Method and device for stabilizing a track

The invention relates to a method for stabilizing a track (5), which comprises railroad ties (6) supported on a track ballast (7) and rails (4) secured to the railroad ties, using a stabilization assembly (8), which is connected to a machine frame (2) that can be moved on the rails (4) and which comprises a vibration exciter and rollers (9, 10) that can roll on the rails (4). The vibration exciter generates horizontal vibrations which run transversely to the track longitudinal direction in particular. The curve of a force exerted onto the track (5) by means of the stabilization assembly (8) is detected over a vibration path during a vibration cycle by means of sensors (18, 19, 20), wherein at least one characteristic variable is derived from the curve by means of an analysis device (22) and is used to evaluate the stabilization process and/or the quality of the track ballast (7).