Sway bar disconnected
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 145
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From: Gettysburg PA
Sway bar disconnected
So I'm changing the front brake pads on my 97 Expy and notice the front sway bar is disconnected! I cant beieve I didnt notice this before. This happen to anyone else?
New User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 16
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I have replaced both sides twice now. The second time I greased up the inside bolt before installation. The bolt corrodes bably and breaks. If I had seen the aftermarket pieces I would have bought them instead of the OEM. The OEM parts hold moisture and promote corrosion.
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 23
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From: sw Ohio
I tried to rig mine twice with bolts or threaded rod.
I finally used moog parts and have not had any problems.
I finally used moog parts and have not had any problems.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: 0,0,1
Threaded rod is only grade 2 hardware. It is not strong enough to take the stress place on the sway bar end links. Plus you do want a smooth surface for the bushings to ride on, not a threaded one.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24
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Need advice from those who've done this - recently noticed I have to replace both sets of sway bar links - top bushings are gone and not connected on either side. Just picked up aftermarket parts but not sure how to remove old/broken links. Rust seems to have frozen bottom nut to threaded rod. Wrenching from the bottom only spins the top end, even when grabbed with a pair of vise-grips.....Since kit has all new links, top/bottom bushings and washers/nuts - can I just snap off the old ones? Suggestions?? Thx.
Senior User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 104
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Yeah I also had a hard time removing the lower nut, but I managed to remove it using the right sized socket and a pair of vise grips. Try to grab the bare metal instead of the rubber surround on the link and tighten your vise grips really tight. If you can manage to snap off the links without damaging the sway bar itself then go for it cause you wont need to use any of the old equipment anyways. Also try spraying the rusted bolts with some penetrating oil and letting it sit, then try it again. Good Luck
but going to give the vise grips another go at it first......
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 321
Likes: 1
From: Hollywood, FL
I decided to look at mine, they were still in one piece. But the plastic bushings came off by hand.
I will not replace them since the Expy still handles like a Mini Cooper (a really, really fat one).
I will not replace them since the Expy still handles like a Mini Cooper (a really, really fat one).
