Hi everyone. I bought a 2003 pathfinder r50 recently largely to learn a bit of auto mechanics.
Unfortunately I sheared off the head of one of the 2 rear stabilizer bar connecting rod bolts that attach the connecting rod to the car frame. I tried to drill it out while saving the threads, but failed. My question is this: Is it possible to remove the flooring in the cargo area and get access to where the bolt originally threaded into from above? If I could do that then I could just use any grade 8 nut and bolt to fix the problem (I think). Any help greatly appreciated.
cheers,
Llew
I’d probably drill it out a size larger and re-thread it with a tap or heli-coil. it’ll probably be easier to do, and much easier to deal with next time you try to remove the sway bar.
thanks. I've never used heli coils. Have you found them reliable?
I’ve used them for things like valve covers. Never for something that takes the stress of a sway bar. I’m not sure what their strength is, but I’m sure that info is available somewhere. Tapping new threads and using a larger bolt Is the best bet to maintain OEM strength probably.