Unknown bar in rear of car...to me anyway???

[tegster1]

I had my car jacked up yesterday and was just looking at it seeing if everything was all good and it seemed fine. I did however find this which im not sure what it is or what is does. I took a few pics of it to show everyone what im talking about and to see what this piece actually is.

The reasoning behind me finding out what this is, is because its quite loose and moves quite a bit if you pull on it and twist it. I wasnt too sure if this was a problem or if its suppose to do that. Any help would be great, Thanks.

 

[DSMSpyder99]

thats your rear sway bar

 

[DarthBulk]

That looks like your "Stabilizer Bar" Also known as the Anti-sway bar, or more commonly just the sway bar. Ha, someone beat me to it as I was typing this.

 

[Defiant]

It's properly an "anti-roll" bar, but sway and stabilizer are also common and not incorrect terms.
It should be snugly attached at all points. Looseness will primarily cause clunking noises, and will also reduce the car's handling and cornering ability but not to a hazardous level.

Any noob who can post that good a set of illustrations with their question will do well here.

 

[tegster1]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

It is attached firmly at both sides (the bolts are nice and tight) but the entire bar moves back and forth if I give it a little tug. It doesnt take much to do so and I didnt know if it was suppose to move or not.

 

[jtmcinder]

Lots of sway bars move a bit from side to side. Not a serious issue.

- Jtoby