Separating the Sway Bar Link from the Strut

[jluetjen]

I'm stuck trying to replace the front sway bar links.

I've soaked it with PB-Blaster
I've applied heat (map-gas) until everything was starting to smoke.
I've given it whacks with a hammer.
I've tried spinning it with a crescent wrench, but the surfaces are starting to round.
I've tried prying it out with a "pickle-fork". No-go!
I recently got the Swabish-Tool ball joint separator (which works awesome for all of the ball-joint bolts!), but it won't fit in this location. I've got a smaller generic separator, but that's not working either.

The frustrating thing is that I did the rear sway bar links about 18 months ago, and I don't remember it being an issue.

Anybody got some other tricks that work?

[jluetjen]

I've been posting updates to this issue on the Boxster Cayman forum. There has been some interesting updates and I'd like people's inputs, especially those with a good technical understanding of corrosion.

[looneybin]

Are both wheels in the air?
If not, you may have 1 side of the sway bar loaded and putting pressure on the link

[jluetjen]

Thanks Looneybin. No, that's not the problem. It's a bit more subtle than that. I'm detailing my findings over on the Boxster/Cayman forum.