dac122

Hey all,

I have a '97 Taurus GL 3L 137K miles.

My passenger front stabilizer link lower knuckle is worn out where it connects to sway bar. I can get the top off, but am struggling to get the bottom off, partly because it is in such a tough spot. I have just enough room for my 18mm socket and 1 foot braker bar, but can't get the car high enough for the proper torque.

Does anyone have any tips on getting that lower knuckle loose?

Thanks in advance.

Johnny Mullet

At the Dealer, we usually torch them off when they are stubborn.

Use a 6 point 8MM wrench on the small part and an 18MM wrench on the big nut. Good luck.

dac122

Thanks. I figured fire may be the only way out of this.

tbird100636

If you have a die grinder, you can cut a slit in the nut then try taking it off. Otherwise, heat is the only way left. KEEP A FIRE EXTINGUISHER OR WATER HANDY WHEN TORCHING THE LINKS!!!

Johnny Mullet

Plastic links do catch fire easy and make sure you don't melt the CV boot

dac122

All,

I do have a good quality angle grinder, but I read I may need a metal cutoff wheel. Couldn't hurt to get an extra in case I dull one. I have a good fire extinguisher and can position some thin metal in the way to protect boots, etc. It looks like there is ample room to get in there also.

So what is the best way to cut this thing off? Cut the bolt/nut head off where there is more metal and less room but if I'm unsuccessful I still have a drivable car; or try to cut at the joint, hope I can drive the bolt backwards and potentially make the link too weak for the car to be undrivable?

Thanks for all the good ideas.

Johnny Mullet

Cut the nut side. You can also use a large prybar and "snap" the link off the ball stud.