Front Clunk Update, Upper A Arm bushes?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 8
From: Redruth Cornwall
Front Clunk Update, Upper A Arm bushes?
Ok guys replaced the anti sway bar bushes and the end links, checked all ball joints again, calipers and steering gear, all tight and ok.
Reversed out the drive and CLUNK!!!
so this time had friend on his back ( alright alright calm down..under the vette!!!) whilst I reversed and braked, reversed and braked. He said it appears the upper A arm is moving on its bushings.
Is it straight forward to get to and change these? Do they need to be fully dismantled and pressed in? Where is the bl**dy manual when you need it....
Reversed out the drive and CLUNK!!!
so this time had friend on his back ( alright alright calm down..under the vette!!!) whilst I reversed and braked, reversed and braked. He said it appears the upper A arm is moving on its bushings.
Is it straight forward to get to and change these? Do they need to be fully dismantled and pressed in? Where is the bl**dy manual when you need it....
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Control arm bushings aren't for the faint of heart. Upper arms though (that being said ...) are easy to remove. You should call VanSteel and have 'em send a set of arms, upper and lower.
You'll get all new control arms fitted with NEW balljoints, NEW bushings, and powder coated black, too. That's the way to go.
To remove the lower control arms, you will need a full sized floor jack. Support the arm right under the spring perch with the jack. Knock the ball joint out, and sloooooowly lower the arm to decompress the spring.
Don't worry - the spring is long and won't just pop out unless you are real careless.
You'll get all new control arms fitted with NEW balljoints, NEW bushings, and powder coated black, too. That's the way to go.
To remove the lower control arms, you will need a full sized floor jack. Support the arm right under the spring perch with the jack. Knock the ball joint out, and sloooooowly lower the arm to decompress the spring.
Don't worry - the spring is long and won't just pop out unless you are real careless.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
Make sure the lip of the bushings shell is up against the arm. Also make sure that the cross shaft threads at each end of the shaft is not stripped out either. There has to be a big washer, lock washer and bolt.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 70
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I did upper and lower bushings on my 80 and 81. I can't afford buying the A-frames and all, but I did all this on the car without removing any other componants. Its not that complicated but can be alot of manual labor. Took me about 4 hours total and I bought the bushings from the GM dealer for around $60 I think. An air hammer is VERY helpful. Hammer them out one at a time and using a longer bolt use that to press the bushing back in.
Richard
Richard
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 8
From: Redruth Cornwall
Thanks guys...Im in the UK so getting a new set from Van Steel would be nice but I need to get this sorted before next weekend as its the UK Nationals and will be my first time attnending.
I have access to a 20t press at work.
I just looked at the Van Steel website for pics, It appears that there are one set of bushes for original A arms and one for another...how do I tell what I have or am I missing something and need both sets?
If I install new bushes, Can I re use fixing hardware if in good condition or will that need to be replaced as well.
With the press etc, how long should this job take?
TIA.
I have access to a 20t press at work.
I just looked at the Van Steel website for pics, It appears that there are one set of bushes for original A arms and one for another...how do I tell what I have or am I missing something and need both sets?
If I install new bushes, Can I re use fixing hardware if in good condition or will that need to be replaced as well.
With the press etc, how long should this job take?
TIA.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
New England Events Coordinator
Rebuilding A Arms
I recently rebuilt the front end of my 70 Vert. Van Steel sells a complete front end rebuild kit for about $179US. The kit includes upper/lower AArm bushings, upper/lower ball joints, stablizer bushings etc. I had expert coaching while doing the rebuild and the tools: (a torch, power chisel, lift and large hammer). With the help of a knowledgeable coach I would say the A Arms with the complete kit take about 6-8 hours. It is a small price for an excellent ride.
Good luck
Good luck
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
Originally Posted by jotto
Thanks guys...Im in the UK so getting a new set from Van Steel would be nice but I need to get this sorted before next weekend as its the UK Nationals and will be my first time attnending.
I have access to a 20t press at work.
I just looked at the Van Steel website for pics, It appears that there are one set of bushes for original A arms and one for another...how do I tell what I have or am I missing something and need both sets?
If I install new bushes, Can I re use fixing hardware if in good condition or will that need to be replaced as well.
With the press etc, how long should this job take?
TIA.
I have access to a 20t press at work.
I just looked at the Van Steel website for pics, It appears that there are one set of bushes for original A arms and one for another...how do I tell what I have or am I missing something and need both sets?
If I install new bushes, Can I re use fixing hardware if in good condition or will that need to be replaced as well.
With the press etc, how long should this job take?
TIA.
If you use new bushings you can reuse your old hardware. Just make sure that the crossshaft is not stripped like I mentioned before. To pull and replace one a-arm, I would say no more than 2-3 hours if it's your 1st time.
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
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Originally Posted by Van Steel
Unless your doing an NCRS car I wouldn't worry about the original bushings. Just get the replacement bushings as they work just fine and thats what every kit gets.
If you use new bushings you can reuse your old hardware. Just make sure that the crossshaft is not stripped like I mentioned before. To pull and replace one a-arm, I would say no more than 2-3 hours if it's your 1st time.
If you use new bushings you can reuse your old hardware. Just make sure that the crossshaft is not stripped like I mentioned before. To pull and replace one a-arm, I would say no more than 2-3 hours if it's your 1st time.
. Check the lower ball joints for wear also. Uppers don't really wear out that fast.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
From: Ozark MO
You haven't lost your alignment shims have you? Also be sure to check the channel iron that is welded to the frame that the a arms bolt to. Not sure if they make the noise you hear but they do make an ugly noise when they break. 
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 8
From: Redruth Cornwall
Originally Posted by sdonnelly
You haven't lost your alignment shims have you?
Did you see my last post.....lol
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1420563