Swap Bar End Link snapped. Can't remove lower nut.
#17
Senior Member
I had to drill mine out. If the OP can’t get the nut to budge using heat and oil, I suggest drilling the bolt out from the torx end using that torx divot as a centered pilot hole. THEN replace with a grade 8.
#18
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Get as close to the stud as possible without hitting the threads. A hacksaw works, but will take forever. Once you are deep enough, grab a chisel and hammer it into the groove (or use a nut buster if you have one). The nut will open up and fall off. Wear safety glasses.
If all goes well, all you will need is a new nut.
#19
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
So... Grind it off? I don't see the difference between drilling the head of grinding the head off with a cutoff wheel... No matter WHAT happens, the bolt will need to be replaced.
#23
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L i6
I went back at this tonight.
I was able to get my 5' long pipe onto the 1/2" breaker bar and stood on it.
That got it to break loose
Once the nut was off, the end link was very hard to remove.
I alternated between pry bars, pickle fork with 4lb hammer, and yanking it back and forth.
I wonder if the rubber was melted from the MAPP.
After 20-30 minutes, eventually it started to spin freely, and I got it off.
I've got no natural aptitude for this stuff.
What would have been the quickest way to remove it ?
Torqued top nut to 45lbs,
and bottom nut to 70lbs.
I was able to get my 5' long pipe onto the 1/2" breaker bar and stood on it.
That got it to break loose
Once the nut was off, the end link was very hard to remove.
I alternated between pry bars, pickle fork with 4lb hammer, and yanking it back and forth.
I wonder if the rubber was melted from the MAPP.
After 20-30 minutes, eventually it started to spin freely, and I got it off.
I've got no natural aptitude for this stuff.
What would have been the quickest way to remove it ?
Torqued top nut to 45lbs,
and bottom nut to 70lbs.
Last edited by BimmerJeeper; 12-18-2017 at 06:44 PM.
#24
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L i6
I have a question about the correct procedure for reinstallation.
Before tightening anything, I slid the new end link onto the bolt.
It felt like the end link was going on crooked (see photo)
Is is supposed to slide fully on with ease?
I wished the sway bar was loose, so the end link would seat flush.
Instead, I got it on crooked, as far as it would go (see photo #1)
and then just impacted it until it was more fully seated.
I did this with the car on the ground.
Are you supposed to release tension on the sway bar somehow?
If I jacked the wheels off the ground, would that do anything?
Before tightening anything, I slid the new end link onto the bolt.
It felt like the end link was going on crooked (see photo)
Is is supposed to slide fully on with ease?
I wished the sway bar was loose, so the end link would seat flush.
Instead, I got it on crooked, as far as it would go (see photo #1)
and then just impacted it until it was more fully seated.
I did this with the car on the ground.
Are you supposed to release tension on the sway bar somehow?
If I jacked the wheels off the ground, would that do anything?
Last edited by BimmerJeeper; 12-18-2017 at 06:47 PM.
#25
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 Cyl / 4L
Pretty sure your link is facing the wrong way. That's why it is crooked.
Also, to install one side you have to release the other side top link nut so you can swing the sway bar up. Then you lower it on both links and tighten bolts evenly.
Also, to install one side you have to release the other side top link nut so you can swing the sway bar up. Then you lower it on both links and tighten bolts evenly.
Last edited by OldTires; 12-18-2017 at 06:46 PM.
#28
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L i6
Tonight, I removed the other end link, and corrected the orientation.
Both end links are now replaced.
The other side was fun.
The sleeve was rusted onto the stud, so it ripped off the from the rubber bushing.
I got my Channel Locks and grab......grab.....grab.....and finally start to spin it
After a few minutes, it came free...
Last edited by BimmerJeeper; 12-21-2017 at 10:04 PM.