Trying to install sway bar

[Black_griffin6]

Hey guys, i've been trying to install my UR 23mm rear sway bar, but I can't get the bolt that connects to the shock loose, it seems like it's permanently glued on or something.

I've read all the DIY threads about it, and everyone boats about how it's so easy, yet this is the second day i've tried this. :frustration:
Anyone else had this problem?

[CTScott]

Mine were torqued pretty good, but they broke loose without issue using a 2' breaker bar.

[Black_griffin6]

How did you get yours loose? I've read that some people heated up the bolt so it expands for it to become loose.

[CTScott]

How did you get yours loose? I've read that some people heated up the bolt so it expands for it to become loose.

No heat - Just leverage. It's amazing how adding some length to your socket works. I tried breaking them loose with just a 10" long ratchet and couldn't, so I grabbed my 2' breaker bar and put that on the socket and it came loose with little effort. A piece of pipe over the handle of the ratchet works equally well.

[Klink10]

I'm answering in a PM to you.

[mazilla]

I just stared them down them until they worked themselves loose...they were no match for my glower power. :)


Try hitting them with some-break,let it soak for an hour or so, then slide a 2' pipe over the ratchet handle and give it hell.

[Black_griffin6]

I got it! Thanks! :smile:
Actually most of the trouble I had later on was actually getting it lined up with the holes, it's a really thick bar.

It's on now, so i'm hoping to test it out soon. :thumbsup:

[CrankyOldMan]

I don't recommend using a cheater bar on your socket wrench. Too much chance of busting the internal ratchet mechanism. Harborfreight has breaker bars for less than $20. I bought an 18"-3/8" drive bar before trying to do my NST crank pulley and it worked great! I've also used it on pretty much every bolt of the transmission I tore down, as well as a gear puller main screw.

Hands down one of the best low cost investments you can make to your tool box. I'm tempted to buy a 24"-1/2" but the only bolts I couldn't loosen with the current bar were the three that were inside the bell housing. That was only an issue of them being too deep, causing the socket to roll off the bolt head. My air impact wrench came to the rescue, which is odd considering how poorly it works.

[CTScott]

I don't recommend using a cheater bar on your socket wrench. Too much chance of busting the internal ratchet mechanism. Harborfreight has breaker bars for less than $20. I bought an 18"-3/8" drive bar before trying to do my NST crank pulley and it worked great! I've also used it on pretty much every bolt of the transmission I tore down, as well as a gear puller main screw.

Hands down one of the best low cost investments you can make to your tool box. I'm tempted to buy a 24"-1/2" but the only bolts I couldn't loosen with the current bar were the three that were inside the bell housing. That was only an issue of them being too deep, causing the socket to roll off the bolt head. My air impact wrench came to the rescue, which is odd considering how poorly it works.


That's why I now own the 2' 1/2" breaker bar. I shattered three 3/8" drive ratchets in one day trying to break some bolts loose on my Celica with a 3' piece of pipe on the ratchet.

[CrankyOldMan]

That's why I now own the 2' 1/2" breaker bar. I shattered three 3/8" drive ratchets in one day trying to break some bolts loose on my Celica with a 3' piece of pipe on the ratchet.

:eek: Wow, that's just crazy! I haven't tried any body/frame bolts yet, so I just may get a 1/2" before I try any of those.

[cali yaris]

I bought an 18"-3/8" drive bar

Yes, that's a great tool to have around. Or longer. :smile:

[racerb]

I use a 1/2" drive 2 1/2' breaker bar most of the time for stubborn nuts and bolts. But when all else fails, I keep one of these in all my vehicles for changing wheels, it works good as a breaker bar too!
http://www.brandsport.com/grla-1721.html

racerb :thumbup:

[marcus]

got a 2 feet breaker bar/ pipe sitting on my trunk.. its a savior for me atleast.

[cali yaris]

the 23mm sway bar is stiffer, so it is just a little more difficult to install. Having two people helps a lot to get it lined up with the shock bolts.

[marcus]

the 23mm sway bar is stiffer, so it is just a little more difficult to install. Having two people helps a lot to get it lined up with the shock bolts.

i agree i person was a bitch... 2nd person will help you stretch it out to go in..

[cali yaris]

^ actually it's pushing it in, not stretching it out (it goes on the inside of the shock), but whatever we all understand I think :smile:

[Black_griffin6]

the 23mm sway bar is stiffer, so it is just a little more difficult to install. Having two people helps a lot to get it lined up with the shock bolts.
Yeah, I have the 23mm. It was a pain to get on but it's so worth it. :biggrin: