Bushing Replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Naples FL
Bushing Replacement
How much of a PITA is it to replace the suspension bushings on the C4. All of my parts are original the shocks seem to be ok but the car seems to bounce a lot when driving not the stiff ride i am use to, but more of sloppy ride. Like riding in a school bus. Thanks for any help.
Tony
Tony
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 576
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It's a big job. No two ways about it. The worst part of the job is re-installing the front upper control arm bushings. Take that portion to a machine shop. I ended up using a plumber's torch to burn the bushings out. I did that and shocks at the same time. The car rode amazingly well with the urethane. If the car doesn't feel tight, it might also be ball joints or some sloppy tie rod ends.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Absotively.I replaced all of my bushings with poly. Here's how bad they looked.
Other than the front control arms, they can all be replaced with a bench vise and a set of sockets. I used a dremel with a wire wheel to clean up the aluminum and get all the old bushing residue off. Here's how nice they look polished up.
At 132K miles and 20 years old, everything on my suspension was mush. In addition to the poly bushings, I replaced steering rack, tie rod ends, sway bar bushings, front monospring, ball joints, wheel bearings, and topped it off with a good 4 wheel alignment. Drives and handles like a brand new car.
But....while this job wasn't brain surgery, it was DIRTY and TIME CONSUMING. Not easy by any stretch. But, IMHO, worth every bit of the effort and money I put into it.
Ohhhh...one tip on the rear dogbones. There are two holes in the frame of the car that correspond with the nuts that hold the dogbone on. Tape them up before you remove the nuts or you WILL drop them in the frame, and you WON'T be able to retrieve them. No, it didn't happen to me, but it did happen to the guy that gave me the tip. I'm now passing it on to you.
Have fun.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
From: Union ME
I did the rear end, but have not gotten to the front yet. That will be this winter. I agree with everything I have read. It is doable, and a big, dirty, PIA. Also, if your car is anything like mine, expect surprises. Soak everything with Liquid Wrench before starting, and be patient.
