I was replacing some bad parts on the rear of the car when i noticed the top bolt on the drivers side for the sway bar bushing was loose. About 3/16" of play between the bracket, and the frame. I was able to tighten the bolt a little, but still seeing a gap. I can't tighten the bolt anymore. I tried taking the drivers side sway bar link off, and used a crow bar to try and tighten it with no luck.

Any advice on how to get this bolt tight?

 

Rust might have compromised a few threads. Have you removed the bolt for inspection? If it's damaged, you can probably get one online or at a Toyota dealership.

If the frame threads are wack, you can chase them (depending on the amount of rust.) A dealership might have size and pitch info.

Worst case, frame threads are rusted beyond chasing. Either yourself or a mechanic could drill and re-tap for a larger bolt.

 

ok, thanks for the response. I am planning on going to the junk yard for sway bar brackets, and bolts if they aren't rusted. I haven't removed the bolts yet.

 

I just got around to replacing the bushings, and i got brackets and 2 bolts 2 nuts from the junk yard rust free.

Anyway, the bolt i was talking about when removed 2 threads were damaged towards the middle of the bolt. I had 2 hardware stores say its an M10 1.25, but when i tried the rethread i couldn't get it to start. I couldn't even get the nut to screw on the rethread tool. Isn't the nut supposed to be able to screw on it?

i gave up, and tightened the crap out of the old bolt that had 2 damaged threads.