X2 Excel swaybar removal

[pucci]

I'm replacing all the bushings & trying to disassemble the endlinks. I can't seem to get a grip on the lower bolt that's up in/under the a-arm. I have deep sockets that should reach it fine, but it doesn't seem to grip. The top bolt is 14mm and I assume the bottom is the same(can't see it) - either way I tried different sizes but still nothing works.

There seems to be no reason for this. Feeling with my fingers, it doesn't seem to be stripped or rounded off at all. This is really pissing me off and holding me up and I can't figure out wtf is the problem.:dead:

Anyone run into similar situation? Suggestions??

[pucci]

I've since discovered the lower nut is actaully 17mm.:hmmm:

But even with the proper size socket it's still a b!tch to get a handle on while you're battling gravity with a heavy-ass breaker bar in one hand.:dead::dead::dead:

I ended up using needle nose pliers and a small wrench to mangle two of the old, brittle bushings off the endlinks in order to allow some movement. That way, the nut could be exposed through the bottom of the control arm and a deep socket can slide farther over it, eliminating the need to actively keep the wrench straight on the nut while you're cranking it.

Also, it makes it all a little easier if you put a jack under the arm and lift it untill it's parallel to the ground, releiving any downward force on the bushings. I think the reason I couldn't get a grip on it initially was that the arm was hanging down, angling the lowest bushing in a way that the washer was preventing the socket from fully engaging onto the nut.

So now all you Excel cats and Scoupers can benefit from my frustrating, cuss-laden experience of the last two days!:smoking:

[silverkorn]

sounds like its time for you to invest in some air tools. after doing an engine swap without them and doing with them you never want to go back, you find its often easier to shell out the $ for the right tool then trying to spend usless hours figureing out how to do it with the tools you have

[pucci]

Yeah no kidding. I'm rather new to wrenching on cars and I quickly learned having the right tools will usually make the difference between actually getting the job done or just breaking sh!t, losing some skin & getting pissed.

I've only recently acquired the necessary handtools for doing most jobs and it wasn't cheap. Luckily when it comes time for engine transplanting, I'll have access to a friends air tools.8D