Sway Bar Problem

Just installed my bilsteins up front. During the install, I managed to stip out the hex hole for the sway bar. I am unable to get it back tightened, because the hex keeps spinning when tightening the bolt? Anybody have any suggestions????

I left it loose and drove around the block and have a clunking whenever I hit a bump. I'm sure its the swaybar.

 

Drill or Easy-out it and get a new one?? Retap the hole...good to go.

 

Good info brunes more for getting a new one drilling would be bad if messed up.

 

Fill the hole with JB Weld and put the screw back in. Of course, you'll never get it back out but it wont go anywhere.

 

If you have to, hold the bolt with a pair of Vice-Grips while you tighten the nut. You can use this as a temporary fix, but be ready to to buy a new nut, and new sway bar end link the next time you pull the sway bar off.

 

I've tried to hold the bolt with vice grips....can't get a good hold. I went back out...took the tire off and tried again...and no luck. Only have about 3-4 threads to hold onto...I may have to cut it off....or, like you said, drill it out.

May even take the whole sway bar off....I drive my truck for hunting and hauling only...but do drive 2 hrs hwy (one way) couple times a week for hunting. Will the sway bar effect road travel a great deal??? Read a lot of guys take them off...but my wife drives the truck every now and then. Don't want to put her in a dangerous position.

Thanks for the replies.

 

Its really your call on whether or not to keep the sway bar. Personally I wouldn't have my wife driving in a truck with out one, but thats just my personally opinion. In an emergency maneuver, not having a sway bar to control roll will drastically change handling characteristics.


I looked up about how much the stabilizer link runs and here is what I came up with.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&siteid=214074&Sectionids=0,2512&groupid=51856&subgroupid=2544&componentid=&make=34&model=Tacoma&year=2003&graphicID=8510620&callout=6&catalogid=2&displayCatalogid=0

 

Chris is the man, useing a 5.5mm instead of a 6mm.

 

ProductPrice

CTR OEM Sway Bar Link
Part Number: L1030-140435
Availability: In Stock ([SIZE=-2]14 available[/SIZE])

Years: 09/00 - 08/04
$62.43 Sway Bar Link.

OEM Sway Bar Link
Part Number: L1030-140435
Availability: In Stock ([SIZE=-2]1 available[/SIZE])

Years: 09/00 - 08/04
$42.94 Sway Bar Link.

Just so everyone knows what I'm talking about...its the above sway bar end link that I stripped. Would it not being tightened make the clunking noise? I know its an issue...just want to make sure its the only issue. May have to order a new one, because once it's drilled out, I don't think I can use anything else.

 

Not having the link tightened would definitely cause a clunk.

If I interpreted your original post correctly, the 6mm hex 'hole' that prevents the ball joint from turning while initially tightening, and loosening the sway bar link is what was stripped, not the thread on the bolt itself. If this is the case I would try taking the nut off, or if you are not able to take it off go ahead and spray some WD-40 or penetrating lubricant on the nut and bolt. Then take an impact wrench to it like Chris had mentioned. I have had some success by using this method in the past, although, it does not alway do the trick.

Good luck

 

Thanks for you suggestions...I will try it after mothers day (don't think wife would appreciate it on sunday

 

For all those that replied...thank you for your help. Just got my alignment done and they were able to ratchet the bolt tight. I am extremely happy with my 5100's and Revo set up. Rides way better than I thought. I will add some pictures tonight.