C2 (63) A -arm bushings

[Steve D.]

I have read the Shop manual instructions for removing the bushings, but can't visualize how the bushings come out. Since the pressing is done against a screw threaded into the cross shaft, it seems like the bushing at the opposite end from where the screw is threaded is the one that is pressed out. But it looks like the cross shaft has to move in the process, and there doesn't seem to be enough room for the shaft to travel to expel the bushing. If anyone can understand the question, I would appreciate any wisdom you have to share.

Also, any comments for substitutes or field expedients for the tools specified in the manual?

Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 (63) A -arm bushings

Steve-----

The easiest way to remove the bushings is to use an air hammer with a sharp chisel bit. CAREFULLY work the chisel bit under the outer collar of the bushing shell which seats against the a-arm.

I've watched someone experienced in doing this remove a whole set of bushings, upper and lower, in about 5 minutes using this method and without any damage, at all, to the a-arms. Since you don't have experience, it might take you 10 or 15 minutes.

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 (63) A -arm bushings

Joe

Thanks for the tip. I have an air chisel, and will give it a try this afternoon.

Steve

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 (63) A -arm bushings

Removing the bushings is one thing, installing them is another matter entirely. The problem is that when your are trying to press in the bushing that is not supported by the press, the entire A-arm stamping is bent. The service manual shows special "half-tubes that span the open area so the load is transferred to the base. If you walk through the process before you press anything you'll understand the problem more clearly.

[G B.]

Please don't try this at home.

Maybe somebody with the eye-hand coordination of a fighter pilot could remove A-frame bushings with an air chisel, but I can't. I have to use the hand operated tool now sold for this purpose that presses them out. It looks like a huge C clamp. Otherwise scars will be left on the A-frame. You can probably rent or borrow such a tool if you won't pay a shop to do your A-frames. If they're out of the car and you have the bushings, the shop might charge $50 bucks or so. I would consider that a bargain compared to beating the crap out of the A-frames yourself.

Steve, I mean no offense. But if you're a bug eyed do-it-yourselfer or a drag racer, you're probably going to go the air chisel route regardless of what I tell you. The simplicity and pure mechanical violence of that method are hard to resist. How about this: use your torch first to burn the rubber out. Then perhaps the bushing sleeve will have someplace to compress when you whack away with the air chisel.

[Wayne C.]

Re: Please don't try this at home.

Jerry, I've used your method in the past (not on my Vette) of burning the rubber out of the bushings. Very messy, but it does work... use a propane torch to get them going, then put the arm in a bucket or pan and get out of the way of the thick black smoke and hot liquid rubber; your neighbors will love you!

Once the rubber is gone, you can remove the shaft and peel the bushing inner sleeves off at their part line using a hammer and chisel, or apply heat to the sleeve so it expands, then knock it off. Then assemble a hacksaw with the blade passing through a bushing sleeve (still in the A-arm) and gingerly saw through the sleeve wall only, and use light blows with a hammer and small chisel at the sleeve flange to deform the sleeve inward at the cut you made, thereby making the sleeve a slightly smaller diameter than the A-arm hole so it will simply fall out.

The real problem is pressing the new ones in, as you must find a way to span the distance between the bushing holes with a steel tube of the correct length, split in two lengthwise so it can be placed around the shaft and clamped in place, or some similar method of preventing the A-arm horns from being deformed from the pressure.

I'm with you... I take mine to a machine shop with an experienced press man and the right tools for removal and replacement with new bushings.

[Steve D.]

Re: Please don't try this at home.

Jerry

Thanks for your concern. I enjoy doing as much myself as I can, but there are always limitations. I don't think I'm up for the burning option. I have a ball joint removal tool that is basically a very large C-clamp with attachments, but it is not large enough to accomodate the A-arms. Is the tool you referred to available in the catalogs? If I can't come up with a reasonable approach to the removal and installation, I'll send them out to be done.

Steve

[G B.]

OTC Tool

The tool I use is sold by OTC under their part number 7068. They call it "Upper Control Arm Bushing Service Set". Be sitting down when you ask the price.

[Wayne W.]

Re: OTC Tool

Have you ever had a professional over to your place for some home repairs or some construction, and you marvel at the simplicity of his methods. You think, Why didnt I think of that? I once sheet rocked a room in my house. The dust from the joint compound was so thick it looked like a young snow. I tracked it around for six months. But when I hired a professional to do a five times larger room, there was nearly no dust at all. The point being, this job can be done with common everyday tools found in most any shop. Installation takes about two minutes with the most common of tools, with absolutely no damage. But because my customers think its such a tough and specialized task, they bring them to me. And thats how I make my living.

[Patrick H.]

Re: OTC Tool

Wayne,

It's really no different for me in medicine.

Most people could do a fine job of caring for themselves if they used common sense, but the vast majority of them choose not to. And that's how I make my living.

Patrick

[Wayne W.]

Re: OTC Tool

Yes, Patrick, but you guys have one big advantage. You have a system that will not allow me to prescribe my own drugs. Auto Zone will sell you any tool and part that you desire for your car. If we could just gain those controls that you have, you would have to come to me for a diagnosis and a parts order. You could then go home and cure your own problem. Thats what we have to do. The AutoDoc is in.

[Terry M.]

AutoDoc *TL*

Be careful what you ask for Wayne. The folks in Washington may just accommodate you.

[Patrick H.]

Re: OTC Tool

Wayne,

Yes, and no.

For one thing, maintenance items (food, water, clothing, etc.) are freely available. In addition, with the recent explosion of "natural" (yeah, right) supplements, one can buy all sorts of pharmaceuticals to further tune and enhance, sort of like shopping at Summit, or the next-to-back aisle at AutoZone. There is also the plethora of information (???) available on the Internet related to health and health care.

And, just like with automobiles, once the regular maintenance has been ignored, the body "run hard and put away wet," the customers come for our "professional help." And yes, I bring my own vehicles to professionals for various manitenance tasks, especially those which require expertise and/or tools that are not time or cost effective for me to own or use. In fact, I just had the front A-arm bushings of my Cutlass removed by a professional because the frustration is more than I care to deal with. I tried it for 5 minutes once, and brought them in. That was a few front suspension ago.

Trust me, many people avoid us for years until it's too late. Much more of my day is spent in "damage control" than in "maintenance." And control of the medications is only a small part of the job.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: OTC Tool

Patrick-----

I totally agree with you. The growing "phenomenon" that you describe is exactly what I believe is the primary root cause of the "health care crisis" that has been ever-expanding. Huge over-utilization of the system and the expectation that the over-utilization should be paid for by "someone else" (insurance companies, HMOs, the government, etc.). Throw in the cost of medications constantly developed at great cost because folks expect a "pill to treat just about everything" and you've got a "health care crisis".

[Patrick H.]

Re: OTC Tool

Joe,

You bet. I've got stories to prove this over and over.

PH