I broke off one of the 4 studs for mounting the rear sway bar bracket. It's the top one on the passenger side. Does anyone have a suggestion for what I should do?
I've tried sticking my head back there, but I can't tell if this stud is welder or just pressed. Should I attempt to tap it out or grind the stud flat and then drill it?
Also, I plan on replacing it with a standard grade 8 bolt. Will I need to add some reinforcement to the frame or will a big washer do?
Thanks Mack
What year is your Miata?
On the 1990- 1997 models, it is a normal bolt and nut assembly that is easily replaced.
Is it possible that it is just the bolt head stuck to the subframe? If so, a tap with a screwdriver should knock it off.
I have still never done sway bars on a 1999-2005 Miata.
If your Miata is one of these years and if it uses studs rather than bolts to attach the rear swar bar to the subframe, then please disregard the above.
Pat
It's a 1996. I'll take another look at it and see if it's just stuck.
Thanks, Mack
Hmmm, going on memory here.
The one I glanced at is a 1991. Maybe they changed it in 1994?
It's been too long since I took the rear sway bar off of the '96, someone here will know if it is a stud or bolt for your year model.
Good luck!
Pat
Just a follow up. I had to drill the bolt out. It looks like the bolt is pressed in, but for the life of me, I couldn't tap it out. Even after I drilled the bolt out, the round back end of the bolt is still attached to the frame, except it's got a hole through it now.
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