Rear Sway Bar Links
 

Any good ideas on how to remove them. My left rear broke today.

I used penetrating oil and grunted until the pigs came home and still can't get it off.

I haven't even tried the connection at the rear wheel yet,,,, I'm stuck on the bolt attached to the sway bar.

Car is W123, 1977 300D.

Whew, this looks like a real knuckle buster.

JCD

Do you have access to an impact wrench? Could you get in there even if you did?

-Dan

No and no.

What kills me is for once in my life I diagnosed something right the first time. A little bumping when I turn a slow sharp left. Didn't panic into half shafts or rear end.......

Sometimes it takes me hours to diagnose and minutes to fix. This time looks like the other way around.

JCD

I've never had any trouble with them at all. You need to back up with an open end and then use a box end on the nut if it's fighting back.

Just give it some oomph with the right tools and approach with determination. They'll come loose. Just go at it, you can do it!

Good luck,

OK Larry...............
 

U R my inspiration....................................

I hit them with penetrating oil and will do the same tomorrow PM.

Hopefully that will give them a little slip. That's worked in the past,,,, a little oil and some patience. Maybe now at 49, more oil and patience is required than it used to.

JCD

Use something a little longer for more leverage. Sometimes I hook the open end and the box end of two wrenches together and it makes a world of difference.

Re: Rear Sway Bar Links
 

I need one rear one myself. I'll buy you a beer if you send me the one you get off?

You can probably buy a whole new link for what it would cost for one beer and shipping cost.

These pieces are really cheap. Less than $10 the last time I bought them.

Good luck,

i removed one of my links yesterday.used penetrating oil first but these were original 1980 so i had to resort to stronger measures.out came the oxyacetylene torches.a quick heat and out it came.if you dont have torches try a propane torch for plumbing.ive used that successfully in the past for removing seized nuts,bolts

Mapp gas
 

I've used a Mapp gas torch also. A little hotter than propane. Of course the oxy/acetylene (aka: hot wrench) also works. If it won't loosen up just CUT IT OFF!:eek:....well maybe not always!: :D

yep the part places are 10ish dollars "before" shipping. So it "could" work out cheaper if a buddy has a used one they are willing to part with. Its a priority game. The few bucks I save here and there goes to getting new motor mounts or other parts with a higher priority.

Got it off
 

Patience and penetrating oil........ a magic thing.

Took the wheel off and used an ax handle under the sway bar to give it some stability, then gave her a tug.

Coachgeo,

You DON"T want a used one, they are a mess.

If you replace it, go for the new, relatively cheap part.

JCD

What a difference
 

A sway bar makes.

Rides like a MB again, instead of a 1971 Ford Galaxie.

JCD

See there?! I knew you could do it. It's just takes EFFORT.

Good job!

Keep up the good work,