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Help with front sway bar bolts

Old 11-02-2012, 05:53 PM
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Default Help with front sway bar bolts

If I don't have the greatest selection of tools, what would be the easiest way to remove these bolts? (on axle)

Thanks in advance

Dave
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Old 11-02-2012, 05:55 PM
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Hammer?

Are they threaded into the sway bar mount?
Old 11-02-2012, 06:18 PM
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What's wrong with the ones in there. That one looks good.

On my '99 they are drive studs, i.e., they have splines on the part that goes through that chunk of metal they are attached to. I got new ones from the dealer before removing mine. I had to cut them off flush with the bar they go through, heat them up, then use a two jaw puller to push them out.
Old 11-02-2012, 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Gee oh Dee
Hammer?

Are they threaded into the sway bar mount?
Ya, hammer method didn't work. Lol.
I think they are pressed in.
Old 11-02-2012, 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by CCKen
What's wrong with the ones in there. That one looks good.

On my '99 they are drive studs, i.e., they have splines on the part that goes through that chunk of metal they are attached to. I got new ones from the dealer before removing mine. I had to cut them off flush with the bar they go through, heat them up, then use a two jaw puller to push them out.
Oh, the bolts in there are good, I'm just making some disco's.
I'm thinking I'm going to go this route, I have a friend with a torch and some sort of cutting apparatus.

I guess for now, in just gonna roll with no sway bar. Until I can get out to his place.

Thanks for the tips guys.
Old 11-02-2012, 06:31 PM
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On most, if not all, XJs the shoulder of the bolt is splined, and that portion is pressed into the bracket. They are usually in there pretty damn good. If you aren't worried about reusing the bolt I'd hit it up/down/side to side a bit to maybe loosen up the pressed fit. After that try to pound it out. A torch could help. If that doesn't work you might need some sort of bolt press/puller. Good luck!

If you rented a tie rod puller set from autozone you might be able to use that. I popped a set out with one of these before, it was hard to keep it centered though.


Last edited by Dan91; 11-02-2012 at 06:34 PM.
Old 11-02-2012, 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Dan91
On most, if not all, XJs the shoulder of the bolt is splined, and that portion is pressed into the bracket. They are usually in there pretty damn good. If you aren't worried about reusing the bolt I'd hit it up/down/side to side a bit to maybe loosen up the pressed fit. After that try to pound it out. A torch could help. If that doesn't work you might need some sort of bolt press/puller. Good luck!

If you rented a tie rod puller set from autozone you might be able to use that. I popped a set out with one of these before, it was hard to keep it centered though.

That's similar to what I used.
Old 11-02-2012, 06:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Dan91
On most, if not all, XJs the shoulder of the bolt is splined, and that portion is pressed into the bracket. They are usually in there pretty damn good. If you aren't worried about reusing the bolt I'd hit it up/down/side to side a bit to maybe loosen up the pressed fit. After that try to pound it out. A torch could help. If that doesn't work you might need some sort of bolt press/puller. Good luck!

If you rented a tie rod puller set from autozone you might be able to use that. I popped a set out with one of these before, it was hard to keep it centered though.

As inexpensive as those are, I think it's must have in a toolbox. I've found lots of uses for it over the years and most recently used it press out old shock bushings.
Old 11-02-2012, 07:05 PM
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I have the same problem. Except i cut the actual bolt part off even with the mount, thinking itd loosen the press. Didnt work, all i have now is the bolt head stuck on the other side.

Maybe heat would work?
Old 11-02-2012, 10:05 PM
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Gonna try the tie-rod puller, then hammer, then heat, hammer...etc. I'll let y'all know how they come out tomorrow.
Old 11-02-2012, 10:12 PM
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pickle fork.. I bought 1, is my new best friend $10

just had to get over being easy with it (like tryin to quietly pry a tie rod joint apart .. doesnt work)

+ a handheld sledge = easy separation on stuff .. blunt quick force .. if theres room for swinging
Old 11-02-2012, 10:15 PM
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comin from personal experience.... heat n beat!!!! if you remain persistent it will pop out!
Old 11-03-2012, 05:43 PM
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Got em'. Angle grinder and pitman puller. Got my homemade disconnects all done. Thanks guys!!
Old 11-05-2012, 08:28 AM
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And yet another reason I don't use sway bars!
Old 11-05-2012, 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Gee oh Dee
And yet another reason I don't use sway bars!
I drove around without it, not too bad, feels like a golf cart. Lol, but I do a lot of driving, las Vegas-San Diego, and with how the dips%#%s drive on the 15 fwy, doing 80 without one probably isn't the best idea. And the wind! Oh the wind sucks in the middle of the Mojave desert!
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