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Connected to the lower strut mount of my Mazda Protege 2002 is a "wing" which leads away with a size 14mm bolt in it. I have been trying to loosen the rusted bolt, but I can't get it loose. I am wondering what the function of the connected system is and the impact if I have to cut the strut loose instead (and thus can't reconnect this system).

I've circled the bolt in red.

Mystery Bolt

I have found diagrams that show this part, but no labels are included for what this system may be. I really appreciate any help!

azoundria
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2 Answers2

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It is the drop link that connects to the anti-roll bar.

When you go around corners, the car will naturally lean in the opposite direction to the turn. The anti-roll bar limits the amount the car leans. Leaving this disconnected will seriously affect handling and could cause an accident.

HandyHowie
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It looks like a stabilizer bar link. Hard to tell for sure due to the fact that the image is so small. I had to zoom the image 300% to make it out. If you take a more closer picture focusing the part in question then I can confirm it. It is a component of your suspension system.

Old_Fossil
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