@#$&*%!!!!!

[GtariSSt]

So, doing probably the easiest job in the world (next to dogbone strut mount replacement) replacing rear stabilizer bar bushings. Some previous owner installed/had installed bushings that are too large for my bar (numbskull). I was getting a heck of a rattling. Should take me 10 minutes, both sides, right? Two bolts, slip the old ones off, clean and grease bar, new ones on, rebolt, ba-da-bing ba-da-boom. Right, I snap off the first friggin' bolt, using only a 3/8 ratchet no less. I guess I don't know my own strength! Ha! Pain in the arse. Shouldn't have been rusted in so bad, the bushings (wrong ones) look fairly new.

Oh well. Had to involve my ace mechanic (nephew). Might cost a couple (more) beers.

[cruisn76]

I hear you. I've snapped a couple of bolts also. I guess with the age of our cars we have to be more diligent.

[GtariSSt]

Penetrating oil is your friend... lol

[samarai912]

yeah the oem bolts are pretty weak they're like galvanized or something I break bolts all the time just tightening them to torque. so every time I take a bolt out I replace it with a grade 8 bolt. it tends to get spendy at $1.20 for two. well worth no head-ach and fear of getting one broken off in a pain in the ass position.

[ASG14]

PB Blaster 1st next time. And I did the same thing a few months ago.

[GtariSSt]

Good ideas, all.

[eyeball96]

Originally Posted by ASG14

PB Blaster 1st next time. And I did the same thing a few months ago.

Agree!!! PB Blaster is awesome stuff...I removed faucets in my 29 y/o home with it. No problems!

[ghettosled]

whenever i replace mine i always end up having to cut the old ones out. at this point i dont even bother to unbolt them. maybe it just me? i replaced them on the front of my camaro that has only seen rain 5 times in the last 6 years and the bolts were seized on one side and snapped off.

[GtariSSt]

The little buggers don't want to go back on, either, do they? Holy carp. A pry bar, two screwdrivers, several choice words and a six pack later and one side is done!

[ghettosled]

how are you raising the car? if you dont raise BOTH back wheels up evenly it will flex the sway bar and make it difficult to install! the end links should be easy to slip back on.

[GtariSSt]

Well, duh! I was doing one side at a time. I'll raise both sides for the other one. Thanks!

Soaked the bolts on that side with PB Blaster, giving them 24 hours or so to sit. Hopefully they'll come right out.

[Hajoca]

I have used PB Blaster and Release-All rust penetrator (brown and white can, not the green one). The key is giving it repeated application, a day or so before I plan to work on it.

A few stubborn fasteners required torch to warm it then spray the oil.
My stuck O2 sensor required acatylene torch to heat it red hot before the thing would loosen.

[GtariSSt]

I also picked up a propane torch to heat them with before I try it.