Trailing arm bushings
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 405
Likes: 31
From: Houston, Texas
Trailing arm bushings
I am seeking information on what is involved to replace my trailing arm bushings. The wheel bearings are fine as is the emergency brake.
I have heard it is a nightmare, but would like a little more information on the steps and tools required. Can it be done in a home shop for example?
Thank you all
I have heard it is a nightmare, but would like a little more information on the steps and tools required. Can it be done in a home shop for example?
Thank you all
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,135
Likes: 3,939
From: Connecticut, USA
Re: Trailing arm bushings (Milest)
TO replace with the stock rubber bushings you have to remove the T arm from the frame. The problem with doing this can be the cross bolt. If it's rusty then you may have to either torch it or sawzall it out. I just did 2 of these a couple of weeks ago and sawedone and torched the other. Both a PITA to do.
Once you get the arm out the bushing has to be cut or drilled out You will need a flaring tool to get the new bushing sleeve installed correctly. You can buy or make one.
I never have installed thepoly bushings but hear they are much easier to install. I don't know how they compare to the rubber for either ride or performance.
gary
Once you get the arm out the bushing has to be cut or drilled out You will need a flaring tool to get the new bushing sleeve installed correctly. You can buy or make one.
I never have installed thepoly bushings but hear they are much easier to install. I don't know how they compare to the rubber for either ride or performance.
gary
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 922
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Re: Trailing arm bushings (gtr1999)
More info here: http://www.bokonon.net/corvettefaq/susp.asp
[Modified by Frank75, 1:05 PM 4/26/2002]
[Modified by Frank75, 1:05 PM 4/26/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 7,072
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
Re: Trailing arm bushings (Milest)
It's a lot of basic wrenching to get the T-arms off. I also took out the entire rear suspension and drivetrain from the drive shaft back. I was lucky with the T-arm bolts on mine. They came out real easy the first 1/2 of the way. The second half I had to use some shim pieces Greg cut for me out of some scrap angle metal pieces which I was able to pry against with the monster screwdriver to get the bolt out the remainder of the way. Fortunately the came out in one piece & I had the bolts replated. I took the T-arms to Tony's corvette for a rebuild. I haven't done the reassembly yet though. ~Juliet
