So in order to have a chance at tackling that one remaining rounded socket on the anti roll bar clamp, I needed to remove the springs.
Given I actually have replacement rear springs, they would need to be removed anyway.
Logic would suggest that with the strut removed, the suspension bolt attaching the lower arm to the hub could also be removed, and in doing so, lower the arm enough to free the spring.
Alas, this was the same logic that applied to the Ford Focus, and I anticipate the same issues involved.
Given the anti roll bar bolts have seized onto the bushes, I would bet my mortgage on the hub bushes to suffer the same fate. In fact, attempting to use the impact wrench on the bolt yielded no movement.
I suspect even if I used the breaker bar and undid the bolt and nut, it'll be seized onto the bush, meaning it'll need destroying.
If that was done, then the hub pretty much needs to be removed in order to press in a replacement bush, or another specialist tool to press it in in situ. Either way, it'd also mean sourcing a new bush.
So I was pretty much stuck with needing to compress the spring:
I lucked out with the purchase of this spring compressor, as it just about fits. So once in position, got a wrench with a 23mm socket and tightened away.
It'll need some compression before the top clears away:
The bottom was still attached to something:
This thing, which has tabs that can be squeezed in from the underside, looks to keep the rubber seat in place.
Once unclipped, the spring comes free:
So it looks like about 4 coils need compressing to get enough clearance.
The same assembly tool on the other side:
Looks to have a suffered a bit. This was most likely when I applied fire to the anti roll bar link, the heat near and hot enough to melt bits of the right side assembly tool. I'll need to find out whether these are critical.
In any case, this gave enough access to the clamp with the rounded bolt.
Initial attempts with the Sawzall wasn't frankly quick enough. I guess with enough patience, it could be done.
The Sawzall did make quick work of the anti roll bar link on this side though, but the links are made of plastic for this car.
So rather than persist with the Sawzall for this obstacle, checked to see if the angle grinder has enough clearance to get in:
It does. A cut along the bottom half of the clamp allowed the bush to come free. This meant that after some wiggling:
A sigh of relief, as the anti roll bar is out at last. I cannot remember the routing I took to get it out, which would have been useful to note, as it was a faff even with a broken end on it.
Another couple of cuts on the clamp left enough room to get some pliers on:
The next 45 minutes was painstakingly squeezing the pliers to try and get purchase, and slowly quarter turning the stiff bolt. There was the occasional application of fire and plus gas which either helped it along or acted as a decent placebo.
Persistence got through:
The Knipex pliers are effective if you can get the purchase:
The bolt was probably not going to allow for this any longer if it remained.
Whilst I was down there, took a look at the Haldex unit:
The filler appears to be a 5mm hex bolt, with not a lot of space due to the subframe. Wanted to get as big a wrench as possible as I didn't want to risk rounding this thing.
But it came out without much issue:
So put that back in place ready for a proper drain eventually.
So next was the right side spring. Unfortunately, the spring compressors were only able to grab at 3 coils, which isn't enough to get the spring out. It is almost there, but even with a pry bar involved in folding down the lower arm, there still was not enough clearance.
Then an idea struck me:
I used the spring compressor the other way around. This allowed the grabbing of four coils, and once compressed:
Out it slid, not much drama one that was figured out.
So to install the new springs, it'll be pretty much a case of getting 4 coils, but sod's law this will take a few attempts, as removing them did not mean any considerations for alightment and positioning of the compressors.
So the anti roll bar links are in clearer view:
Access is still pretty tight for the Sawzall, and the metal lip on the lower arm means an angle grinder isn't practical here either. Once I've recovered sufficiently, I'll try the Sawzall on the inside of the links, around the bushes, which hopefully will mean the bolt going through is cut enough to mean the link can be removed.
Sized up the new one against the old:
It looks like it should fit. It's amazing how a 2016 vs 2019 can make such a difference.
That was pretty much it for the day. With the springs out, and the front left strut out, gave those areas another round of the Engine Cleaner and brush and rinsed it off. The wheel arches are as ready as they'll ever be for a couple of goes with Lanoguard.
Whilst I was there, I took out the old air quality sensor:
The replacement was installed, just a connector and a small latch underneath to attach it to the plastic clip which attaches to the car itself. This is marked 5Q0 907 643 B, with the replacement installed being 5Q0 907 643 C. Hopefully that doesn't make a difference, but time will tell.
So other than the rear anti roll bar links, today hasn't gone too badly, quite good in comparison to last week really.
Once these links are removed, that should be it in terms of obstacles right now. Weather tomorrow will dictate whether any further progress is made, but it's getting there slowly.
Maintenance: £1857.08
Upgrades: £1020.69
Miscellaneous: £637.12