Lower control arm bushings
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2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2
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Lower control arm bushings
How do I install my new lower control arm bushing? I guess the real question is how do I remove the old ones. I have the control arm out but have no idea what do do next. Thanks for any help.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
I just did this last weekend... use an air chisel or a regular sledge and chisel on the outer lip of the bushing to get it out of the control arm. you'll have to work it out a little bit at a time, but it'll come... as always lots of PB Blaster and a torch does wonders. So does an 8 or 10 lb sledge with the handle shortened.
Another method to try is to get a chisel (air or conventional) on the edge of the sleeve that is on the end of the cross shaft, and try to work it out from there. Another thing that helped me a little bit was to drive the cross shaft through the control arm from the opposite side, and this will help get the bushing out - but be careful of the inner threads on the cross shaft.
I guess the main thing is that the job is just a pain... take your time, and you'll get it out.
Another method to try is to get a chisel (air or conventional) on the edge of the sleeve that is on the end of the cross shaft, and try to work it out from there. Another thing that helped me a little bit was to drive the cross shaft through the control arm from the opposite side, and this will help get the bushing out - but be careful of the inner threads on the cross shaft.
I guess the main thing is that the job is just a pain... take your time, and you'll get it out.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 405
Likes: 15
From: Minneapolis
If you're like me and don't want to spend an afternoon beating the snot out of your contol arms, take 'em to your local mechanic and have them replaced using an air press. Only cost me $40 for all four control arms here in MN.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,434
Likes: 0
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by 7T9Shark
If you're like me and don't want to spend an afternoon beating the snot out of your contol arms, take 'em to your local mechanic and have them replaced using an air press. Only cost me $40 for all four control arms here in MN.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Originally Posted by Paigemade
How do I install my new lower control arm bushing? I guess the real question is how do I remove the old ones. I have the control arm out but have no idea what do do next. Thanks for any help.
Personally I have to agree with 7T9Shark it's a whole lot easier to take them to a machine shop and have them replaced for a small fee than to start over with a un-bent control arm...
Good luck... GUSTO
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
This method for use with poly bushings only ... not OE rubber.
IF ... ONLY IF ... polyurethane CA bushings are going back in ... the OE outer shells do not need to be removed/chiseled/bfh'd ... as they can be reused in place right where they are. Simply cut out the old rubbers & old inner shells with a hole saw / pen knife ... clean old outer shells 'til spotless inside. The simply slide in the new inner shells & poly bushings w/silicone grease ... clean out the shafts' retainer bolt holes w/ carb cleaner ... install the retainer bolts w/loctite.
On the other hand, if going back with OE type rubber bushings ... use great care ... as mentioned the CA's can easily distort.
IF ... ONLY IF ... polyurethane CA bushings are going back in ... the OE outer shells do not need to be removed/chiseled/bfh'd ... as they can be reused in place right where they are. Simply cut out the old rubbers & old inner shells with a hole saw / pen knife ... clean old outer shells 'til spotless inside. The simply slide in the new inner shells & poly bushings w/silicone grease ... clean out the shafts' retainer bolt holes w/ carb cleaner ... install the retainer bolts w/loctite.
On the other hand, if going back with OE type rubber bushings ... use great care ... as mentioned the CA's can easily distort.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,936
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
I've seen members here posting that they took a torch to the rubber.
I used a 1/8" drill bit and drilled holes in the middle of the rubber all around the perimeter. I then dug the rubber out with a screwdrivwer and scratch awl. Keep drilling holes until rubber pieces start falling out, that's when you know you're on the right track.
I used a 1/8" drill bit and drilled holes in the middle of the rubber all around the perimeter. I then dug the rubber out with a screwdrivwer and scratch awl. Keep drilling holes until rubber pieces start falling out, that's when you know you're on the right track.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by Jughead
I've seen members here posting that they took a torch to the rubber.
I used a 1/8" drill bit and drilled holes in the middle of the rubber all around the perimeter. I then dug the rubber out with a screwdrivwer and scratch awl. Keep drilling holes until rubber pieces start falling out, that's when you know you're on the right track.
I used a 1/8" drill bit and drilled holes in the middle of the rubber all around the perimeter. I then dug the rubber out with a screwdrivwer and scratch awl. Keep drilling holes until rubber pieces start falling out, that's when you know you're on the right track.