Bent A-arm...bend it back or replace?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 7
From: South Florida
Bent A-arm...bend it back or replace?
I bent the bushing attachment point on a lower driver's side a-arm about half an inch with a press when the bushing set crooked. Can I try and get this bent back to normal? or will that weeken the metal too much. It bent half an inch to 3/4" and only on the part of the arm that houses the bushing...front side I think.
I guess I should have removed the powder coat from inside the bushing mating surface.
I guess I should have removed the powder coat from inside the bushing mating surface.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,173
Likes: 3,982
From: Connecticut, USA
I wouldn't use it. I made up soem EMT to fit in between the arms when pressing but I use an hammer and hole saw to remove. As little press time as needed all the better. If you look for Lars paper on front suspension it will walk you through the job.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 758
Likes: 14
From: Ville de la Baie Quebec. A winner is just a loser who tried again.
You've got nothing to loose a this point,, straighten it out and you'll see for youself. And don't worry about the alignment, because you'll need one regardless. This is not rocket science, look a at the veriety and size of the shims. It will be your call, nobody here has seen the part up close. Any way this is just my opinion,, I usually don't jump the gun in replacing something that can be easly repaired and still look original. 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,434
Likes: 0
St. Jude Donor '07
I use the BFH and a 2x4 to put my bushing in and never have problems with getting them in..
BTW: Could I buy that a arm of you cheap if you get a new one.
I wan't to modify some bottom a arms with jacking plates and reinforce them some.
BTW: Could I buy that a arm of you cheap if you get a new one.
I wan't to modify some bottom a arms with jacking plates and reinforce them some.
