Stabilizer link replacemtn
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Stabilizer link replacemtn
Plan on changing the old original stabilizer links sometime soon after noticing that the old link and bushings looked pretty rusty and worn... so I went and purchased a new front sway part kit - bushings, retainers, sleeves, nuts, and bolts.
Only problem is, if my memory serves me well, the original bolts look to be longer than the new 6 inch replacement - which I'm not so sure will actually be able to slip through the control arm and stabilizer shaft for proper securing and tightening!
If I have to, I'll carefully unloosen and remove the old bolts (attack it with penetrating fluid), clean it up as best I can so it can be used again and just replace the old retainer washers, slleves, and bushings! Anyone know the actual length of the original stabilizer link bolt before I begin this job?
Only problem is, if my memory serves me well, the original bolts look to be longer than the new 6 inch replacement - which I'm not so sure will actually be able to slip through the control arm and stabilizer shaft for proper securing and tightening!
If I have to, I'll carefully unloosen and remove the old bolts (attack it with penetrating fluid), clean it up as best I can so it can be used again and just replace the old retainer washers, slleves, and bushings! Anyone know the actual length of the original stabilizer link bolt before I begin this job?
#2
It is going to be nearly impossible to save the old ones. I sheared one in half and had to saw the other one off. I would get the right size bolts. Dealer has the whole link for around $10 apiece.
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The Pontiac deal I ordered and bought them at did say these were the right sized bolts, interestingly enough, for the '92. Maybe it'* my imagination but they sure looked a little shorter than the originals that are still on the car now. I think thse links are supposed to be torqued to around 12 or 13 ft lbs (which doesn't sound like much torque at all) so maybe that'* why the orignal bolts look longer right now.
I'll check them against the originals tomorrow when I take the tires off and do the front brakes. I even checked NAPA and PepBoys and they all look to be the same size bolts in length when I sized them up against the set I got from the Pontiac dealer. Can't these same type measured bolts be purchased - in varying lengths - at a good hardware store as well? They look like the same exact type grade of steel?
I recall changing the one'* on my Olds 98 Regency years ago and I also had to cut them in two with a hack saw! These look a lot better and might actually unscrew but I don't think I'm going to bust my *** if they don't.
I'll check them against the originals tomorrow when I take the tires off and do the front brakes. I even checked NAPA and PepBoys and they all look to be the same size bolts in length when I sized them up against the set I got from the Pontiac dealer. Can't these same type measured bolts be purchased - in varying lengths - at a good hardware store as well? They look like the same exact type grade of steel?
I recall changing the one'* on my Olds 98 Regency years ago and I also had to cut them in two with a hack saw! These look a lot better and might actually unscrew but I don't think I'm going to bust my *** if they don't.
#4
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Re: Stabilizer link replacemtn
Originally Posted by anthonyv62
Only problem is, if my memory serves me well, the original bolts look to be longer than the new 6 inch replacement - which I'm not so sure will actually be able to slip through the control arm and stabilizer shaft for proper securing and tightening!
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...pic.php?t=5791
...in which I did the very same thing.
#5
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Originally Posted by anthonyv62
I'll check them against the originals tomorrow when I take the tires off and do the front brakes. I even checked NAPA and PepBoys and they all look to be the same size bolts in length when I sized them up against the set I got from the Pontiac dealer. Can't these same type measured bolts be purchased - in varying lengths - at a good hardware store as well? They look like the same exact type grade of steel?
Anyhow, for the record, the OEM bolts are metric, 9.8 strength, which I think is at least a Grade 5 in standard measurement, although I would suggest Grade 8 to be sure. (According to the manual, most fasteners on the car are either 8.8 or 9.8, with 9.8 being the tougher one.)
(I _think_ a Grade 5 bolt has 3 lines stamped on the head; a Grade 8 has 5.)
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