front suspension control arm
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: sioux lookout ON. Canada
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Car: 83 firebird
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700
Axle/Gears: 3.23
front suspension control arm
1983 firebird needs new bushing in the front control arms. I have them out because I was replacing engine mounts and ball joints. I want to replace the bushings too. has anyone done this at home? My garage is well equipped, but no hydrolic press
#3
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Re: front suspension control arm
It can be done.
There are various presses that can be made with a threaded rod, bolts, and washers, but the easiest way tends to be to take a propane torch, heat the rubber till it separates from the shell (smelly/smoky mess) and then just use a hacksaw or Sawzall to cut a slit in the shell and then you can just push it out.
Putting them back in can sometimes be done with a hammer and socket after you get everything clean. I'd suggest making a spacer (half of a piece of exhaust tubing) to keep from crushing the 'ears" trying to force the new bushing back in.
There are various presses that can be made with a threaded rod, bolts, and washers, but the easiest way tends to be to take a propane torch, heat the rubber till it separates from the shell (smelly/smoky mess) and then just use a hacksaw or Sawzall to cut a slit in the shell and then you can just push it out.
Putting them back in can sometimes be done with a hammer and socket after you get everything clean. I'd suggest making a spacer (half of a piece of exhaust tubing) to keep from crushing the 'ears" trying to force the new bushing back in.
#4
Member
Re: front suspension control arm
i threw my del a lum bushings in the freezer for a few days then pressed them in with a big vise.
#5
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Car: 83 firebird
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: front suspension control arm
got t done with threaded rod and chunks of pipe
#6
Re: front suspension control arm
You will need 2 custom spacers to keep the feet of the A-arm from bending inward.(I cut a pipe in 1/2 and ground the ends untill they fit snug)
i used all-thead and a bunch of washers and nuts to press the old bushings out.
I used a small saw to cut a grove in the sleeve and hammered it out.
With the new poly bushings, it's easier to press in the new sleeves first then then Greased poly.
I used the same all-thread/washer combo to press them in.
DO NOT use a ball joint press for this
It's hard to explain the washer /all thread thing, but it's very similar to what this YouTube video does.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=50VUhlxlO-M
#7
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Car: 83 firebird
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: front suspension control arm
got one side done and back in. similar to what you describe. working on the second side now. thanks
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