craig864

I pickup up a VERY used 98 XJ with 243K miles that still had the original shocks. FINALLY got all of them replace/ repaired now trying to tackle the steering stabilizer.

I finally got every thing loos & removed except the tapered bolt that goes through the drag link. I have soaked it in PB Blaster for 3 days banged on it, took an air hammer to it and nothing. The bolt will not come out.

Any experienced suggestion to removing the bolt this removing the stabilizer?

Thanks,

Craig

Hommersimpson

can you post a pic.. im not sure what bolt exacly you are refering to..

craig864

Borrowed this photo from Google.

sportrider

use a sledge hammer and hit the drag link to shock it. it should break loose. if not use a pickle fork. you are unbolting the right end, right?

craig864

yes. tool the carter pin out and finally broke the nut loose. Just can't get the stupid mounting pin/ bolt to push back through.

jgivings

I had the same prob. on my 1991. I ended up replacing the entire steering linkage because no matter how hard I hit it, the bolt would not budge.

sportrider

you can also put some heat to it, then use a pipe wrench to twist it while hitting the draglink with a sledge.

it comes down to a battle of wills... the one with the most will, will win.
use the force.

Hommersimpson

pickle forkit

sportrider

or in worst case scenario use the old stud on the new stab.

BlackClassic

put a pitman arm puller on it, crank up the pressure, then hit the puller with a 4 lb hammer, it should pop loose. a good soak with penetrating oil will help.

Brian

I used MAPP Gas and heated up all around mine and then it came out with a whack!

fonman25

Hit the link from both directions at the same time with two large hammers right where the taper bolt goes through. The force of the hammers will actually squeeze the bolt out of the bore. This works on tie rods and ball joints too. A couple of good hits and it'll pop right out.

Tural

i drilled series of progressively enlarging holes into it and it weakened the walls and then i put a punch in the hole and hit it with a hammer a few times and it came out.

XJeepWerks

x2 on the pitman arm puller. Spent like five days hitting mine, heating it, and soaking it with pb blaster with no luck. The pitman arm puller on an air hammer finally did it. Be careful when it pops free, it's under a lot of pressure.

tuxfan212

Pitman arm puller or pickle fork. Pitman will keep you from damaging anything else in most cases where a pickle fork will get the job done and be able to do just about all of your other steering components as well.