Need Some Help: Remove Swaybar Links...

[CoMarc]

So, I'm installing my suspension lift today and got the coil-overs in place, but found on one side that the sway-bar link rod had been broken (how long, I have no idea). So, I went down to the nearby auto parts place and picked up a couple new ones to replace the swaybar link pieces on each side. I got the broken one off fine, but I'm having problems getting the good side off.

The problem bolt is down at the 90 degree angle.. You have the nut on the opposite side and if you turn that, it just turns the whole piece. There's a flat part on the opposite side that I can't seem to get a good enough grip on to remove the nut. I'm sure that sounded awfully confusig, but for anyone that has replaced their swaybar links you probably know what I'm talking about.

Anyways, I need help figuring out how to get this freakin' thing off! Any suggestions would be most helpful!
Thanks in advance...

 

[bikerjosh]

Are you using an allen wrench to hold the threaded end while turning the nut?
Josh

 

[johnny c]

There is a hex key opening on the end of the bolt (the side with the nut), you can put an allen wrench in there and try to hold it with that. You may be able to get a thin pair of needle nose vice-grips on the ball side of the bar and hold it that way. Make sure you soak it in penetrating fluid as well! The last alternative is to get a grip on the ball side somehow (vice grips) and heat the nut up red hot and back it off quickly (air gun). Good luck, I had to do the last method!

 

[UARandy3]

So, I'm installing my suspension lift today and got the coil-overs in place, but found on one side that the sway-bar link rod had been broken (how long, I have no idea). So, I went down to the nearby auto parts place and picked up a couple new ones to replace the swaybar link pieces on each side. I got the broken one off fine, but I'm having problems getting the good side off.

The problem bolt is down at the 90 degree angle.. You have the nut on the opposite side and if you turn that, it just turns the whole piece. There's a flat part on the opposite side that I can't seem to get a good enough grip on to remove the nut. I'm sure that sounded awfully confusig, but for anyone that has replaced their swaybar links you probably know what I'm talking about.

Anyways, I need help figuring out how to get this freakin' thing off! Any suggestions would be most helpful!
Thanks in advance...

I just did mine this week. At first I was like wtf bc I didn't realize the whole bolt spinning. Once I realized this, I got my small vice grips on the washer or w/e on the opposite side of the bracket from the nut and held the washer (it has 2 flat sides I think) in place and continued removing the nut from the bolt. I couldn't keep a good grip w/ anything besides small vice grips.

 

[CoMarc]

Okay, so I finally got it off.... It took me with some vice grip wrench holding it for all its worth (using both hands) and my wife actually undoing the nut. There was no way for me to keep a good enough grip and undo the nut at the same time. However, new links are now on, and the front is done! Look forward to my lift post updated with pics when I complete the back

 

[johnny c]

Great to hear you got 'em! It's frustrating sometimes how small fasteners can be a huge pain!