While attempting to install my rear sway bar this weekend, I managed to round out one of the nuts on the driver side end link. It was really hard to get the impact gun in between the exhaust, pb blaster and a breaker bar didn't help either. Without cutting or torching it, what's the best and easiest way to remove it. These things are tight, so hand cranking is out of the question (tried that before it rounded with the gun).


btw, I have a 2006 350z touring roadster.
Was installing rear topspeed sway bar.

 

there are a number of tools for just this situation, i suggest a google search. also, be sure to use proper fitting tools to avoid stripping bolts

 

can you get a dremel and shave some "flats" on it, then use an open ended wrench??

its hard to determine whats best with out pics of the damaged nut..
-J

 

been googling all morning. I was using all proper tools, unfortunately being under the car and the placement of the exhaust caused me to accidently angle. By the time I realized it, damage was already done. I was able to get the other side off just fine.

Forgot to mention, does anyone know how and where to get a replacement nut without going to the dealer?

 

I'll see if I can't get under the car after work today, it's not completely round just yet, but it's bad enough that the 14mm socket turns on it. I was debating about using my visegrips on it, but I'm afraid I'd totally shred it. No access to a dremel unfortunately.
Also, thinking that maybe an SAE socket of similair size would fit, maybe even hammer it on a bit.

 

VISE GRIPS can do it some times..........those nuts usually are not on that tight....

to replace the nut, i would just run to NAPA as they seem to have a larger selection from what I have seen on metric nuts.

If I remember right its an M12x1.25 or maybe an M14x1.25

-Jason

 

Its definitely 14mm. When I get the nut off I'll make a run by NAPA with it.

 

+1 on the dremel. shave some sides on it, and grab it as tight as you can with a good set of vice grips with some good clean teeth on it. if it was a 14mm head before, it'd be great if you can match it up with the dremel to maybe a 13mm, and use a 6-sided socket/breaker bar.

 

just get some stripped bolt extractors. I have a huge set of them because a lot of side jobs that people bring me have rounded off bolts and nuts that i have to remove.

I think harbor freight sells cheap sets of them. sears should sell them from craftsman.

 

No tool box should be without a Dremel tool! Great excuse to pick one up. If grinding an edge so you can grab with Vice Grips doesn't work, cut the thing off.

 

what i usually do is jam on a socket 1 size smaller than the bolt an i mean really jam it on there then turn it off. Bolt will come out of the socket after beating on the ground several times . Works great for exhaust manifold bolts.

 

And I believe a member was selling a set in the classifieds. Not sure if they are still up but worth a look.

 

i wouldnt cut the nut off, doing so will most likely chew into your threads of your end link and ruin it........also the end link is a completely sealed ball joint with oil trapped in the rubber seal, that much cutting will also create too much heat and ruin that joint as well.....

so dremel lightly...

-J

 

Couldn't find it, post here if you come across it again.

I'm trying to avoid dremeling, I won't be able to do a good job of it lying underneath the car, especially not being able to see the top of the nut. If it comes down to cutting it off, I'll take it to a shop. I don't trust myself with that.

Anyone know off the top of their head what's the closest SAE size to 14mm?

 

dont use any SAE sizes.....the end...

 

9/16th is an exact match for 14mm using it wont help you though if the 14 isn't fitting.

 

Doh.

 

If there are any flats left at all, a 6 point socket should grip it.

bill

 

my 6 points aren't deep enough to fit over the endlink bolt onto the nut.

 

9/16 is actually a lil bigger than 14mm...best solution is to use the stripped bolt extractor and a long ratchet...using an impact will only damage the nut more

i have a matco set cuz Craftsmen are really shitty tools but it should do the job...think you'll need the deep sockets though

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00952166000P