I was trying to replace my front strut mounts tonight and got everything loosened up but the stabilizer bar link. I could not get this disconnected from the strut. I soaked the it with a penetrating oil then used an allen wrench and a box end wrench and it the allen wrench started to strip the bolt. Is there an easier way to do this? If not, it looks like I'll need to cut the things off and order new ones from the dealer. I just can't believe that they didn't make flat edges anywhere on the back where you could use a wrench to keep the nut from spinning the whole connection. Any help would be appreciated. I do not want to spend another $100+ for new stabilizer links.

 

impact wrench!

Salim

 

I did use an impact wrench but the bolt just spins freely. I put the allen wrench in the bolt but it started to round out when I used the box end wrench to remove the nut. I wish they would have put a couple of flat spots on the back side that a wrench could grab.

 

The shops use the air driven impact wrench where the impact force usually overcomes the inertia [you dont have to hold the other end].

You may like to drive the rx out to a mechanics shop and let them undo it for you.

I am out of ideas.

Salim

 

That may be my only option. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

If it's spinning even with the impact wrench... STOP. Every time You spin that with an impact it weakens the stab. joint and will create "play".

See if you can fit vise grips to hold the link on the back side (in between the boot and strut).
They usually have needle nose visegrips you can buy from Sears or whatever.
I used regular visegrips but grounded down to fit. Greater holding power.
After it's Gripped. Use a Hand tool to loosen it out (14mm wrench). Not IMPACT.

This method works for me.

 

I did try the vise grip method, didn't work. I couldn't get a good hold to keep it from spinning. I finally did get them apart, but it wan't pretty. Now I'm on to the strut mount replacement. Hope that goes a little more smoothly.