Can the SmartBar Unit be Disassembled?

[Nailhead]

A year ago this fall, the driver's side portion of the sway bar fell out of the actuator unit, and I had to repair it in a hurry in order to get back to work.

My neighbor and I raised it on his lift, got it clocked correctly with respect to the passenger side, and reset it in the actuator with several stout blows from a deadblow hammer. We then rubbed a liberal application of red RTV over the the damaged oil seal in hopes that it would keep some moisture out.

If I had had the time, I would have replaced the seal that got chewed up, which is why I want to re-disassemble it.

I asked at the local dealer & they said it's replaced as a unit-- which is what I expected, but I still want to replace that seal if I can.

Any help appreciated.

[RustyPW]

If you can take the seal out, and read the numbers on it. You might be able to match it up. Rereading your post. Think you might have damage more than the seal if you had to beat the bar back in place. Does it still work?

[Nailhead]

The shape of the suspension end of the bar IIRC prevents installing a new seal without removing that portion of the bar, so I'm pretty sure I do need to remove it again. I doubt anything was damaged when we put it back together because it works fine, and because of how the SmartBar is made: the end of the bar is splined with a retaining ring on the end much like certain CV axle shafts, or the drive end of the front driveshaft on Chevy S-series trucks.

It may just pop right out with the use of a prybar or hammer, no harm done; or it may be destroyed in the attempt. I was just looking for a risk-free method of removal so I can replace that seal & protect the actuator's innards.

[RustyPW]

After you beat it back together and it's still working. You're golden. What you can do is remove the bar from the PW. Remove the bolts that hold the housing together, and slowly take it apart. When you put it back together. Use some light grease on the sliding parts.

[Nailhead]

After you beat it back together and it's still working. You're golden. What you can do is remove the bar from the PW. Remove the bolts that hold the housing together, and slowly take it apart. When you put it back together. Use some light grease on the sliding parts.

You're a lifesaver.

I really feel like I should replace that seal.

Thanks!

[RustyPW]

Use dielectrical grease inside your plug when you put it back together. This will help stop the corrosion there.

[Nailhead]

Use dielectrical grease inside your plug when you put it back together. This will help stop the corrosion there.

"Corrosion"... that's funny. That's as rare here as "rain"-- whatever that is.

Seriously, I'll do that. Thanks for the tip.