Ok on final inspection before this season I was under the car and noticed the drivers side clamp on the stabilizer bar was 'loose' and it appears the forward most bolt maybe stripped, this seats into the crossbeam. Hmmm not much room to work there, any ideas how to get this bolted down again? Maybe a slightly larger self taping bolt? Any ideas are appreciated.

 

Can you tell if it is the bolt or the welded nut that is damaged?

If it's the bolt, finding a new one shouldn't be too hard. If the nut, then re tapping or a helicoil might be the best option.

I would get the bolt out and see how bad off it is first. Then try running a thread cleaner or tap of the same size through the hole and attempt to tighten with a new bolt.

 

Good Ideas thanks, It's very tight in there, you either have to work from the top down (ac/pw hoses in the way) narrow and it's about 2.5 feet, or under which you can just reach over to get to bolt but I can barely get my fingers in much less rethreading but I'll give it a go I have the tools.

 

Heresy I know, but if you can get the bolt out and the nut is stripped, put a new bolt in with JB Weld. I don't recall for sure, but I think you may have enough access from the wheel well to get a clamp on it.

If you ever have to go in the again a oxy-acetylene or MAPP torch should allow you to turn the bolt.

 

Following Rev. Sam's approach (see video) for replacing the bushings, you may be able to reach it from above with a long-long socket extension.