Front Sway Bar Bushing Bracket Bolt Trouble

**Jackd90** · 09-20-2014

Hey guys and gals,

Today I went and tried to do a quick swap (first time) of my front sway bar bushings to the energy suspension bushings. The suspension is basically stock, 2004 Grand Prix GT2. The problem I was having was that the rear bolts were spinning and not actually coming out (both passenger and driver side). The front bolts on the bushing bracket came out just fine. Is there something I'm not doing right? Do I have to hold the bottom of the bolt or push it up? It bolts to the subframe and it's in a hollowed out section. Thanks!

**Scottydoggs** · 09-20-2014

sounds like the bolts are stripped out from the last guy who did bushings or the bar.

its easier to get them bolts out if you lower the back of the sub frame 2 inches. this gives you more room to work a ratchet in.

if you can pull up while turning the bolts ( vice grips) maybe they will catch threads again and come out.

chances are you'll need to drill and tap the holes and get new bolts.

**industrialfish** · 09-21-2014

As Scotty said, it's probably stripped. It's only aluminum after all. Instead of using vise grips, see if you can get a flat head screwdriver under the bracket at the bolt and pry upward while trying to unbolt it.

It will be damn near impossible to get a drill and tap in there. Your best bet would be to get the bolt out, and saw off the aluminum tube that the bolt goes through and find a nut and washer that will fit.

**Scottydoggs** · 09-21-2014

yeah the screw driver pounded in or a very small pry bar under the head, then try to ratchet it out also works.

**industrialfish** · 09-21-2014

If the tube broke free from the frame and is spinning, you may be able to grip it with pliers and get the bolt out of it.

But you can use a hacksaw blade and cut it off and put a nut and washer in it's place.

**Scottydoggs** · 09-21-2014

damn, look at all the room you got there!!!!! steel frames blow.

thats the driver side too aint it? that side is so tight with brake lines on my car i have to drop the sub frame to get the rear bolts out.

**industrialfish** · 09-21-2014

Yep my drivers side. It's still pretty tight though, tight enough that I couldn't get a ratchet in there and had to use a wrench 1/8 turn at a time.

**Scottydoggs** · 09-21-2014

with the frame dropped, i use a 3 inch extension and snake the socket through the brake lines. works like charm. no way to get them out with out dropping the frame in my eyes, not the way the brake lines run past there. pass side is doable, but easier with the frame dropped a few inches.