Steering Damper Woes

[rworks]

OK, was out this morning lubing the front end and noticed the steering damper/stabilizer was leaking. Piece of crap OEM part only lasted 18 years! I should sue.

 

So went to NAPA and got a new one (Rancho) and ran into a problem. I might be getting old and slow but I can't get the bolt out of the thing. Is thing pressed in or something?

 

[Windowsrookie]

Yup, that bolt is tapered, so it presses itself in when you tighten the nut on it. I had to completely drill the bolt out, spray it with PB blaster, and heat it with a torch before it would budge. Good luck! :cheers:

[johnnyc]

It's hard to bang it out when it's still on the vehicle due to the angle and the drag link flexing.

 

I took the drag link completely out of the Jeep, laid it on the ground supported by a couple pieces of wood, and one whack with a BFH popped it right out.

[HOrnbrod]

Mine popped right out using a pickle fork and a few good whacks w. a BFH.

[mvusse]

Go to Autozone or Advance Auto parts, or any such store and borrow a pickle fork.

[BLHTAZ]

Yep...I have used my air hammer (and a few choice words) on a few of those... :fs1:

[rworks]

Go to Autozone or Advance Auto parts, or any such store and borrow a pickle fork.

 

 

 

Pardon my ignorance, but I've never used a pickle fork. Are you saying to put the fork between the steering damper bolt and the center link and whack it with a hammer?

[HOrnbrod]

Pickle fork tool. Insert between the joint you want to separate, and whale it w. a BFH (BIG Flocking Hammer). :D A must have tool if your work suspension and steering.