Rep Power: 218

I got my car back from the shop yesterday, My first problem was just lack of grease on the car. So that was fixed at no cost. . They told me one of my sway bar links was fubar but they were gonna charge me like 200 bucks to fix them. I went to the store and bought the parts and decided to take on the job myself. The link on the right side wasn't even connected anymore, which was the one they pointed out. I blasted the bolts for both sides with PB Blaster and waited like 30 minutes. I went back out with the breaker bar and a socket and started on the driver's side. I felt the bolt move, but it kept moving. I look up at the top portion which is connected to the actual sway bar and its rubber fitting isn't on the part which connects to the SB. I managed to get most of the fitting back on and decided to just lower the car before I start swearing and a bunch of other stuff. I just wanna know if I drive like a sane person, will this compromise the safety of my car? Is there a trick to getting the links off besides blasting it with penetrating spray? Can I even get the driver's side link off now? This job shouldn't be this frustrating. It's only four bolts. Thanks in advance.

 
Rep Power: 513

it'll just give you a bit more body roll.. the 7thgen dx/lx came without rear sway bars.

isn't there normally a slot on the theraded stud part of an endlink to fit an allen wrench in?

 
Rep Power: 292

You have to use a hex wrench to keep the threads from moving. It also helps if you jack both sides up to the same height so there aren't any forces acting on the sway bar.

 
Rep Power: 218

Sweet. Thanks guys. I'll definitely give it another go in a little while. I tried to find info on it, but I figured it was easier to come here. I was out there for like 20 minutes trying to figure this out. I'll keep you amigos updated .

 
Rep Power: 218

I got a hex wrench, but it's still spinning, so I may have stripped one end. I got a good grip with the vise grips, but it's kinda tough doing it with just me here. I'm gonna wait until my friend stops by to give me a hand. The passenger side doesn't look as bad though, so I'm gonna wait it out for a little until he stops by.

 
Rep Power: 513

*** it.. grind that bitch off

 
Rep Power: 292

Better yet, move somewhere where they don't salt the roads.

 
Rep Power: 292

Did you get the right sized hex wrench? Unless you stripped the hex hole then I don't understand how it could still be spinning. Take some pictures of your struggles.

 
Rep Power: 513

salted roads weren't terrible when I was stationed in Saratoga Springs. Unlike when I was in Chicago, where you can taste the salty air with no cars in sight.

 
Rep Power: 218

. I wish dude. The snow hasn't been too severe, but lately, it's just been one major storm a year and they consistently salt the roads, so the car is constantly exposed to road salt. If it snowed a little every day, there would be no need since it would usually just melt.
I'll try and take some tonight. I can access the links for a photo without lifting the car back up again. The hole in the actual link doesn't seem stripped though. The key sits in there fine. It's just that the metal part that goes into the rubber bushing is disconnected from the rubber bushing now. I got everything back together, but it seems I need more force to hold the key in place now when I need to use the wrench. I may be able to give it another go tomorrow since I don't have class until 11 on Tuesday morning.

 
Rep Power: 292

The metal part with the threads is suppose to spin when you turn the hex wrench. The hex wrench is supposed to be held stationary while you twist the nut off with another wrench.

 
Rep Power: 218

Ah. Okay. Gotcha. Well, I'm going to go get something to eat and get the car back up on the stands when I get back.

 
Rep Power: 236

I feel your pain. I pulled something in my chest doing mine last week. lol.

 
Rep Power: 368

oh, man...
that reminds me when i put my progress sway... the welded nut of the rear LCA got loose... only wise grip with a thin point was able to hold that &%^$* hidden in the frame holes...
Almost ended with 2 loose nuts. (one nut was me)

 
Rep Power: 376

Yes small enough vise grip (not the needle nose) pliers to fit and zip it off with an impact gun. Easiest way