How to Remove a Sway Bar Link Nut When the Stud Spins
You turn the nut. The stud turns with it. Forever.
End link studs are ball joints, so when the nut rusts on, the stud spins in its socket. Most links have a hex or Torx socket in the end of the stud, or flats behind the nut, for holding it still.
Step by Step
- 1
Clean and soak the stud
Wire-brush the exposed threads and soak the nut. Give it 15–30 minutes.
- 2
Hold the stud
Use an Allen or Torx bit in the end of the stud while you turn the nut with a wrench, or a pass-through socket set.
- 3
Load the joint
Pry the link sideways with a bar. Side load can stop the ball from spinning while you turn the nut.
- 4
Cut it if it still spins
If the hex rounds off, cut the stud or nut with a cutoff wheel or reciprocating saw. You are replacing the link anyway.
Heat dries out the link’s ball joint and boot. Fine if you are replacing the link anyway; keep it away from brake lines and ABS wiring.
- With one end link off, the sway bar can spring sideways. Keep your hands clear.
- Torque new link nuts to spec with the suspension loaded.
Which Penetrant, and Why
Amazon links are affiliate links. Disclosure.
First pickPB B'laster
The automotive-rust pick. Gets into the nut threads while you set up the holding tool.
Read our review
Common Mistakes
Using an impact wrench on a spinning stud. It just spins faster.