steering stabilizer

[59toaster]

Originally posted by ALANSD
for the panel of experts- here is a shot of the problem piece, and the rplacement to follow just to keep me on the right page here. I will try to exert some pressure on the bottom of the taper and see if it will shake loose with a hit or two, and then go the heat route or gear puller if I can get my hands on one.

Ok Get a crow bar and put on end on the top of the suspension where the spring is. Get the middle up against where the nut would have been or you can even put the nut on lose. While pushing up on that exposed stud give the cast arm a good hard smack with a hammer where the bolt is going through it. Should pop right out after a couple pops with the hammer. Small 2lb sledge seems to be the ticket for me.

[ALANSD]

threw in the towel on this one, my back can only take so long laying on the concrete.....and too many mosquitoes here..

got my damaged exhaust pipe and muffler replaced, and while there the technician put on the Bilstein shocks and steering stabilizer for one hour extra labor. The old shocks were just like the steering shock mushy and loose. Now it is tight as a drum and the steering feels great.
Also I now have 2 sets of shocks for later model Airstreams 1985 on- (motorhomes) - of the Bilstein 2645 that I could part with if anyone needs them. PM me and we can arrange something.
These are also used as the steering stabilizer on all 74 and on Airstream classics mh's.

[Jim Tyrney]

Originally Posted by ALANSD

yeah the nut came off after a short soaking with penetratin lube and a breaker bar. The front nuts go throught a panel behind the bumper, they came off no problem. Now the old stabilizer is hanging there with the bolt through the housing of the steering assembly. I will check HD for a torch to use, and my neighbor who has a compressor. I might try to screw on the nut and beat on it, but I probably need a sledge. My hammer doesn't have the weight.
I have soaked the thing with lube tonight and hope it will crack tommorow.
As for the new one, it would need a big vise or spring compressor or something to move it. I tried to use my floor jack and put it somewhere but it was too long to stick anywhere under the frame of the airstream. After I get the old one off I will deal with that. Then its on to the shocks!!

Alan,
How did you finally get the new Bilstein stabilizer to compress enough to install? I just received the one (#BE3-2645) from Camping world and it also is extended and will not move. Thanks for replying and help. Jim