A-arm bushing replacement

[Johan]

I need some thoughts about the bushing replacement. I have a set of poly bushings to go in, but I have not yet removed the old outer shells. They do have some scratches, so I would prefer installing the new shells, but how hard is it really? Seems like most people go to a machine shop to do this, but why can they not just pe tapped in with a hammer, or done in a big vise?

 

[The73vetteman]

Control Arm Bushings

I replaced the bushings on my upper control arms using kits from Moog. These had everything I needed - bushings and the cross rod piece (can't remember its proper name!)

I remember that getting the bushings/shells into the control arm was not easy. The problem is finding what to hit with a big hammer! You need to put something over the bushing so that the impact goes where you want it. I used an old socket, about 1.5" dia if I remember correctly, and a big hammer. It will take some force to get the shells in.

And don't forget, that cross rod piece needs to be in there too, before assembly as I remember.

Good luck!

 

[macx]

A little help

Anytime you have something that goes together very tightly, it helps a little
to put the parts that go inside of the other parts in the freezer for awhile, helps shrink them a tiny bit and usually helps. Also put a thin smear of anti sieze on them to lube. If you heat the outer part moderatly, it will expand that. But then it's a trick to keep the warm parts warm and the cold parts cold while they're going together - you have to be all set up and well prepared and work quickly. For heating, regular steel will expand about 80% of total possible expansion at only about 300 deg F. Even at 200, you've got some expansion. Just stick them in a warm oven for awhile.

 

[ChuckG]

They can be really tough to get out. You often have to cut or heat the "shells" to get them out of the A arm.

But, more importantly, you have to be very careful pressing the new ones in. You can easily bend an ear on the A arm. Then, you've got bigger problems. Chuck