Help with problem/identify part 2001 Escort (Coupe)
 

Hello,

I was hoping someone could help me and tell me what is broken from the pictures here. I am not sure exactly how to describe it so I took some images and marked what I am talking about. If it can be identified, could you help me with the following;

1. What it is
2. How much of an effort to fix by yourself
3. Typical cost (on average if possible) something like this would run at a mechanic.

The odd thing is on the driver side, whatever it is the black tube thing is sticking to the "arm bar" which moves freely. It almost like it is a bumper of sorts, but on the passenger side, the black tube is stuck to the steel bar next to the tire (can you tell I am not an auto guy) and the free moving bar does not have the black tube attached.

I greatly appreciate everyone's help. I hope I am posting this in the right forum!

Maybe a front sway bar? If so, how hard to fix / cost?

Also, whatever it is...Is it imperative to fix it right now or is it safe to drive on for a bit while I get parts or an appointment for a mechanic?

From the appearance in the pix it has been broken for a while. It does look like a sway bar and links. Not usually a big job, but can be a problem to get old parts off. Get an estimate from one or two shops locally. A lot depends on where you are and labor rates charged.

Thanks for the quick response! I heard something on the passenger side make a "popping noise" last night when I was turning onto my street. Which is what prompted me to look under the car and noticed the difference between the driver and passenger side. I really hope that it hasn't been broken for a long time and that is what I heard pop, or I have to find what else it was lol.

Is it imperative that it gets fixed right away? What are the cons to not fixing it right away?

You are probably correct thinking it was what caused the pop. One may have been broken before the other side let go. It does affect vehicle handling . Usually best to get it repaired without waiting too long. No way to tell how long the first link has been broken , so it's up to you.

I don't know if you got this fixed all ready but yes what you are looking at is your sway bar end link. It doesn't look broken but seems to have popped out of the lower control arm. It is a quick and easy fix just get a new end link. And it won't make that much of a difference in how it drives. But after some time it might wear on your tires.