Upper A-Arm Disassembly Question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati Oh
Upper A-Arm Disassembly Question
I think this should be a multi-year question, but on an `84...
I want to replace the bushings in the upper A-Arm. If we imagine that the upper A-Arm is like a big triangle, with the base bolted to the chassis/crossmember and the apex being the upper ball joint... how do I get the Y-shaped apex part (the ball-joint end) off of the long center section (the base) that is bolted to the crossmember? I'm assuming that the center peice / base comes apart somehow, but it's not readily apparent and the Factory Repair Manual doesn't mention it.
:confused:
I want to replace the bushings in the upper A-Arm. If we imagine that the upper A-Arm is like a big triangle, with the base bolted to the chassis/crossmember and the apex being the upper ball joint... how do I get the Y-shaped apex part (the ball-joint end) off of the long center section (the base) that is bolted to the crossmember? I'm assuming that the center peice / base comes apart somehow, but it's not readily apparent and the Factory Repair Manual doesn't mention it.
:confused:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 0
From: Manhattan
Re: Upper A-Arm Disassembly Question (Ramanstud)
On my 1990 the A-arm was held together with 36mm(i think) nut and red locktite. I used a bench vise to marr the aluminum... i mean hold the base while I removed the large nut.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Re: Upper A-Arm Disassembly Question (Ramanstud)
It comes apart. Just remove the nuts that hold the A arm assembly to the crossmember, unbolt the ball joint, do a little wiggling, and out it comes (car on jack stands of course).
When you remove the large nut on the end of the A Arm, it will slide apart and you can replace the bushings. The manuals don't cover it because they typically assume replacement of the A arm instead of rebuilding it. Rebuild it....it's a whole lot cheaper and works great.
New bushings will make all the difference in how precise that '84 handles.
When you remove the large nut on the end of the A Arm, it will slide apart and you can replace the bushings. The manuals don't cover it because they typically assume replacement of the A arm instead of rebuilding it. Rebuild it....it's a whole lot cheaper and works great.
New bushings will make all the difference in how precise that '84 handles.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: Upper A-Arm Disassembly Question (Ramanstud)
The "A" arm is actually two legs of your triangle. The "base" of that triangle is the control arm shaft. It is the shaft that bolts to the frame. The control shaft bushings are not serviced by Chevrolet. Consequently, they are not available from the conventional replacement parts suppliers, either. Chevy intends that you replace the A arm and control shaft with bushing, as an assembly. That is why you don't see the proceedure in your service manual. Aftermarket polyurathane, polygraphite, and probably others, ARE available. A frame bushing in decent condition require a press and maybe special fixtures to remove and reinstall. The last posters name escapes me now, but if he was able to manually disassemble his, I'm guessing they were in really bad shape. I am not there yet, but my plan is to take the A arms to a front end shop, to replace the bushings. Good luck, and...
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati Oh
Re: Upper A-Arm Disassembly Question (CFI-EFI)
Alright, thanks for the imput guys. I figured it would have to wiggle off after removing those bolts (somehow), but I suppose I'll tinker with it when I remove the lower A-arm and shocks....
Sounds like a PITA waiting to happen, if those puppies are pressed in. :(
Sounds like a PITA waiting to happen, if those puppies are pressed in. :(
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 322
Likes: 1
From: Los Gatos, CA
Re: Upper A-Arm Disassembly Question (Ramanstud)
I just finished this job to put in Global West Bushings. You need a press and you need to make a spacer for putting it back together with a press. You do not want to stress the two aluminum arms when you disassemble or re-assemble. I just used a piece of 2.00 od tubing , cut it to length, and cut a strip out to make the spacer (it has to fit over the cross shaft). It's not too hard but you have to have a press.
Good luck
Good luck
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 350
Likes: 1
From: portland or
Re: Upper A-Arm Disassembly Question (Ramanstud)
funnycars in 100% correct.
The best thing to do is call Energy Suspension. They have a nice supplement on just this procedure. The tricks of removal is to remember that you will press to the end with the SMALL washer. And to cut the bushings from the ends before pressing.
Good luck -
-Z
The best thing to do is call Energy Suspension. They have a nice supplement on just this procedure. The tricks of removal is to remember that you will press to the end with the SMALL washer. And to cut the bushings from the ends before pressing.
Good luck -
-Z
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