front control arm bushings: Replace?

[Joe T.]

Re: front control arm bushings: Replace?

I'm back and at my next impasse: I have the upper cross shaft out. I now have the lower rubber bushings and inner sleeves out and off the cross shaft by how does that lower cross shaft come out the control arm? It just TOO long but about 1/2 inch! I COULD just saw out the outer sleeves (that still doesn't look like it gives me enough clearance) and press the new bushings in, but that shaft HAS to come out somehow! I MUST be missing something? Any ideas? Thanks and regards...joe

[Joe L.]

Re: front control arm bushings: Replace?

I'm back and at my next impasse: I have the upper cross shaft out. I now have the lower rubber bushings and inner sleeves out and off the cross shaft by how does that lower cross shaft come out the control arm? It just TOO long but about 1/2 inch! I COULD just saw out the outer sleeves (that still doesn't look like it gives me enough clearance) and press the new bushings in, but that shaft HAS to come out somehow! I MUST be missing something? Any ideas? Thanks and regards...joe

Joe------


The bushings have to first be removed IN THEIR ENTIRETY. This includes the outer steel shell of the bushing. Then, the shaft can be removed from the arm by moving it as far as possible in one direction and angling up the shaft at the other end. It should clear the a-arm.

[Joe T.]

Re: front control arm bushings: Replace?

Thanks Joe. I guess it's the SAWZALL to that outer sleeve..with care not to damage the arm

[Joe L.]

Re: front control arm bushings: Replace?

Thanks Joe. I guess it's the SAWZALL to that outer sleeve..with care not to damage the arm

Joe------


Usually, an air hammer with a sharp chisel is the easiest way to remove these. I once watched a friend of mine remove a complete car-set of these bushings from all 4 a-arms in about 5 minutes. I can do it, too, but not quite that fast.

[Terry M.]

Re: front control arm bushings: Replace?

Joe------


Usually, an air hammer with a sharp chisel is the easiest way to remove these. I once watched a friend of mine remove a complete car-set of these bushings from all 4 a-arms in about 5 minutes. I can do it, too, but not quite that fast.

That is the removal method I favor(ed). I too can not make 5 minutes for a full set though. But then here in the Midwest we have conditions the melt steel to steel unlike those of you on the left coast. The one caution about the air hammer (I found a dull chisel works better) I offer is that it will do serious damage to your body. Wear ear AND eye protection, and if you do much of this I can guaranty you arthritis in your upper body joints when you get older.

[Domenic T.]

Re: front control arm bushings: Replace?

I made a set as Terry mentioned and I would not do it any other way.

Remember not to tighten the bolts untill you have the weight on the wheels. Less twist.

DOM

[Joe T.]

Re: front control arm bushings: Replace?

Thanks to all. I am going to try to get access to a good, heavy duty air chisel and see how that works. I am also going to try cutting these sleeves through in one or more places (I think some one mentioned that earlier in this post) and then take the chisel to them. I hope that makes breaking the free up a little easier. Thanks to all for the advice. These things nuts be a real bear, even on a press! I can see how then might break loose with a little drama after resisting the press until enough pressure is brought to bear to break them loose. Regards Joe

OBTW: How about some heat? I am not talking about cutting or acetylene heat...More like propane hand torch? That heat should not compromise the A-frame?

[Domenic T.]

Re: front control arm bushings: Replace?

Joe,
It's late and I didn't read all the posts but I would like to expand on what Terry advised and post a pic of the ones I made, used, and painted so I wouldn't forget what I made them for.

Here are the ones I made so I wouldn't scratch my powdercoated A-arms.

using the electrical U channel works without having to hog the pipe out, but I was either out of one or the other when I made these.

DOM

[Terry M.]

Re: front control arm bushings: Replace?

Nice going Dom. I never thought of electrical channel. I should have painted mine yellow because now that Joe can use them I can't find them.

[Joe T.]

Re: front control arm bushings: Replace?

Thanks Dom! Great idea! What are the "C" washers made from?

[Domenic T.]

Re: front control arm bushings: Replace?

Thanks Dom! Great idea! What are the "C" washers made from?

Joe,

They are also in the electrical dept (the c washers).

They are washers that are used on a controll panel.

If I remeber right the C chanel in called uni-strut.

It is sold in electrical departments and holds electrical pipe in place.


Terry,
Yes, the yellow helps me find things now and if I don't write on it I pick it up and wonder what it is.

I am usually found standing at my work bench looking for something that is either in my hand or right in front of me.

DOM

[Terry M.]

Re: front control arm bushings: Replace?

Joe,

They are also in the electrical dept (the c washers).

They are washers that are used on a controll panel.

If I remeber right the C chanel in called uni-strut.

It is sold in electrical departments and holds electrical pipe in place.


Terry,
Yes, the yellow helps me find things now and if I don't write on it I pick it up and wonder what it is.

I am usually found standing at my work bench looking for something that is either in my hand or right in front of me.

DOM

Me too, and I suspect a lot of others on this board as well.

[Joe T.]

Re: front control arm bushings: Replace?

Me too, and I suspect a lot of others on this board as well.

I thought it was just me! Thanks for the additional info. Here I go, shopping!