So I was trying to remove the stock endlinks up front this weekend so as to install my MS sway bar, and I managed to strip both bolts on the left side endlink (I didn't mess with the one on the right). I ordered a set of new OEM links for the front just in case I needed the right side one as well, its wierd I can't figure out what I did wrong.

I have helped install the Tien springs on a friends 8 and that required the endlinks to be disconected as well, and we did that with no issue or fan fare (both front and rear). In fact, I didn't really notice the last time the spot for the Allen Wrenches, and we didn't need them on the spring install.

Granted, this time I was using a really long handle rachet for some good leverage this weekend, maybe we were just using to much pressure, when I did it with the Tien springs I had much small hand tools.

Any thoughts on this? I'd like to not repeat ths on the other side, anyone have and suggestions or experiences?

 

MAke sure you are using 6 point 12mm sockets. I have done 3 RB sway bar installs now, and haven't stripped one yet. Or course, I did accidentally turn one the wrong way during my first install, as I had the nut orientation screwed up in my head. Also, it helps get a good angle on it if you turn the wheels to the opposite site of the car as the side you are doing (IE: TUrn the wheels to the right when you are working on the left side.)

Hey, why replace the factory endlinks when you can order some RB ones and get some RB swaybars... they are awesome and might as well do it while you are down there.

Careful not to over-torque them when you put them back on either.

 

good info, thanks.

Did you have to pull the bottom plastic piece out to get your RB ones in? Any advice on getting the front bar out?

 

^^^^^^ whistles quietly

I would make sure you WD-40 them amply and then crack the nut with a good size breaker bar. After that use a smaller 14mm open ended wrench and 8mm hex that allows you more mobility. Now that you have new end links you only NEED to remove the lower bolt.

 

WD-40 did the trick for me to. Coat the endlinks up good the night before you do the install and the nuts should come right off.

 

The easy way to remove the front sway bar is with the spring assemblies removed from the car, then you can flip the sway bar around to the other side of the lower control arm and from there it's a piece of cake. The spring assemblies are not that hard to remove so it might be worth your while to pull them even if you aren't replacing springs.

 

I had the same problem during my spring install yesterday. I stripped the lower endlink bolt on the right side. I thought I was going to need to buy a new endlink but I managed to buy a new bolt and rethread it. It all finally went back together without any problems.