I was attempting to install Energy Suspension sway bar bushings on my '00 Civic Si today and I came across some trouble right away because my sway bar end link bolts are not only totally rusty, but I managed to strip out the socket at the end for the allen wrench. I got one side out with the help of vice grips, then proceeded to strip the other the same way. I'm not sure of my liberal use of liquid wrench caused that or what, but it wouldn't budge without it.

Anyone dealt with this before? Should I be using a 5mm allen wrench, because that's what seemed to fit best until I stripped the bugger, or is it actually a larger size and I'm just dumb? I tried 5mm and 5.5mm, but it could be some english unit I guess. Helm's manual doesn't say.

Is there somewhere I can get an OEM replacement cheap, or can I get something like the end links used in the Comptech sway bar? Preferably something galvanized/stainless?

Stupid road salt.

 

Like, I think I could make end links out of a pair of male/female studded ball linkage rod ends from Grainger:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/cat...xi&CatPage=340

Is that a good/bad idea? I'm pretty sure the 10mm size is right, although I don't know if #10-32 is the proper threading to use. (although it doesn't really matter unless the trailing arm is threaded... hmm)

Any advice is appreciated.

 

<don't pay attention to me