Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and DYI repair, and I'm hoping to find someone familiar with installing Rear Quick Strut Assemblies.

I ran into a snag when trying to install some quick strut assemblys for the rear of the 2001 Monte Carlo SS. The front ones were a piece of cake; however, I noticed that the rear struts have a mounting bracket for some sort of stabilizer I think , and it has an unusual bolt attached. I tried to take it off; however, it just spins in place. It looks like there is some sort of locking head on the end. There was alot of corrosion and dirt in it, and I finally cleaned it to reveal it accepts a small hex wrench. I tried to take it off; however, it seems pretty solid on there.

I tried searching like crazy tonight for diagrams of this, or even anyone discussing it. Here is a picture of the bolt:

https://montecarloforum.com/forum/me...-medium-12249/

https://montecarloforum.com/forum/me...0&ref=gnr-prev

If anyone at all has encounter this and can offer some advice, or has service diagrams, Even if you can tell me what is connecting to this bracket. I would appreciate it very much.

Thanks!!!

 

Yeah it's the rear sway bar link. If it won't come apart easily just clamp some vice grips on the other side really tight and spin the nut off and replace the links when your done they are common problem on w-body's anyway. Use moog greasables and they will last a long time as long as u grease em.

 

Thanks Justin. We may not be talking about the same bolt. The other side of this bolt appears to be rounded, nothing to use vises on. I included some pics in my original post.

 

I looked at the pics and it didn't really matter the only thing that has a hex in the middle with a nut holding it on attached to the strut is the sway bar links. It's a small rod with a joint at both ends connecting the sway bar to the strut. If your changing the struts anyway just disconnect the end at the sway bar it's easier to get at. The sway bar link is just a ball and socket type joint, inside the rubber grease boot. If using the hex and nut removal method doesn't work (it usually doesn't) just wreck the link and clamp onto the ball through the rubber grease boot and work away at getting the nut loose. Or if you have an oxy acetylene torch just burn the nut off carefully from the sway bar.

 

Thank you so much for your input. I'll check it out tomorrow.

 

I know this may sound like a really stupid question, but just to confirm, if I try the hex and nut removal again tomorrow, I'm assuming I turn it counter clockwise to loosen, the same as I would the regular bolt?

I don't have access to oxy acetylene torch, but I was wondering if I heated the bolt with a regular torch, would this help set it free?

Thanks again

 

Turn the hex clockwise or hold it still and turn the nut counterclockwise.

 

If you haven't yet, try to wire brush some more of the dirt off then soak it with PB Blaster or similar penetrating fluid. After that soaks in for a while put a box end wrench on the nut and an allen socket/rachet in the hex. Position the handles so you can wrap your hands around both and squeeze.

 

Thanks guys!!! I was able to get them successfully installed today. I ended up using a torch to heat the nut, and vised the backside like Justin suggested. Worked like a charm!

Thanks again! This saved me a HUGE headache and alot of money. And my very first successful strut install.