Control Arm Bushing Removal
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Lansing MI
Control Arm Bushing Removal
I'm rebuilding a 73 and this afternoon had an hour of free time so I finally went after the control arm bushings. I did the upper control arms a few weeks ago and had a great time. (NOT) I know that's why I've been avoiding the lowers. So... decided to get this done and off my list.
Here's how it went today....
I suspect these are original? They were weathered around the edges but the interior was pretty good.
I read a CF tip that heating the bushing and pulling out the rubber would make things easier. I didn't do this on the uppers but thought it was worth a try today. Once heated the rubber came right out.
I used an air chisel to break the bushing loose and push it out. I was very careful not to mar the control arm. I know it looks like I bent the edges here but this is exactly how it appeared when it came off the frame. Not sure what a other factory control arms look like but I'm reluctant to try and "straighten" these. (?)
an hour later....both lowers were done. Man I'm glad to have this behind me. Now the control arms get blasted and POR'd. Anyone have tips for installation of new bushings?
Here's how it went today....
I suspect these are original? They were weathered around the edges but the interior was pretty good.
I read a CF tip that heating the bushing and pulling out the rubber would make things easier. I didn't do this on the uppers but thought it was worth a try today. Once heated the rubber came right out.
I used an air chisel to break the bushing loose and push it out. I was very careful not to mar the control arm. I know it looks like I bent the edges here but this is exactly how it appeared when it came off the frame. Not sure what a other factory control arms look like but I'm reluctant to try and "straighten" these. (?)
an hour later....both lowers were done. Man I'm glad to have this behind me. Now the control arms get blasted and POR'd. Anyone have tips for installation of new bushings?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 807
Likes: 2
From: VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA
put the bushings in the freezer for a day or two (shrink a little). when you are ready to put them on, they will go on a little bit easier. I used a large socket that lined up with the outer edges to beat them on. little bit of grease helps also and they slipped right in. Just don't reverse them. Make sure you put them back together just like they came out in your first picture or you get to do them all over again. It is actually harder doing it the second time with brand new parts in there.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
I am looking for the after photos. Your control arms probably look like mine. I cant wait for the time to rebuild the arms with new bushings, repaint and clean up this area.
thanks for the photos.
kdf
thanks for the photos.
kdf
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Lansing MI
The company I used to blast my frame did such an awesome job I'm planning to drop off a basket of parts. Springs, control arms, trailing arms and a dozen other parts. They will fit in my blast cabinet but service they provide is too good to ignore. So, it's going to be a few weeks before I get to paint and reassembly. I'll be sure to post pics once they're ready.
