Sway bar bolts are stripped, how do I cut them off?

Alright so i’m replacing my alternator, and to get the alternator out from under the engine, you have to remove the sway bar. However while doing so, I stripped the bolts that hold on the sway bar bracket. My only way of removing them that I can think of is cutting them. But a grinder and reciprocating saw won’t fit. Any ideas on how to remove these bolts?

 

You rounded off the heads?

 

Nope, but the way the bolt is, no matter how hard I give it pressure, It doesn’t catch threads to loosen or tighten. If i could’ve fit a grinder in the gap i would’ve but it’s too tight. I’m currently trying to find a dremel bit that might work but i doubt it’ll cut through.

 

Can you take a picture of what you’re working on? My sway bar has been off and on a couple of times and I’ve never had any problems with it. It might give some smart people on this sight better info to help you.

I think I understand, the welded nut inside has broken free and is just spinning. Is that right?

 

These are the bolts, on both sides they’re messed up. I debated just deleting the sway bar completely after this job. So i’m honestly not too worried about the threads being damaged.

 

Ok. So again, they’re just spinning at that point? Nut on inside of frame has come loose?
You can probably get the blade of an oscillating tool in there.
If you don’t have one, it’s a great tool to have around.

 

On my '21 that's an access cover, you might be able to get a tool in there to hold the nuts

 

I’ll try the oscillating tool, i didn’t even think about that! Thank you, i’ll let you know if it works

 

If you want to cut those bolts, it might work to tape half a hacksaw blade and hold it against the bolt while you spin it with a drill or impact driver. Move the blade back and forth a bit as you go to avoid stripping the teeth against the spinning bolt.

 

Check that access hole 1st.

 

I will, i can see that the nuts on the inside broke loose and that’s why it’s spinning. I don’t know how i’m gonna fit something in there but i’ll try. I might just try and weld it back on.

 

Sawzall with metal cutting blade go through that like butter

 

Saws-all or try to pry down on the bolt as you loosen it????

 

Well i got them off! Used an oscillator and went right through them. drilled about half an inch more out of the access holes to fit a MIG gun inside. Gonna weld new nuts inside and see how well it does. You guys rock

 

I’m f that doesn’t work, just take a 1/4” steel plate big enough to support the bushing and strap. Tap holes for the bolts and weld that to the frame. Doubt that will interfere with anything. Will be much stronger than two tack welds on a nut.

 

Great idea, i’ll try that! I appreciate your guys’ help

 

Where did you order the replacement bolt from?