Can I safely take the sway bar off my daughter's 2004 so she can get to work for the next day or two til I can fix it. Both bushings are broken off, not sure how long she's driven like that either. It's just hanging there.
Thanks in advance.

 

Yes, it'll be fine. Just take it easy around the on and off-ramps as the body may roll a little bit more.

 

It didn't look like it would affect anything too much, it's just hanging there right now. Now that I talked to her, she said it started making noise turning left about a week ago, probably one side busted, then driving it that way busted the other side.
Thanks.
Anything to watch out for when reinstalling?

 

I soaked those bolts for an hour with PB Blaster and all 4 heads still broke off. It'll be a fun repair.

 

Lol I was going to say soak the threads of the bolts and back them out and when you start feeling resistance tighten them back up and repeat until the bolts are out... but it was too late.

Don't worry I broke all 4 of mine, only took a few hours to drill and tap some new holes....

 

In all the work I've done on my own cars, I've never had that happen. Even when I tore apart a '78 small block all the bolt came out like butter. And I'm sure after a couple hours of drilling and re-tapping, I'll never forget re-tighten trick. Thanks.

 

Needless to say I couldn't get the car high enough to fit a drill, unless someone knows a safe alternate jack point, I read several other threads and decided against any of them. So I guess it's off to the shop, do think an hours labor to drill out and retap 4 holes is fair? Will we be damaging anything else in the front end without the sway for a few more days?
I did spend the time replacing her rear brakes, I really need some brake tools, reinstalling springs is a pain with no spring tools.
Thanks for any thoughts on jack points, or shop fees.

 

know of any local shops, or high schools/colleges/etc w/ an auto program that might "rent" out a lift bay for a couple hrs?

 

The pinch welds are your best chance at getting the car highest, you can go a little farther back on them but don't get too carried away. With a nice jack and some good stands you shouldn't have a problem.

 

Seeing if a neighbor has a taller jack is of course my first choice. But I may be able to get a break at a local shop too. All in all, so far the Neon has been a breeze to work on, no major issues except for how low it is to the ground. lol
Guess I'm too used to my Full Size Chevy.