Strut stuck in car, need help!!

[gingerdyde]

So Im replacing the front struts and end links on the 05 Aveo. Drivers side went in fine. Passenger side both the end link and the top strut bolt are seized in place. I popped the endlink apart, but I still can't get the damn nub off the sway bar. Probably going to have to end up cutting that one. The bigger issue is that I cannot hold the strut bar still to turn that top bolt. My vice grips won't grab the bar well. Any ideas?

[gingerdyde]

I should mention that I have no cutting tools. So if you all have suggestions that do not require a cutting tool that would be best. However I am prepared to purchase one if necessary.

[avguy]

I used a Dremel metal cutting wheel to cut the factory links off. The small head of that tool allows easy access, however an angle grinder might work also.

[JB_Fraser]

I had the same problem with the sway bar link a few months back (strangely enough) same side, drivers side went smooth) although it was the one connected to the strut that caused me problems , so I just decided to replace those as well.
Cutting with a dremel is probably your best resort as avguy suggested.
As for the strut, I wasn't able to find anything that could could hold the shaft on the strut either. You need a 'pass thru' socket set so you can hold the shaft while turning the mounting nut.
I decided to for go this purchase and ground down two flats on a '1/2 drive socket' so I could hold it with a large wrench and with a bit of filing was able to put a 10mm socket on top of the strut to prevent it from turning while I loosened the mounting nut.

hope this helps!

cheers

[gingerdyde]

I found a set of pass through sockets at HF. Going to try those first. If not I'll cut the nut off the top since I replacing it anyways.

My impact wouldn't even budge it, unlike the drivers side where it just zipped right off!

[JB_Fraser]

I sprayed mine with penetrating oil as well and wasn't too bad to break free.

Cheers

[gingerdyde]

Pass through socket and Kroil was able to break the damn bolt free. I just put the 9mm through the center and the 19mm on and cranked it.


Thanks!

[JB_Fraser]

Cool, thanks for posting back! Hopefully can help others in the future.

Cheers

[gingerdyde]

No problem. Grinding off the endlink after popping it apart worked out as well.