Broken stablizer bushing bolt!

[JH32552]

Last week I had my nephew install quick struts in the rear of my 94 Camry. I still had a rattle, so, following advice on this board, I had him install new stablizer bushings. Everything was going well, until I heard "Oh Sh*t!!!" He was removing the front bolt on bushing's bracket/holder when it snapped. Because of the way the bushing holder is made (with a little hook type thing on the front) he said it would hold with only the rear bolt installed until I could get it fixed.

Do you guys really think this will be safe until I can get an appointment to have the bolt tapped out and retheaded for a new one? Also, if this thing flies apart while driving, what can I expect?

Jackie

[Brian R.]

To prevent further damage to the bushing holder, I would remove the stabilizer bar altogether until you can get it securely mounted. I don't know how strong the bushing holder is in the configuration you indicate. The car will handle quite poorly, so get it fixed ASAP, but the front stabilizer bar will help keep the car under control. I wouldn't drive it until it is fixed. If you have to drive it, keep it slow, avoid bumpy roads and take it very easy around corners.

I'm not sure, but using penetrating oil (PB BLaster or equivalent, not WD40) will probably help prevent breaking off those bolts.

[JH32552]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

I'm not sure, but using penetrating oil (PB BLaster or equivalent, not WD40) will probably help prevent breaking off those bolts.

I asked the nephew if penetrating oil was needed before he started the job. He said it wouldn't work because they were shouldered bolts and the oil wouldn't get to the threads. (I think that's what he called them) I sort of trust this guy because he is a mechanic in the Army, not just a shade tree mechanic. I hope he was right because now I am without wheels.

It's sort of hard NOT to drive on bumpy or curvy roads here in the country. ALL the roads here are frost heaved and wind in and out of the mountains.

Jackie

[Brian R.]

In the future, ask him to try it anyway. It doesn't hurt. Usually, these bolts have a fixed nut on the rear of the attachpoint that allows access to the bolt threads. Very few things outside the engine have blind holes.