Control Arm Help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Dry Ridge Kentucky
Control Arm Help
I've read enough posts to be a little paranoid about removing the control arm bushings, but to get that far I have to get the shafts out! Any help? I don't want to start prying and pressing. Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 1
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada
Re: Control Arm Help (keith72)
If you want a easy solution go buy a 1 1/8 hole saw and cut the rubber out. pull all the loose pieces out. The shaft will remove easy then. Then tackle the sleeve from the side crushing it inwards then you can pull the sleeve out without any control arm distortion The easiest way to crush the sleeve from the side is with a air hammer if you don't have one a punch will work. The third piece that usually sticks to the shaft can be loosened with penetrating oil and spread the slit till it slides off.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 1
From: Frankfurt, Taunus Hills
Re: Control Arm Help (keith72)
If you have a press it will ease the job.
Bear in mind that you will have to support the Control Arms between the bushings, otherwise they will collapse under the force of the press!!! (L-shaped metal piece does the job!)
:cheers:
Bear in mind that you will have to support the Control Arms between the bushings, otherwise they will collapse under the force of the press!!! (L-shaped metal piece does the job!)
:cheers:
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Fresno
Re: Control Arm Help (454Big)
Drill multiple holes in the rubber. Needle nose pliers and pull out the rubber. The shaft will come out easily. Use the same outer shells and poly bushings, no press requried.-TK
Racer
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: MESA, AZ, USA
Re: Control Arm Help (keith72)
After removing all the "inside" stuff, which should be relatively easy, drill a 1/4 inch to 3/8 hole inside the arm where the two halfs meet. There's a small gap between them. Then insert a bolt that's slightly smaller than the hole. Insert a "push" rod inside the hole that was created by removing all the other stuff and press it against the bolt. Support the arm around the bushings using a socket/pipe (whatever), that is only slightly larger than the outside lip of the bushing. Then press against the rod, which presses on the bolt, that presses on one of bushing half. Since the arm is firmly supported around the bushing and all the force is going to the bushing you can push "for all it's worth" with on fear of hurting the arm. The bushing will move enough remove it completely with a little extra pulling. Turn the arm over and push the other bushing out. Quick, easy, no possibility of damage.
Andy
Andy
