a nice low look. Completely eliminated all wheel well gap. I felt that the car handled great with stock components—I never though that these would make it handle any better and they did. The ride quality is just as good as stock." — Tire Rack Consumer Review, Honda Civic, PA
"Installed the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set along with the Eibach Sway Bar set in January...car feels like its on rails, particularly due to the setting on the sway bars (track setting). Great product and highly recommend to anyone who wants a more aggressive ride." — Tire Rack Consumer Review, Hyundai Genesis, TX
Shop by vehicle to find Eibach suspension products for yours.
Tire Rack not only sells tires, but has a large selection of suspension parts for your vehicles.
We carry
Eibach Springs,
H&R Springs,
Bilstein Shocks and
Koni Shock Absorbers just to mention a few.
Eibach lowering springs give your vehicle a great look and maintain good ride quality while enhancing cornering performance. So if you are looking to give your vehicle a more sporty look and at the same time improve its handling, you should consider Eibach.
Please check out all of our
suspension products.
When it comes to your vehicle's suspension settings, there's always a little bit of flexibility. Many drivers like to lower their vehicle to enhance its aesthetics, but you have to be really careful about how low you go. Take it down too much and you put yourself at risk for negative ride quality, bad tire wear—and you just might "bottom out."
Keep in mind that when you go lower, you'll need a higher spring. At
Tire Rack, we carry a number of products from reputable brands like
Eibach and
H&R that provide the required higher spring rates. In addition, you'll need to
realign your vehicle, as lowered vehicles typically need adjustments to achieving efficient alignment.
Click here to take a look at lowering, then
search by vehicle to find suspension products that make sense.
If you are like most people it can be a difficult choice to take off a perfectly good suspension system and replace it. The old adage
"if it ain't broke don't fix it" comes to mind. As you may already know if you read my
blog post about the family mini-van and the suspension upgrade I used on it you may have thought "a performance suspension on a minivan doesn't make much sense." While that may be true, to some there is another way to look at it. A
performance suspension set up like I used to lower our Honda Odyssey can increase your fuel mileage by reducing aerodynamic drag. It's true; in a recent test the
Eibach F150 Pro-Kit springs suspension upgrade not only improved every aspect of handling but also fuel efficiency.
So, in the long run it's almost like getting that much desired aggressive lowered stance and improved handling for free and where I come from free is good. If needed, please feel free to use this new found money saving information to convince your significant other that it is a good and fiscally responsible idea to upgrade the springs and shock absorbers on your car ASAP.
My name is Luke Pavlick and I am a car guy
