Changing front end bushings
#1
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: 2004 LQ4
Transmission: T-5 WC
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Changing front end bushings
Hey guys, my front end bushings are going, and I'm wondering what I'd be getting myself into. I've already changed both ball joints, redid the front brakes, changed all the front bearings, and I keep up on my regular greasing.
What I'm wondering is, how much more work is it to do the entire front end, bushings and all, compared to a ball joint. My brother did it 4 or 5 years ago to his Iroc, and nothing fit, so he had to make most of the bushings at work. But is it this difficult for a v6 car?
What I'm wondering is, how much more work is it to do the entire front end, bushings and all, compared to a ball joint. My brother did it 4 or 5 years ago to his Iroc, and nothing fit, so he had to make most of the bushings at work. But is it this difficult for a v6 car?
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Re: Changing front end bushings
It's EXACTLY the same work as the ball joints; minus, the BJ push-out/push-in; plus, 2 bolts per side (which can be a real pill if they're frozen into the bushing shell), plus the actual bushing push-out/push-in 2 times per side.
Kinds sux to have to do all that other work with the strut, brakes, steering, BJ, springs, etc. TWICE. It's better to do it all at once, while it's all apart, IMO. In fact, what I like to do is to go to the buzzard and get another set of arms (you can usually pick them up for no more than $30/pr), and put the new BJs and CABs in those; and then when I tear the car down, just swap the whole front end out. Much quicker drive-in to drive-out that way.
Kinds sux to have to do all that other work with the strut, brakes, steering, BJ, springs, etc. TWICE. It's better to do it all at once, while it's all apart, IMO. In fact, what I like to do is to go to the buzzard and get another set of arms (you can usually pick them up for no more than $30/pr), and put the new BJs and CABs in those; and then when I tear the car down, just swap the whole front end out. Much quicker drive-in to drive-out that way.
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Car: Camaro Vert
Engine: 355 HSR
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Axle/Gears: 3.73 S60
Re: Changing front end bushings
In fact, what I like to do is to go to the buzzard and get another set of arms (you can usually pick them up for no more than $30/pr), and put the new BJs and CABs in those; and then when I tear the car down, just swap the whole front end out. Much quicker drive-in to drive-out that way.
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Car: 1985 Iroc, t-top
Engine: 5.0L HO L69
Transmission: Mt 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 Non Posi, Alum Drums
Re: Changing front end bushings
I need to put mine back up. Pressing the joints is easy if you have a hydrolic press. The bushings come out easy if you burn them out. Run a wire brush through the holes, insert new poly bushings after lubing, and you are good to go. Of course, I am replacing everything. Strut, rotors and pads, bearings, ball joints, bushings, inner and outer rods, idler, new sway bar bushings and end links etc. I am even going to replace the steering shaft (the rubber boot is gone and I can't find a replacement part)
Just go for it!
Just go for it!
#5
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
Engine: 2004 LQ4
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Re: Changing front end bushings
You can probably buy all this stuff new, too. I'm thinking about swapping in a new motor, so I'm wondering if I should just wait until I have easier access. Something scares me about leaving my car at school for 3-5 days...
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