End links are rusty!

[S84kam]

For those looking to swap out springs, please be advised these end links are a pain to remove!

I swapped out my front springs for some pro kits and these 6mm allen key holes just stripped! I had to use vice grips on the back to remove them.

I just checked the subaru catalog and these end links are 50$ each!

[Shankenstein]

Thanks for the heads-up. It looks like OP tackled it with the right tools, and even on relatively new car, it's problem.

Any tips from the forum gurus on how to prevent this?

I assume that it's some mix of titanium 6mm Allen keys, litres of PB Blaster, hammer the key into the hex hole, torch the nut, and hit it with an impact socket.

All this seems a bit overkill for a "normal service item." Any chance this is covered under warranty for being unreasonably evil?

[secret.squirrel]

Standard jap rust proofing. Mine was 3 years old when I swapped out the springs, and had to cut the drop links off in the end. Probably for better to simply replace them with aftermarket adjustables upon changing. Builds in future proofing for further suspension mods later anyway...

[Tor]

I just swapped coilovers and swaybars. I had the same problem and they didn't look half as bad as yours. The front ones went out still connected to the original struts and the rear ones when out with the swaybar. Replaced both front and rear with Whitelines.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Shankenstein

Thanks for the heads-up. It looks like OP tackled it with the right tools, and even on relatively new car, it's problem.

Any tips from the forum gurus on how to prevent this?

I assume that it's some mix of titanium 6mm Allen keys, litres of PB Blaster, hammer the key into the hex hole, torch the nut, and hit it with an impact socket.

All this seems a bit overkill for a "normal service item." Any chance this is covered under warranty for being unreasonably evil?

You can smother everything in grease and keep replacing it every few months.
Your mix is pretty much smack on with the exception of the impact socket.
Warranty won't touch it as it is not a defect.

Originally Posted by secret.squirrel

Standard jap rust proofing. Mine was 3 years old when I swapped out the springs, and had to cut the drop links off in the end. Probably for better to simply replace them with aftermarket adjustables upon changing. Builds in future proofing for further suspension mods later anyway...

The same thing will happen with just about any car. Fasteners are untreated steel and they will rust way faster than everything else. Always have and always will. At least the days where the floor rots away in 5 years are long gone.

Originally Posted by Tor

I just swapped coilovers and swaybars. I had the same problem and they didn't look half as bad as yours. .

LOL Welcome to Canada eh where every winter we keep 1,000 salt mines in business even if there is no ice or snow. I think the road salting policy is "we bought it we are gonna use it"

[churchx]

What? Salt is dispersed on roads even with no ice/snow on roads?

[S84kam]

Originally Posted by churchx

What? Salt is dispersed on roads even with no ice/snow on roads?

yup, if the city doesn't use up its budget by the government new year, the following year the budget will be even tighter!

[Mr_Hann]

You want some OEM endlinks? I have some. 6,000 miles on them.

If you're interested, PM me your zip code

[thomasmryan]

Acetone and type A or F ATF mixed 50/50 works really well and cheap. As the acetone evaporates, it pulls the ATF in..

A PB fan but rust seems to be the Japanese version of loctite redx1000

[S84kam]

Originally Posted by thomasmryan

Acetone and type A or F ATF mixed 50/50 works really well and cheap. As the acetone evaporates, it pulls the ATF in..

A PB fan but rust seems to be the Japanese version of loctite redx1000

This is awesome! I just watched a YouTube video and I'm impressed!