If your car leans heavily to one side during cornering or feels unstable when changing lanes, it may be experiencing excessive body roll. This usually points to worn suspension components such as shocks, struts, sway bars, or bushings. Excessive body roll reduces handling, comfort, and safety, especially in emergency manoeuvres.

What does it mean if your car has excessive body roll?

Excessive body roll means the suspension is no longer keeping the car stable during turns. Instead of staying balanced, the car leans or sways too much to one side, which affects control and increases the risk of losing grip.

Common causes of excessive body roll

• Worn or leaking shocks and struts
• Broken or sagging coil springs
• Damaged or worn sway bar (stabiliser bar) links
• Worn suspension bushings or mounts
• Improper wheel alignment
• Uneven or underinflated tyres

Why do you need to fix this problem quickly?

Excessive body roll reduces cornering stability and increases stopping distances. In extreme cases, it can cause loss of control during sudden swerves or emergency braking. Repairing the suspension helps restore safe handling and protects your tyres from uneven wear.

How do you know when to get it checked?

Signs include:

• Car leans excessively in corners or roundabouts
• Unstable feeling when changing lanes or swerving
• Clunking noises from the suspension when turning
• Uneven tyre wear
• Vehicle feels less responsive or drifts in crosswinds

What happens during an assessment?

A mechanic will:

1. Test drive the car to confirm excessive body roll
2. Inspect shocks, struts, and springs for wear or damage
3. Check sway bar, links, and bushings for play or failure
4. Inspect suspension mounts and joints
5. Check tyre condition and wheel alignment
6. Recommend necessary suspension repairs or replacements

How much does it cost to fix?

The cost depends on the cause. Replacing sway bar links or bushings may cost $200–$400, while shocks and struts typically cost $500–$1,000 per axle. Coil spring replacement may add $300–$700 per axle.

Is it unsafe to drive with excessive body roll?

Yes. Excessive body roll makes your car unstable, reduces handling, and increases the risk of losing control in an emergency. It should be inspected and repaired promptly to restore safe driving.