Front swaybar endlink problem

[BIGSHOMIKE]

Went to take it off doing my front struts and the whole bolt started spinning, I got it part of the way off using a small wrench on the end as it is square but that didn't last long, 18mm nut versus 8mm, rounded it off.

My question is there a way to get to the head of the bolt somehow? So I can get another wrench on there, or is this endlink basically junk now, just cut the bolt and buy a new one.

These are the plastic front links.

Thanks

 

[sdpatt]

The end of the bolt should have been hex shaped. that may have been why it rounded if you used an 8mm open end wrench. Should use a 6-point box end wrench on that one. Try grabbing the end of the bolt with Vise-Grips. The use of PB Blaster or equivalent should also help. You may have to clean the threads with a tap to get the nut all the way off if you use the Vise-Grips.

 

[BIGSHOMIKE]

oh ok, so I need to replace it, correct? because I won't be able to tighten it back up, it spins very easily.

 

[luigisho]

I was in the same spot last week. See if you can get at least one end off correctly. If Scott's suggestion doesn't work: either get something to cut the nut in half (depth not width) down to where it meets the part it's fastened to, or break out the chisel and hammer and go to town. Needless to say you will need a replacement part.

 

[BIGSHOMIKE]

I went to Auto Zone and new ones are only 17 bucks, so tonight out comes the cutting torch.

The old metal ones on my 92 came off with just a socket, so I thought I broke this one, but it appears I just needed to be more careful with the 8mm.

I tried the visegrip route last night and only made it worse, hence the cutting torch.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[SHOZ123]

I've broken more than one Craftsman 8mm wrench over the years removing the front endlinks.

I have since discovered PB Blaster.

<small>[ September 13, 2003, 01:56 AM: Message edited by: SHOZ123 ]</small>