97 camry frnt strut: stabilizer bar stuk

[dave52]

Trying to remove/replace front left strut. Everything is losened and the only thing holding me up is the attached stabilizer bar nut. The picture seems to indicate the stabilizer bar screw/pin goes through the strut mount and is just held on with nut. I've loosened the nut many turns but not getting anywhere. the bolt just turns with the nut: nothing on back of bolt as it is part of the stab bar. I'm cautiously looking at a somewhat exposed brake line behind this stab bar and am a little leary about continuing.

Thanks/Dave

[bigbird]

does the end of a stud have a hex shaped hole in it? it may require an allen wrench to hold it while you turn the nut. toyota likes to do that.

[dave52]

I figured the stabilizer bar link was defective so I called parts store and was told they're all like that: even the new one he had in stock that was less than $20. The stud is attached to some kind of ball in the the SBL that can turn. He suggested putting it in a vice grip or grabbing on to the stud somehow: I don't understand. He just said they're all like that? I just don't see an area of this screw where I can grab onto it with anything.

Thanks, Dave

[Tom 2000]

I changed my struts last week and came across this as well.

The end of the stud should indeed have a hex-shaped hole. It might be covered by road grime and you may not be able to see it. Spray some WD40 or PB Blaster to clean it, then use a hex key of the correct size to hold the stud while you turn the nut with a combination or dogbone wrench.

[dave52]

WOW!!!! BIG help: Thanks big time for the tip Tom 2000 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!