[V6-12v] Sway Bar Bolts

[Bill Wood]

I'm trying to redo the front end on a '96 A6 avant that I recently acquired. It had had 
some repairs to the right front fender and in the process the shop put a driver's side 
lower control arm on the passenger side. This results in a 1/2" shorter wheelbase on 
the right side and a severe pull.

Problem is that when I attempt to remove the sway bar to replace the bushings, the 
bolts just turn. I can't get enough torque/resistance to back off the nut and I can't see 
a way to get a wrench on the head of the bolts because of other things mounted to 
the subframe.

Problem 2 is getting the control arm bushing bolted to the sway bar. I know it can be 
challenging, but, wow, this is dificult. I have tried bouncing the car and rotating the 
wheel forward. I can get it just to the point where the end of the sway bar is level with 
the bushing but not enough to get it threaded.

I know there has to be a better way, but it's been years since I worked on Audis. The 
bug bit again and I need to get back into it.


Bill Wood
lenseman at verizon.net
'96 A6 Avant