Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Front sway bar end link stuck in sway bar

Chippy

Chippy

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Jun 24, 2025
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Location
Tampa, FL
Hey all,

Any tips or tricks for getting the sway bar end link out of the sway bar? It’s the tapered bolt and nothing I do is working. Soaked in PB Blaster, and then I went out and bought a tie rod press tool and it doesn’t fit right, so I resorted to beating on it with a pickle fork with no luck.

I also got the pickle fork in there really tight and beat on the sway bar itself with a hammer while pulling the link to try to get it to free up. No luck. I actually beat on the pickle fork so hard it broke my rubber mallet.

What’s next? Pic of what I got going now.

IMG_7393.jpeg
 
JKP said:
Rubber mallet? Not going to do it.

I rotated the sway bar down, and used the big tie rod tool on them. Shot them 10 to 15 feet, so be sure area is clear, or put the nut back on it before pressing.

View attachment 670017
Click to expand...

I bought the harbor freight Pittsburgh variant of this and it didn’t fit. The jaws are too wide. Maybe I’ll go rent a set with different sizes or something. Do you think the pickle fork would work with a big sledge?
 
Stand a 2x4 or 4x4 under the end of the sway bar. Smack the top of the bolt with a real hammer (assuming you're not trying to save the threads).
 
JKP said:
I used the one in the loaner kit from Advance. The jaws are on pivots, was yours?

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...a8JPEA4uf4WqxaC5v1BfD1245hUU-bX8aAn0BEALw_wcB

I don't know, the sway bar may flex too much even with a sledge.
Click to expand...

Ive also used the pivot one with success on the swaybar links. Frame side of the front trackbar too. Actually still in my garage I need to take it back before it's too late. None of the other auto parts stores have this kind for rental.

Are those original shocks?? wow
 
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Vtx531 said:
Ive also used the pivot one with success on the swaybar links. Frame side of the front trackbar too. Actually still in my garage I need to take it back before it's too late. None of the other auto parts stores have this kind for rental.

Are those original shocks?? wow
Click to expand...

I’ll give this a shot before taking the sway bar off and bringing it to my old man’s place. (He’s got a vice and bench)

Also yes, original shocks. Been thinking about putting some ranchos on but not high on the list at the moment haha
 
The pickle fork would be just fine , IF you use a Real 2 1/2 lb. hand sledge and don't be a Sally about it .
Put the lower bolt back on temporarily snug it down , then HIT the pickle fork .
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator
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