C3.... Control arm bushings...

[bruce11495]

I need to replace the control arm bushings. Is there an aftermarket bushing that resembles the originals? Is there a polyurethane bushing that will pass for original? Can the originals be pressed out, or should they be heated with a torch to remove them?

[Joe L.]

Re: C3.... Control arm bushings...

bruce-----

Most of the aftermarket bushings on the market are exactly the same as the GM SERVICE bushings. However, I understand that there may be some bogus ones out there now. The currently available GM SERVICE bushings are exactly the same as the originals for 73-82 Corvettes. For C2 and 68-72 model years, the upper bushings were a little different than those currently available. The difference involves exposed rubber on the inner end; 63-72 have the exposed rubber and 73-82 (and current GM SERVICE bushings) do not. If you look at the currently available lower bushing and picture it as the smaller upper bushing, that's what the 63-72 originals looked like.

Reproductions of the 63-72 upper bushings are now available and to my eye are perfect as installed on the car. Vendors like Dr. Rebuild carry high quality bushings just like those you can get from GM. However, if you're interested, the current GM bushings are as follows:

upper----GM #401267

lower----GM #3714368

Polyurethane bushings do not look like the originals, and I do not recommend them, at all, for this and other reasons.

I do not recommend the use of a torch to remove the bushings. Press them out or use an air chisel to CAREFULLY pry them out.

[Chuck R.]

Re: I used a drill motor and small bit

I ran the drill bit between the inner and outter bushing sleeves to chew out the rubber. Then it was a matter of taking a chisel and tapping the inner sleeve off of the shaft.

The outter pressed sleeve requires a litle more finness. I used a hacksaw blade and notched the inner portion carefully so as not to nick the control arm. I then used my die grinder with a cut off wheel to notch the outter exposed lip as well as any excess that I could reach on the inside.

Then it was then a matter of a small chisel and hammer to collapse the sleeve inward until it released.

Keep in mind Bruce that I performing this task with the arms off the chassis and with the help of an eight inch bench vise.

Be careful not to bend the control arm tips inward when you press the new bushings in place, and oh yeah, make sure that the shafts are back in place and correctly re-positioned prior to bushing install.

Chuck