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

 

You might take note concerning size:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...s-created.html

JamesC

 

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.

 

i threw my del a lum bushings in the freezer for a few days then pressed them in with a big vise.

 

got t done with threaded rod and chunks of pipe

 

I did this a few weeks ago on a 1992 Camaro RS.

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.
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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

 

got one side done and back in. similar to what you describe. working on the second side now. thanks