Stanky19

iTrader: (9)

i was installing a bunch of stuff today, one being hotchkis sways. Seems pretty self explanitory to me, unbolt everything and then mount the new pieces. Starting at the front of the car, my buddy and i were undoing the left side bracket after the endlink was detached. Even with a 1/2" drive wrench, and two people, the bolt would not come undone. On top of that, has anyone noticed their 14mm socket not fitting so well on the sway bar braket bolts. My car is an 06 with 33,000 miles, and i am the second owner. I bought it used, in stock condition with 8k miles in 2006.

The oem bolts didnt feel snug in the socket with a 6 side, 12 side 14mm, and even tried a 9/16" to see if it was any different (oh yea and tools are craftsman). Looks to be a 13.5mm, the loose fit is what ended up halfway stripping the bolt which i found to be very strange.

Aside from all that, i wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this and could give me some pointers on how they fixed the situation.

Thanks,

Jeff

WTX350Z

iTrader: (8)

PICS. If you've already stripped it, you may be SOL and have to resort to some less than optimal ways of dealing with it. With the limited amount of info I have I have 2 options for you
1.) take it to a suspension shop, let them remove and replace the bolt as you don't want to keep that bolt if you knarled it up....in case you want to remove it again later..
2.) try again using 6 sided socket, flush to car...making sure not at an odd angle, and get it out...Air gun may be useful here. If this strips it off completely drill out center, soak bolt in penetrating oil, and use easy out if possible.

Stanky19

iTrader: (9)

I just dropped it off at a shop. Thanks for the input, the only way to get it off is an impact gun i believe. I tried the 6 side flush to car, and that's what started to strip the bolt. We'll see what i hear back, i think by having it on a lift and using the impact gun we should be in good shape.