Need Ideas for loosing anti-sway bar NUT.

[nogard]

I need the change the anti-sway bar to control arm bushings. I have a 1988 wagon, and the bushings are shot, so I need to change them, but the nut at the end of the bar is VERY rusty. I'm guessing it was put on at the factory and never touched in 18 years, so it is like it is welded on. I tried an impact wrench, but no luck. Even if I would get them off, I think I would have to buy a die to rethread the end of the bar. Not sure what to do, I could get a new one from Whiteline, but they say it if for race use only.

ANY IDEAS?

[njerald]

Originally Posted by nogard

I need the change the anti-sway bar to control arm bushings. I have a 1988 wagon, and the bushings are shot, so I need to change them, but the nut at the end of the bar is VERY rusty. I'm guessing it was put on at the factory and never touched in 18 years, so it is like it is welded on. I tried an impact wrench, but no luck. Even if I would get them off, I think I would have to buy a die to rethread the end of the bar. Not sure what to do, I could get a new one from Whiteline, but they say it if for race use only.

ANY IDEAS?

Use a spray like "Nuts Off" that will penetrate along the threads. Spray both sides 3 or 4 times during the day.

Then use a more powerful impact wrench or a 1/2" socket wrench with an 18" bar if you have room. Rapping the nut on the flats with a hammer and then using the socket wrench may also help break the nut loose.

[Doctor J]

First try to tighten nut 1/8 turn more, this may break the "weld". I used box 7/8 construction wrench with 20 in. long pipe extension. You may also use stiff brush to clean the exposed end from rust. It is a good idea to place support under driver's side ball joint to immobilize control arm. The service manual marks these nuts as non-reuseable parts, so you may need to get these anyways.

[thoughthard]

PB Blaster is a good penetrating catalyst.

Maybe consider cutting/trashing them to get them off, and replace them with some universal endlinks from Energy Suspension...?

[white90dx]

Originally Posted by thoughthard

PB Blaster is a good penetrating catalyst.

Maybe consider cutting/trashing them to get them off, and replace them with some universal endlinks from Energy Suspension...?

Sorry, you can't do that on a Gen2 Camry. The swaybar is also used as a locating link (it goes right through the control arm).

To the original poster: The 'off road only' rating for the swaybar only applies to its use in Aus. It is a perfectly legal part to use on the streets here in the US. If you get the front bar, you probably also want to pick up the rear swaybar to keep your car handling balanced.

-Charlie

[thoughthard]

Ahhh. I guessed that it was the same configuration as a 92 Paseo