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Prowler Junkie

From:Southeast WI, USA
Registered: May 2005
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posted 05-29-2007 06:39 PM                  

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Well, a couple weeks ago "Quincy" sent me a set of front sway bar links to see if it was possible to replace the upper end bushings with polyurethane inserts. This is the Reader's Digest version of what I discovered about these links:
-after removing the seals and "degreasing" the insides of the upper ends (typically the seals tend to rot off/crack/leak and look nasty, so people replace them), I found the links to be your basic nylon insert type rod-end. The lower link end seals were in good shape.I believe the lower seals are of a more "plastic" type material.
-They are pressed together, so it's really not possible to replace them with polyurethane inserts without destroying them in the process.
-After inspecting the links, looks to me that having them sealed is kinda a waste of effort. They have full nylon inserts and the actual relative movement at the upper end of the link is almost none (rotate 15-20 deg back and forth or so, maybe).
-I see no reason why they could not be used "as is" (without seals or lube) for many years to come. Rod ends typically sold with nylon inserts are meant to be used "as is" in hostile environments and run dry w/no lube. (been in the mechanical design business for 30+ years and this is typical from what I've seen).
-I did purchase a set of polyurethane tie rod end seals to try a fit (early VW beetle application, my other sickness), but they don't quite fit. I would guess with a little experimentation, some tie rod seals could be modified to fit, if you really wanted to have seals.
-soooooo anyway, in conclusion, when my seals finally rot/crack/leak, I will not be replacing the links (unless they are actually loose inside, not likely). I'll remove the seals, degrease and re-install them as they are and save the big bucks to take the wife out to dinner .
Quincy, if you want these back, let me know and I'll ship them to you. They don't show any wear from what I can tell, i.e. they are still nice and tight (probably have another 100thou miles of life left in them.....)

This message has been edited by scooter1 on 05-29-2007 at 06:52 PM

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Prowler Junkie

From:San Antonio Texas USA
Registered: Sep 2002
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Prowler Junkie

From:Fairfield Glade, TN. USA
Registered: May 2004
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From:Edmond,OK,USA
Registered: Feb 2013
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posted 03-05-2013 11:55 AM                  

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I just noticed this on my 2001 Prowler with 17k miles while putting in the WonderBar.

So, just remove the boots, degrease and bolt back together?
This can be done with removal of link?

From:Colton, CA
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 03-05-2013 01:00 PM                  

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Oops!

This message has been edited by Larry Lord on 03-05-2013 at 01:17 PM

From:Colton, CA
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 03-05-2013 01:02 PM                  

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Thanks Scooter and Quincy for the help and the comments.

I've told many people for quite some time, to do just this. There is little movement in the area, a little anti-seize might work well to keep things loose.
There is no need to replace your links and that's why I've never offered them for sale.

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Prowler Junkie

From:Westminster, MD, USA
Registered: Dec 2008
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posted 03-05-2013 04:28 PM                  

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I have thought along the same lines about these and had considered trying to find an aftermarket piece much like a tie rod end replacement boot from the local auto parts store but have not yet gotten around to it.

THANKS for the information, It is appreciated!

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From:Chesterton, IN, USA
Registered: Dec 2010
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From:Cincinnati, Oh, USA
Registered: Jul 2000
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