Sway Bar Links
 

Hey all!

So the sway bar Link on my driver side completely broke off the ball joint at the bottom end.

I have purchased new links and plan to replace both however when I got under to try, the hex bolt is stripped and I'm not able to apply counter tension so take the bolt off!

Any ideas how I can remove it? I've attached some pics.

Thanks,

V
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/5series...5f88403bec.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/5series...f8d4b606b6.jpg

1. Vice grips and penetrating oil
2. Heat the part with a propane torch and then try the vice grips

Ah! Of course! Vice grips! Now if I can find mine, hahah.

The torch is going to be my last resort as I don't have alot of clearance but I do have penetrating oil that I sprayed on to get the old one off strut so I think I'll have a really good chance with a pair of vice grips.

Thanks bud!

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+1 vice grips and also liquid wrench.

I have had similar problems in the past with that type of scenario. What has worked in the past for me is a nut breaker. Simply cut the nut by breaking it open and the thread part can then be removed without heat or liquid wrench. Good luck, i will try to send photos of the tool I'm referring to .

I got the sucker off. Vice grips, liquid wrench and patience haha.

Now, I wish the manufacturer of the new links I ordered off rockauto would have sent me the right ones (too thick and long)!

I'll have to be driving with the one off for a bit until I get the news ones and come.back from vacation.

I drove it this morning and didn't notice any difference but I'll be replacing both when I get the chance.

Could driving without one cause issues? Even if it's for a bit?

You'll notice a bit more body roll than usual, but there should not be any damage or issues as long as one side of the sway bar is correctly attached to the suspension (so the bar doesn't drop and hit the tension struts).

Hmmmm so if I would take the 2nd one off, you're saying the sway bar should move freely?

Because in that case, in could technically move the sway bar down to make the new ones fit since they are longer.

Edit: my ride doesn't have dynamic drive.

So I started a return with rock auto and they have been great. However, I got a reply for the rep and they said they have sold these to hundreds of people with the same car I have and none of them have mentioned they new ones don't fit...

I'm thinking it's how I had my car jacked, I had it jacked from the driver side and not in the middle so im thinking maybe it's because the weight was so much more on the other side that the sway bar moved up and therefore it's why it's making the new pieces seem longer...

Could this be a thing? I'll be jacking the car up with the mid point tomorrow morning to try it again but just wanted to know if anyone had any input.

Thanks,
​​​​​​V
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/5series...3310e5ff0e.jpg

Absolutely. If you only had one wheel jacked up then there was a significant amount of tension in that sway bar. Lift up the whole axle and it should be easy to do.