upper control arm bushings
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,467
Likes: 43
From: Auburn MA
upper control arm bushings
is there a way to get the front upper control arm bushings out without the use of a hydraulic press.... I got all the other bushings out with a ball joint c-clamp press. also does the shaft come out too
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,324
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From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Texas
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,324
Likes: 250
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
I put a gear clamp around bushing to keep it rigid and once the lip got into bore, removed the gear clamp and finished pressing.
I supported the A arm directly under each bore, so I didn't need any jig support.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,467
Likes: 43
From: Auburn MA
I hope to tackle all the bushings this weekend... the uppers are the only ones that have me scratching my head... I will try this method and I'm sure I will have questions... I heard about a freezing method should I freeze them so they slide in easier or does it not make a difference
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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I had a friend years ago that used "dry ice" for everything that required a pressing procedure. It was readily available at the time and very close to our work. "96GS#007" mentions there should be little interference so I'm maybe not following the "head scratchin" thing! What brand/material bushings did you buy?
I would think just understanding the placement of the washers and installing the bushings in the proper orientation would be all that's required.
A few years old but great snapshots:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-w-photos.html
I would think just understanding the placement of the washers and installing the bushings in the proper orientation would be all that's required.
A few years old but great snapshots:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-w-photos.html
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 279
Likes: 2
From: Las Vegas Nevada
I redid my entire suspension with a Prothane kit last year. Uppers had me scratching my head too, but luckily I found away. While the majority of the bushings were pushed out with a 3 ton arbor press, I needed to use the big vises on a CNC machine at work to get the upper c-arm bushings out. While I know this isn't equipment that everyone has access to, I hope the idea can spark something.
There is another member who started a thread over a month ago with your question. He was pointed to a machine shop in his area, but he's dealing with issues. I'm not understanding how because I did mine in an hour with fabrication, and have read that the process can be done in minutes by a well stocked shop for as little as $20.
Hope you can get them out. Just remember not to bend the "wishbone" part of the C-arm or you'll be in trouble.
There is another member who started a thread over a month ago with your question. He was pointed to a machine shop in his area, but he's dealing with issues. I'm not understanding how because I did mine in an hour with fabrication, and have read that the process can be done in minutes by a well stocked shop for as little as $20.
Hope you can get them out. Just remember not to bend the "wishbone" part of the C-arm or you'll be in trouble.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 15
From: Wallingford Vermont
Tip: I used a length of angle iron, notched on the ends, as a brace for the upper A-arm.
A cheap hydraulic press really is the tool of choice for this project. If you don't want to clutter up your garage with one, I'd ask around to see if a buddy or local garage has one. If you got the parts (and brace) in hand it's a five minute job.
A cheap hydraulic press really is the tool of choice for this project. If you don't want to clutter up your garage with one, I'd ask around to see if a buddy or local garage has one. If you got the parts (and brace) in hand it's a five minute job.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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Sorry just couldn't resist!
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 279
Likes: 2
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Burning out old rubber will work... slowly.
But your problem isn't just getting them out, it's also getting the new ones back in.
Look at the picture a few posts up of the control arm setup and imagine squeezing those new suckers back in their position. Wana try doing that by hand?
But your problem isn't just getting them out, it's also getting the new ones back in.
Look at the picture a few posts up of the control arm setup and imagine squeezing those new suckers back in their position. Wana try doing that by hand?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,324
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From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Like I said in my thread, less than 5 minutes with no chance of catching on fire or bending the A arm.
Try it
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,551
Likes: 36
From: Jenks OK
I like your method Agent, on a related note I picked up the 20 ton harbor freight press this weekend, I think it was $150 with a coupon, good time to buy if you're looking. I figure if I have it I'll never need it again! 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,467
Likes: 43
From: Auburn MA