battery change / sway bar bolts

[superfly]

I need to change my battery on my 2003 P5 but the sway bar bolts are super tight. Am I a weakling or what? I dont want to strip the nuts. I think it was 17mm socket which started stripping the bolts already. What am i doing wrong.

 

[tonybonekhang]

Make sure you are using 6 point sockets instead of 12 points (less chance of stripping). If they are that tight remember that quick bursts of force are better/safer than slowing putting more torque on it. Beat on the ratchet handle with a hammer or use an impact driver/wrench. Wd-40 or PB blaster might help.

Also make sure you are turning it in the right direction.

 

[wiprotege5]

Also remember, when you tighten down the nut that holds the bracket to the shock well, don't over tighten it! i learned my lesson.

 

[P-Funk!]

Put a 'cheater bar' (pipe) over the breaker bar (not a ratchet - this probably will break the ratchet) to give you more torque.

 

[maxchao]

just curious, does anyone have an idea on the torque rating of these sway bar nuts?

Josh