Jack up at axle or frame when exchanging control arm and track bar?
12-27-2012, 09:00 PM
#1
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Jack up at axle or frame when exchanging control arm and track bar?
When removing control arms and a track bar, should I jack up at the axle?
The Chilton manual says it's the axle, but the BMR control arm manual says "Do not support under the axle" but when tightening the bolts vehicles' weight should rest on the control arms to prevent the distortion of the bush.
I once saw somewhere in this board either is fine, but is that really true?
The Chilton manual says it's the axle, but the BMR control arm manual says "Do not support under the axle" but when tightening the bolts vehicles' weight should rest on the control arms to prevent the distortion of the bush.
I once saw somewhere in this board either is fine, but is that really true?
12-28-2012, 06:52 AM
#3
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Re: Jack up at axle or frame when exchanging control arm and track bar?
To change the rear LCA's, I would recommend you put jackstands under the frame just in front of the Chassis LCA bolts. Jack the car up to where you are on the lowest jack stand settings. What this allows for is the springs to release most of there force but no so hight that the rear tire still stays on the ground at all times. If it is too high where the tires lift off the ground then drive the rear wheels up onto small 12" 2x4"s and try again. This allows the weight of the axle and wheel assembly to rest on the floor but relieves spring tension to move the axle fore and aft to get the LCA bolts back into the chassis wit h the new LCA's in place.
Next the panhard rod can be swapped out with the car resting on the ground- the chssis will not go anywhere. Just do not try and drive the car without it in. While laying under the car with panhard out(its safe, it will not fall on you) place the new one bolted to the chassis forst and then push or pull on it a little if needed (usually not needed) to get the axle bolt lined up in place. It really is that simple.
Next the panhard rod can be swapped out with the car resting on the ground- the chssis will not go anywhere. Just do not try and drive the car without it in. While laying under the car with panhard out(its safe, it will not fall on you) place the new one bolted to the chassis forst and then push or pull on it a little if needed (usually not needed) to get the axle bolt lined up in place. It really is that simple.
I agree about the panhard rod, but about control arms, only the weight of the axle and wheel assembly should rest on them?
I thought the whole vehicle's weight should be on the rear tires when tightening the bolts...
12-28-2012, 08:00 AM
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Car: 1983 Firebird SE
Engine: C5 LS1
Transmission: 6 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Jack up at axle or frame when exchanging control arm and track bar?
Also, I find it helpful to disconnect rear sway bar. You can reconnect it when you tighten the LCA bolts.
12-28-2012, 08:04 AM
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Car: 91 Formula
Engine: 2012 LS9
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: Strange 60 3.54:1
Re: Jack up at axle or frame when exchanging control arm and track bar?
Best way is to jack the car up by the axle then support the car with jackstands under the frame... I usually go directly in front of the lower control arm.
I lower the car until it just touches the stands, but leave the jack under the rear so the suspension is still compressed. Then remove 1 control arm at a time & replace.
Everything stays aligned & doesn't move around.
I lower the car until it just touches the stands, but leave the jack under the rear so the suspension is still compressed. Then remove 1 control arm at a time & replace.
Everything stays aligned & doesn't move around.
12-29-2012, 08:05 AM
#6
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Re: Jack up at axle or frame when exchanging control arm and track bar?
Thank you guys, I successfully replaced the rear control arms.
After all, when removing, my car was jacked on the frame, and when tightening the bolts, all the weight was on the axle (to be exact on the sway bar mounts).
I once saw my shop staff put jack stands there, so maybe no problem.
After all, when removing, my car was jacked on the frame, and when tightening the bolts, all the weight was on the axle (to be exact on the sway bar mounts).
I once saw my shop staff put jack stands there, so maybe no problem.
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