Hey guys,
Who here has been through a front-end poly bushing install? I did the rear bushings and they were relatively easy, but when I got to the front I got stuck. I can't figure out how to get the front upper control arms off of the car, and then I'm not sure how to get the bushing out. The FSM I have isn't terribly helpful. I assume to get the arm off I have to remove the plastic wheel well inserts from each side (one of which holds the hood support), but I'm pretty stumped on the bushing removal and install. I've got a hyperflex black bushing kit. Anyone got any tips/suggestions on the front end? Also, what do I need to remove to get the lower control arms out? Pics would be amazing

 

John,
go to the bookstore, and buy 101 projects for your C4.
It outlines how it's done, and.......pics!

 

Actually, I got that book when I first bought the car. I think it's on my shelf somewhere. I'll check it out wednesday when I get back from college. Thanks. BTW, coupeguy, I didn't get the shifter yet but it is the christmas season. I'll PM you when it arrives.

 

If anyone has scanned those pages, i surely would be interested in getting a copy. I have had a full set of bushings on the shelf now for almost 3 years. It seems every winter another project puts that bushing project back on the shelf.
I'm hoping this will be the winter i get it done.

 

The rear bushings were surprisingly easy except for the ones in the batwind. The fronts seem a little harder.

 

To remove the front upper a-arm bushings:
-unbolt the upper ball joint from the spindle. Make sure you have the lower a-arm supported with a jack or something in case there's any spring tension. You'll probably need a ball-joint separator (pickle-fork or oen of the screw-type ones) to get the tapered shaft out of the spindle once it's unbolted.
-remove the upper inner fender shield (you might be able to get it out without doing this -- can't remember, but it definitely makes it a lot easier). There are only 5 10mm bolts that hold it on. You'll have to also remove the seal which just pops off, and a couple wire clamps.
-While the a-arm is still on the car, remove the two big-*** nuts on either end of the a-arm through shaft. You can do this in a vice after it's off, but just as easy when it's still on the car.
-remove the two nuts that hold the a-arm assembly (careful to catch the alignment shims, and note where they were, although you'll still need an alignment when you're done since the new bushings will affect the alignment). The a-arm will now be free to remove
-Make note of where the nuts / washers were on the shaft for when you reinstall them
-You'll now need to have the shaft presseed out with the old bushings (at a shop with a hydrolic press). The shaft will only come out in one direction. If you look closely at the shaft you can see which way. Your FSM should show the proper direction (sorry, I don't have pics with me).
-remove the old bushings, clean the shaft and a-arm, install the new bushings with supplied grease where instructed.
-Press the shaft back into the a-arm. It's easier with a press, but I was able to do mine with a vice and my fat ***
-reinstall everything
-While you're at it, do the lowers (they're the more important ones anyway)
-Beer helps

 

It's a bit of a puzzle.

I don't have a description up, but here's photos on how its done:

http://webpages.charter.net/khasting.../bushings.html

You'll have to support the hood with a 2x4 or something, because the fender piece the hood prop attaches to has to come out. That is a bitch in itself.

 

Same here. That would come in really handy.

I need a completely new suspension setup. My 120K-mile original suspension (minus the shocks) is all original... and wore slap out.

besides springs and shocks, i wanted to replace all the bushings too.

 

Vinnies87 is going to scan them for me. PM him, i'm sure he'll send you a copy also.