A-arm removal
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,214
Likes: 0
From: Casa Grande AZ
A-arm removal
Hi!
I started a new project this morning. A front end rebuild. I've got everything off of the underneath now with the exception of the tie rods and upper a-arms. It's break time (maybe even nap time) now. Looking at the upper a-arms, it looks like that damn fan shroud is gonna be in the way. Also the p/s pump on the drivers side. Someone please tell me I don't have to take this stuff off to get the a-arms off! Or should I just take them off first?
Thanks!
I started a new project this morning. A front end rebuild. I've got everything off of the underneath now with the exception of the tie rods and upper a-arms. It's break time (maybe even nap time) now. Looking at the upper a-arms, it looks like that damn fan shroud is gonna be in the way. Also the p/s pump on the drivers side. Someone please tell me I don't have to take this stuff off to get the a-arms off! Or should I just take them off first?
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: A-arm removal (lbell101)
Remove the upper A frame studs, then you can pull the A frame off without messing with the shroud. Try to loosen the studs first. Use a wrench...they won't come out because they're "gnurled" but a wrench will loosen them. Put the nuts back on the ends and beat on them too. Then take a 3 inch "C" clamp. Put a socket over the head of the stud, and press the stud out. Just did this a month or so ago. Hope this helps. Use a pickle fork to remove the tie rods, etc. Chuck
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,214
Likes: 0
From: Casa Grande AZ
Re: A-arm removal (JRChurch)
Thanks Guys!
I think I'll try the press out method.
I just did all the radiator and shroud work a couple weeks ago so everything there is all new including the support. I just really don't wanna take it out again :cry
Thanks!
I think I'll try the press out method.
I just did all the radiator and shroud work a couple weeks ago so everything there is all new including the support. I just really don't wanna take it out again :cry
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,214
Likes: 0
From: Casa Grande AZ
Re: A-arm removal (lbell101)
I don't know what's different about mine but I was just barely able to finagle those a-arms out without removing the shroud or studs. Yaaahoooo! :D
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,066
From: Virginia USA
Re: A-arm removal (lbell101)
I don't know what's different about mine but I was just barely able to finagle those a-arms out without removing the shroud or studs. Yaaahoooo! :D
John
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,214
Likes: 0
From: Casa Grande AZ
Re: A-arm removal (theandies)
Hi John!
Yep - that's my configuration.
It's still tight to work on especially on the drivers side with the alternator, p/s pump, and radiator hose in the way. The passenger side front of the a-arm actually hits the shroud on the way out slightly - it's that close!
My headers made my idler arm much more difficult to get out though.
Yep - that's my configuration.
It's still tight to work on especially on the drivers side with the alternator, p/s pump, and radiator hose in the way. The passenger side front of the a-arm actually hits the shroud on the way out slightly - it's that close!
My headers made my idler arm much more difficult to get out though.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 6
From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster
Re: A-arm removal (lbell101)
If you have problems getting the bushings out of the A-arms, try using a pipe wrench on the flange of the bushing and screw them out.
I've tried all the methods and used this out of desperation. It worked so well I will never use the press method or cut or burn method again.
I've tried all the methods and used this out of desperation. It worked so well I will never use the press method or cut or burn method again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Re: A-arm removal (Techno)
If/when you install new bushings, it is advisable to either use the correct tools, or fabricate some. The A-arms can be easily bent during this operation. The tools support the a-frame ears so that you don't bend them all out of shape. I have seen a lot of "bubba-fied" a-arms because people did not take the time to read the service manual and just went out to the barn to get a bigger hammer. After you have installed your new bushings, the shafts should turn with very light torque inside the new bushings. If they are hard to turn, you bent the a-arms. The operation was a success, but the patient died.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,214
Likes: 0
From: Casa Grande AZ
Re: A-arm removal (Tom454)
Thanks Guys!
My bushings actually came out pretty easy just pressing them out with a vise and a little jig to get around the mounting bar.
I haven't thought about the install yet. I think I should be able to use the same method. I've had similar GM bushings installed locally quite a few times (at different shops) and they always come back with hammer marks and the edges bent up. I'll build a new jig if I have to to keep the pressures contained in the hole area. I'm sure that I can do better than the local shops!
My bushings actually came out pretty easy just pressing them out with a vise and a little jig to get around the mounting bar.
I haven't thought about the install yet. I think I should be able to use the same method. I've had similar GM bushings installed locally quite a few times (at different shops) and they always come back with hammer marks and the edges bent up. I'll build a new jig if I have to to keep the pressures contained in the hole area. I'm sure that I can do better than the local shops!
