Problems installing my rear tie bar

[im2bad4ya]

So I've read everywhere that this install is one of the easiest to do on the car........maybe since it's MY car and everything else had been difficult, I should expect no less.

So as I tried to remove the bolts, the whole nut and bolt assembly starts spinning together. So I obviously loosened the bolt somewhere, but I can't get the nut off.

But my question is, is my car safe to drive? the nuts are still on the bolt and nowhere near coming off, but just the fact that the bushings are now partially exposed and the whole bolt turns if I try to remove the nut, has me a little worried (even tho the bolt is loose, it takes a lot of strength to turn it).

Maybe I'm doing it wrong and I can actually get this finished and put back as it should be. But from what I understand, it's just removing the two bolts, slapping on the tie bar, putting the bolts back on, and I'm done.

[Josh]

Dumb question; do you have a wrench on the adjacent side of the bolt?

usually there are rubber caps over them.

[im2bad4ya]

Dumb question; do you have a wrench on the adjacent side of the bolt?

As I like to say, there's never such thing as a dumb question, only dumb answers

Yeah, that was one of the first things I did to see if I could reach the "back" of the bolt but I didn't see or feel anything. But the way you just put me in my place right now, you make it seem like it's so obvious, maybe I just couldn't reach it. I'll give it another look right now.

[im2bad4ya]

Josh, thanks for exposing the rookie that I am. I'm learning as I go along, so it's cool.


I DID NOT THINK the bolt was that long! That's why I couldn't "find" it. I thought it was perhaps hidden somewhere between the TTL or the bushings or someplace.

Final question tho, after it's on, do I tighten the tie bar bolts before I drop the car, after, or it doesn't matter?

[Josh]

haha.

I can do it with my eyes closed now days i have had my car apart so many times. there is about a 2" rubber cap over the head of that bolt.

This is a picture of my AWD rear end but the cap and location are the same.


BTW you dont want to drive it loose either

[Josh]

some will say do it one way others will tell you to do it the other.

I lowered mine on the ground and tightened it.

[im2bad4ya]

Thanks alot! check out my worklog for final install