HELP! What size hex or torx to remove end links?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
HELP! What size hex or torx to remove end links?
Trying to change out my 99's Z51 sway bars.
But I cannot find the correct size hex or torx to remove end links
On my 99 there is a recessed female hex or torx inside the bolt end on the plastic end links.......unlike the male nut cut into the end of each of the new metal end links.
ANYONE know the correct size hex or torx ?
I tried many allen wrenches......none really fit but a 5mm was close, but a bit sloppy. Also tried a T30 which is also just a bit too small.
Also, how is one supposed to torque these end link bolts when two wrenches are required ?
But I cannot find the correct size hex or torx to remove end links
On my 99 there is a recessed female hex or torx inside the bolt end on the plastic end links.......unlike the male nut cut into the end of each of the new metal end links.
ANYONE know the correct size hex or torx ?
I tried many allen wrenches......none really fit but a 5mm was close, but a bit sloppy. Also tried a T30 which is also just a bit too small.
Also, how is one supposed to torque these end link bolts when two wrenches are required ?
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 505
Likes: 2
From: VA
I just did this a few weeks back.
T40. Spray them down a day or two ahead of time with PB blaster or something similar and let them soak. Mine were very stubborn, so stubborn I cut some off with a cutting wheel. If the recessed torx is damaged and you don't have a cutting wheel, vice grips over the sud will get them off, more effort than the cutting wheel though.18mm wrench for the nut. Good luck
PS. On the new metal links, there's what appears to be a washer on the stud, it has two flat sides, 18mm. I used two 18mm wrenches to put the new ones on. The end of the new studs are 8mm. I found my 8mm end wrench to short to hold against the 18mm wrench/nut.
T40. Spray them down a day or two ahead of time with PB blaster or something similar and let them soak. Mine were very stubborn, so stubborn I cut some off with a cutting wheel. If the recessed torx is damaged and you don't have a cutting wheel, vice grips over the sud will get them off, more effort than the cutting wheel though.18mm wrench for the nut. Good luck
PS. On the new metal links, there's what appears to be a washer on the stud, it has two flat sides, 18mm. I used two 18mm wrenches to put the new ones on. The end of the new studs are 8mm. I found my 8mm end wrench to short to hold against the 18mm wrench/nut.
Last edited by XXXLTRP; Jun 19, 2009 at 05:32 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
How did you torque them with two wrenches are required
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 505
Likes: 2
From: VA
I didn't torque them, I winged it by feel. I don't know how you could get to them to do it accurately. When they tighten up they come to a very solid stop/ tightness. Turns easy.. turns easy.. turns easy, snugs up, not enough leverage to hold against the stud to go any tighter.You'll know when you get there, any thing more and you'll have a very hard time holding against the stud.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
I didn't torque them, I winged it by feel. I don't know how you could get to them to do it accurately. When they tighten up they come to a very solid stop/ tightness. Turns easy.. turns easy.. turns easy, snugs up, not enough leverage to hold against the stud to go any tighter.You'll know when you get there, any thing more and you'll have a very hard time holding against the stud.
