Lower control arm bushings
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Cheshire CT
Lower control arm bushings
Please help! I have a 73 BB that I'm rebuilding the front suspension on. I'm having trouble getting the lower control arm bushings in. I have both partially in with the control arm shaft in place but I can't seem to get the bushing on either side through the second whole. Any advice on how other forum members did this would be appreciated. I'm using a hammer and a piece of pipe that fit over the bushing and onto the lip of the bushing. I go around the pipe hitting it with the hammer which drives the bushing in. Is there a better way? This method worked well on the uppers.
Thanks
Tony
Thanks
Tony
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 2
From: Oak Ridge NC
I was wacking it pretty hard. I used my vise to hold the socket. Then put the control arm bushing over it. Held it by the shaft, put the other socket over the top bushing and started wacking it. Is it lined up with the second hole?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
Please help! I have a 73 BB that I'm rebuilding the front suspension on. I'm having trouble getting the lower control arm bushings in. I have both partially in with the control arm shaft in place but I can't seem to get the bushing on either side through the second whole. Any advice on how other forum members did this would be appreciated. I'm using a hammer and a piece of pipe that fit over the bushing and onto the lip of the bushing. I go around the pipe hitting it with the hammer which drives the bushing in. Is there a better way? This method worked well on the uppers.
Thanks
Tony
Thanks
Tony
When I did mine, some people warned me that some name brand bushings weren't tapered and don't go in right. I used Clevite bearings and had no problem.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 17
From: Inlet Beach, FL
I spent yesterday afternoon getting out the upper and lower control arm bushings. What a fine time that was.
I'm not looking forward to installing the new polys. Sounds like it is going to be another pain in the a$$ kinda day. Kids cover your ears!!!
I'm not looking forward to installing the new polys. Sounds like it is going to be another pain in the a$$ kinda day. Kids cover your ears!!!
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
I am at the exact same step on the 71' rebuild. In the Chevy manual it shows a buch of custom tools that support the space between the hinge points so the compression of the hydraulic press doesn't distort the A-arm too badly. I made these tools from the picture and I am still stuck. I made a press with a 6-ton bottle jack and still bending the arms - they do spring back but I imagine there is a point of no return.
How does one support the arm so you dont bend up the arm too bad when slamming it with the "5 pounds of persuasion"?
How does one support the arm so you dont bend up the arm too bad when slamming it with the "5 pounds of persuasion"?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Victoria Australia
I am at the exact same step on the 71' rebuild. In the Chevy manual it shows a buch of custom tools that support the space between the hinge points so the compression of the hydraulic press doesn't distort the A-arm too badly. I made these tools from the picture and I am still stuck. I made a press with a 6-ton bottle jack and still bending the arms - they do spring back but I imagine there is a point of no return.
How does one support the arm so you dont bend up the arm too bad when slamming it with the "5 pounds of persuasion"?
How does one support the arm so you dont bend up the arm too bad when slamming it with the "5 pounds of persuasion"?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
I am at the exact same step on the 71' rebuild. In the Chevy manual it shows a buch of custom tools that support the space between the hinge points so the compression of the hydraulic press doesn't distort the A-arm too badly. I made these tools from the picture and I am still stuck. I made a press with a 6-ton bottle jack and still bending the arms - they do spring back but I imagine there is a point of no return.
How does one support the arm so you dont bend up the arm too bad when slamming it with the "5 pounds of persuasion"?
How does one support the arm so you dont bend up the arm too bad when slamming it with the "5 pounds of persuasion"?
I bought them... use them for every set of arms I do.
Keeps the arms from bending. The shafts should rotate freely by hand when you are done. If they don't you've bent the arms.
But don't tell anybody.... they'll call you "Chicken Little".
