92runner

Aaaagh! I can't get the stud end of my steering stabilizer off. Been beating on a tie rod seperator and it's not popping off like in the write-ups. Do I just put the fork of the seperator between the stabilizer and the steering link and try to beat it up in order to pop off the stabilizer?

Help Please!!!

Scott

GV27

Try soaking it with something like PB Breaker. Or even WD-40.

C

92runner

Tried that. Thanks though. Anyone else?

Anxiously waiting your replies.

Scott

Cebby

I got mine off without a pickle fork - only cause I didn't know how it should be done. I broke the body of the stabilizer off leaving just the stud and stabilzer end. I then beat on it until it came loose. BFH helps. Not sure thats too good for the steering components though. Maybe try one of those tie rod separators that are a claw with a screw that you drive into the back of the stud to pop it out. I used one of those for something else and they worked really good.

donc

I watched my being replaced - had it done the same time as the new cat back exhaust was installed - it was up in the air and easier that way. The mechanic had a device like a pickel fork and just hamerred that in and it stud popped out.
Good luck...

92runner

I think I'm gonna go with Cebby's method because I hacksawed off the stabilizer at the stud. So now I've got about 1/2" of stud on one side and the threaded part on the other side. I'm in the process of drilling it out but maybe I'll just beat on it for a while.

Nothing like making a simple job tough.

jimrockford

I just went through the same thing a couple of weeks ago. I tried one of these first:



That was a 3 hour exercise in frustration. I got a hold of a pickle fork and had it off in about 30 seconds.



Since you've already hacked it off, I guess Cebby's way is the way to go. You might also try heating the stud (carefully) with a torch. Don't heat the steering relay rod though. When you heat the stud, it should expand. When you drop the torch and grab the BFH it will cool off and constrict a bit. That may be all you need to knock it out.

nofilter

i just spent the last 2 days working on getting my stabilizer off.

i was using a claw hammer and pickle fork from under the truck driver's side. i didn't have enough room to get a good swing. i read somewhere to try heating the stud until it starts to smoke. i tried this. no luck.

so i went to OSH and got a BFH. actually a 3# driver hammer (like a mini-sledge- but it has a 8" handle). tried this from under the truck. hit it 3 times, and didn't really get there.

then i took off the driver's side wheel and went straight at the stud through the side. between the frame and tie-rod, i think. 3 hits - and POP! off it came.

i applied some anti-seize to the new stud - it should be easier the next time.

i guess this would've helped before you hacked it off, but maybe it'll help someone else in the future.

i found the same thing with the idler arm stud. i firmly believe it's all about the ANGLE of the pickle fork. i tried for a day going from the passenger side. what worked was when i went at it from the driver's side. and that was with the claw hammer!
btw, great forum!