Need help ASAP Rounded a bolt

[ohioan]

Did this when trying to change front struts. I'm probably going to have to cut it out and buy a new sway bar end link. Any idea's how to get that out of there?

 

[Biggu]

looks fine to me.... use PB blaster, box wrench and the correct size allen wrench and it will come right out.

or use vise grips to hold the shaft from spinning and use an impact.

 

[ohioan]

I thought I was using the correct size allen wrench. But I don't know if the fact that I heated it up and the caused it to be a little too soft and strip or what?

 

[Hank3]

If it's the same as the rear endlink, it takes a 5mm allen wrench.

 

[Sport6]

Are you saying that you rounded the allen key hole?

 

[ucMP3]

Are you saying that you rounded the allen key hole?

I would assume so, the nut looks fine.

 

[ohioan]

That is what I did. Used a 5mm wrench... The link broke, so I'm going to order a new one now (like $40). I'm going to ask them what I can do to avoid this on the other side

 

[Sport6]

That is what I did. Used a 5mm wrench... The link broke, so I'm going to order a new one now (like $40). I'm going to ask them what I can do to avoid this on the other side

The nut should be able to break loose a little bit before needing to use the allen key to hold the inner bolt of the link. Not sure if you are attempting to twist the allen key to loosen anything, its just to hold it from spinning as you spin the nut.

PB Blaster an hour before hand always helps too.

 

[madvillian]

PB blaster will indeed save lives.

 

[ohioan]

The nut should be able to break loose a little bit before needing to use the allen key to hold the inner bolt of the link. Not sure if you are attempting to twist the allen key to loosen anything, its just to hold it from spinning as you spin the nut.

PB Blaster an hour before hand always helps too.

I think I did that. Maybe when I was holding it, I was actually twisting more then holding...

 

[ohioan]

Is there a way easier way that I'm just not seeing?

Oh, and I used heat first when I stripped it, and I think that's why the link ended up just pulling out like it did. You think that's what happened?

 

[ohioan]

Here's another question....

Should I order new ones or just trim these down? The top (or bottom depending how you look at it) is broken off. And how much do you think this ****** is going to cost me?

Oh, and I opened the top part of the plate up to see if I could get just the bump stop out and all the ball barings fell out, found all but three. Think that's bad?

 

[not yellow]

Here's another question....

Should I order new ones or just trim these down? The top (or bottom depending how you look at it) is broken off. And how much do you think this ****** is going to cost me?

Oh, and I opened the top part of the plate up to see if I could get just the bump stop out and all the ball barings fell out, found all but three. Think that's bad?

when i installed my H&R coilovers i just ditched the front bump stops all together. so far it's been fine. using whatever is left of the bump stop is probably ok as well! i also pulled the upper perch apart when i removed one of the bump stops. i was able to reconstruct it with all the bearings, but if you are missing a couple it's probably fine. just make sure they are still well greased and no foreign matter found its way in with the bearings.

 

[ohioan]

Greese Check
Dog hair Check
Small debres Check.

I'm def screwed.

 

[not yellow]

sorry, buddy. i feel your pain but it's hard not to laugh...!

 

[Nliiitend1]

when i installed my H&R coilovers i just ditched the front bump stops all together. so far it's been fine. using whatever is left of the bump stop is probably ok as well! i also pulled the upper perch apart when i removed one of the bump stops. i was able to reconstruct it with all the bearings, but if you are missing a couple it's probably fine. just make sure they are still well greased and no foreign matter found its way in with the bearings.

Your H&R front struts are really inverted Bilsteins, and therefore have in internal stop. External jounce bumpers would be redundant...

On a non-inverted strut, I wouldn't recommend omitting the external jounce bumpers.

Also, if I were to break apart one of my upper strut bearings, there is no way in Hell I'd attempt to re-assemble it and use it for anything other than limping along until I could get a new one put on. Those things are "throw-aways," and I can all but guarantee you're going to have premature failure of the one you "reconstructed."

 

[ohioan]

OMG all that and the car still makes the clunking noise over bumps. WTF

I'm feeling really down now... I didn't get new bump stop due to them being another $40. You think that would stop the clunking?

 

[Nliiitend1]

OMG all that and the car still makes the clunking noise over bumps. WTF

I'm feeling really down now... I didn't get new bump stop due to them being another $40. You think that would stop the clunking?

It certainly wouldn't make it any worse...

You really should have some sort of jounce bumper if you're using traditional struts (Konis, I assume?).

Did you replace the bushing/bearing at the top that you destroyed? If not, that could also very well be the source of your clunk...

 

[ohioan]

Yes to Koni's and No to replacing said destoyed bushing/bearing at the top.

 

[khoney]

OMG all that and the car still makes the clunking noise over bumps. WTF

I'm feeling really down now... I didn't get new bump stop due to them being another $40. You think that would stop the clunking?

Great... I was hoping myself that new struts and springs would take care of the clunk.