sway bar end links removal?

[lotti]

What is the best method to remove these links? I am installing new coil overs and need to remove the front links and do not want to mess the threads up

 

[Jance GTS]

Several different ways to do it. You could use a pickle fork and hope you can pry it up without damaging the rubber boots or just unbolt the nut and let it hang off the threads about 1/2 way and use a rubber mallet to loosen it. If you use the nut to cover the threads it will protect them when you beat the living crap out of it with the mallet.

 

[Mad Max]

Harbor Freight sells a tool the works perfect for this. Do a search, I put the info in another post a few weeks ago.

 

[Steve M]

Harbor Freight sells a tool the works perfect for this. Do a search, I put the info in another post a few weeks ago.

You sure about that? I searched, and didn't come up with squat.

 

[Mad Max]

Here you go. http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-point-joint-separator-99849.html
It works for both ends on the front and only on the sway bar end on the rear.

I did open up the width of the slot just a little bit to get a better fit with a small die grinder.

 

[WDW MKR]

I just spin the retaining nut down past the end of the threads to create a small pocket, then use a punch and hammer. One or two good hits separates the end links without any damage. This might even be how they call it out in the service manual.

 

[Sonoman]

Some of these are tighter than others. You can damage the retaining nut doing the punch method above, so I use a non-original nut from my stock drawer as a sacrificial tool while keeping the factory nut unscathed. The center of the end link stem is dimpled for this purpose, but the punch can still occasionally bounce over a bit when you strike it, and whack the inner threads of the nut. Obviously , you do not want to miss and strike the aluminum control arm with a mallet while doing this.

 

[kenphjr]

Do not hammer it! If you crack the aluminum tab you'll be replacing the lower a-arm-Use a ball joint press type remover as suggested above

 

[lotti]

talked to mark j Friday he suggested air hammer, I used about 1" flat bit with nut halfway on both sides popped right out instantly

 

[Shandon]

You are removing end links to replace coil over shocks like motons or something? If so there is no need at all. Just lift the whole front of the car up (both sides) unbolt shocks and done. If I have the question wrong then my apologies

 

[Mad Max]

The links are in the way to get the lower shock bolts out.

 

[Shandon]

The links are in the way to get the lower shock bolts out.

?? not on mine and I supect its the same on Gen4 also.