Sway Bar End Link Removal Problem

[smcallis]

I was trying to remove my sway bar end link and the stud spins with the nut. I put an 8mm wrench on the end but ended up stripping rounding the flats on the stud. Does anyone have any tricks to get this off without cutting it off?

 

[pjtoledo]

smcallis:
I was trying to remove my sway bar end link and the stud spins with the nut. I put an 8mm wrench on the end but ended up stripping rounding the flats on the stud. Does anyone have any tricks to get this off without cutting it off?

Assuming the end link will be discarded,,,drill out the nut. Get a punch and put a dimple in the side of the nut, hit it with a drill to weaken one side, put a chisel in the drilled hole and spread the nut. Remove with pliers. It helps if you like to destroy stuff, almost fun then!

Perry Toledo,Ohio

 

[smcallis]

I was hoping to reuse the end link...

 

[projectSHO89]

Vise grips on the end of the stud. If the nut is that corroded onto the stud, you're better off replacing them anyway. They're relatively cheap at $24-25 each.

Steve

 

[smcallis]

Yeah tried that. Sucker still spins. What a ************* design. I may have to replace it.

 

[AutoXSHO]

Lots of P'Blaster, my friend.

Just removed and replaced one of the front endlinks last night. Let the P'Blaster soak, then repeat. Do this a number of times and eventually you'll be able to get it off.

John V

 

[smcallis]

AutoXSHO,

What the **** is P'Blaster? Never heard of it. I've been marinating the nut and bolt in WD40 for a couple of days now.

 

[AutoXSHO]

Penetrating oil.

WD-40 doesn't penetrate, so it won't loosen bolts. P'Blaster does. There is also a Valvoline penetrating oil that is very good, but harder to find. If you can locate some aerosol Kroil (Napa maybe) that's good too.

Liquid wrench is similar but weaker.

John V

 

[smcallis]

No shit! Funny cause after last night I concluded that WD40 doesnt do a damn thing. I ended up cutting the bastards off. Oh well another $80 for new end links. Spending 5 grand whats another 80.

 

[AutoXSHO]

That's another solution!

John V

 

[smcallis]

Sawzall and a hammer...30 seconds later... I still have to get the ball/stud out of the sway bar. Turns out it's hardened. %#@$@! The sawzall blade lost. Gonna buy an air cutoff tool today. I will win!

 

[RStalveyARFF]

PB Blaster followed by a propane torch also works very very well in the future.

 

[smcallis]

Thought about the torch but since I was trying to reuse the link, which is plastic, I didn't want to use heat. On the up side I found a/m links for $23.

 

[poissonverte]

heh funny this comes up again.. today tried to get it off.. nut on endlink was stubborn didnt move.. after 2 hours.. gave up.. guess im gonna cut the endlink in half. i have replacments.. i assume its a viable option..

 

[smcallis]

Yeah, I ended up buying a air cutoff tool which made relatively quick work of cutting the bolt off. Without it it'll take you a while. The second side came off without a problem. This time I bought a really good 6 point 8mm socket.