Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: rostron on March 12, 2009, 06:16:31 AM

Title: how do I remove track bar bolt
Post by: rostron on March 12, 2009, 06:16:31 AM

hi guys this may be silly but how do you remove the bolt from the bottom of the track bar, I have undo the nut of the back but the bolt will not come out , HELP it is a97 cherokee if that make any diff,thanks paul

Title: Re: how do I remove track bar bolt
Post by: PtP on March 12, 2009, 09:26:49 AM

I presume this is the front one at the axle end? And is similar to the Wrangler TJ, the bolt with a big ish T55?? head on it?

You will probably find there is quite a lot of lateral force on the bolt as it is a major player in keeping the axle in position. If I recall, I undid the chassis end first and that relieved the stresses at the axle end and the bolt then easily came out. Alternatively I’d mess about jacking up the chassis a bit to relieve the stress and see if you can do it that way. Either way, I don’t recall the bolt seized, it was just the sideways forces holding it in place.

Also, remember to torque it back up well when you reassemble it as there is one hell of a lot of stress on this one bolt.

Title: Re: how do I remove track bar bolt
Post by: Jeepthang on March 12, 2009, 01:58:15 PM

I did the same a couple of weeks ago. I needed to remove my track bar to replace with an upgraded one. I tried taking out the axle end first but it wouldn't budge. Took out the frame end bolt (came out easy) and the axle bolt came out a lot easier because the stresses were removed.

Good Luck!

Title: Re: how do I remove track bar bolt
Post by: Mik on March 12, 2009, 06:47:10 PM

A Heavy Duty ratchet strap is your friend both for removal and replacement.
One end to the axle and the other to the opposite chassis rail and you'll easily
take the lateral stress off the bolt to get it out.

Title: Re: how do I remove track bar bolt
Post by: rostron on March 13, 2009, 06:32:45 AM

I will have a play at weekend thanks guys