I think I fu**ed my rear sway bar, please help

[jimmyrobo]

so i purchased 20mm poly bushings to replace the factory squeakers.

It was a biotch to take the 4 screws out and change them. When mounted the bushings back, they did not sit in the same spot on the sway bar, as they previously did. It seems that the bar shifted to the right about 2 inches. Now the bar is angled. I can now see where both the bushings used to sit.

Also, my buddy stripped the right upper screw and i cant screw it in any further and cant get it out either.


My question is, can i drive with the bushings slightly out of place and with the stripped screw?


Will the sway bar get messed up? WIll my suspension be messed up? how can i get that stripped screw out?

 

[jimmyrobo]

so i decided to drive the car regardless.

It seems that the sway bar has moved back into its original position and the loose screw is not affecting performance because the other 3 screws are holding the bar in place.


If any one has questions on replacing the rearswaybar bushings, then pm me.

I can walk you thru "what not to do"

 

[KZL_99ES]

so im going to change out mine in a little while here, anything you recommend doing before I do so in my car?

also how much of a difference do you notice?

 

[jimmyrobo]

I would recommend having 2 jacks.

One to lift the car. The other will jack up the rear sway bar so you can screw the screws back to the frame.


I would also recommend unscrewing the screw closest to the front of the car first and then work on the bottom one.

If you need me to go step by step, i can

 

[msp35]

PB Blaster will cut the risk of stripping the bolts inside the rear cross-member. Otherwise be prepared to yell and cuss a lot.

 

[speed1585]

I just replaced my rear bushings about a month or so ago, for the rears I just used my drive up ramps, I think they are 10 inch but not 100% that gave me plenty of clearance.. I had no real issues with the bolts or anything, just applied man power slowly and finally they loosened up... The new bushings didnt line up right at first either, but I just moved them into place and all was fine

 

[jimmyrobo]

I d have to say that man power was great, but I ended up stripping one of the screws and now it wong go in all the way or come out.

 

[speed1585]

I dont know, I am guessing that I was just really lucky or something... I have heard about a few others replacing these and stripping bolts... The only time I ever messed up a bolt was getting pissed that I could not get it to break free so I starting beating the wrench with a rubber mallet.....havent done that since lol... I really thought I might strip them when I was doing them, but like I said just applied power slowly, using any kinda break bar when I could fit it in the tight spaces and I guess I had a lot of luck as well...

I did apply some locktite though

 

[jimmyrobo]

So i finally take the car to a mechanic to look at the problem.

APparently there is a bolt welded to the inside of the hole the screw goes in (DUHHH). This nut is welded to the frame. I n my scenerio, I have seperated the nut from the frame. Therefore the screw just spins and can not go in or out any more.

Now i have to take a grinder to the frame and cut a small hole, big enough to get a wrench in there and tighten the bolt.


Easier said than done.