control arm bushing install

[MrCSX55]

Hi, does anyone have any good tips for installing the front control arm bushing with out taking them to a machine shop. I wanted to install the energy susp. bushings but it is just a pain in the $#@ to get these installed. Any suggestions would be helpfull.
Thanks

[LaserB]

On my G-body it was sort of a pain in the ass. Once the control arms are out, it's pretty hard to get the pivot bushings out. This was on an '84, your setup may be a little different. I drilled the rubber around the bushing and got it out eventually. Then once that's all in, putting the rear strut bushing on made it harder because it was so much bigger than the worn out stocker, so I had to really bang on the pivot bracket. Eventually I got it all in and bolted up. You'll need a lot of patience . Good luck.

[BadAndy]

Quote:

Originally posted by MrCSX55 Hi, does anyone have any good tips for installing the front control arm bushing with out taking them to a machine shop. I wanted to install the energy susp. bushings but it is just a pain in the $#@ to get these installed. Any suggestions would be helpfull. Thanks

Totally remove the arm from the vehicle and place in a well ventillated area free of combustable material and take a butane torch to the bushings In no time flat they were out!

[Vigo]

heating heat treated parts= bad.


as for drilling the rubber, save yourself some time and use a holesaw of the appropriate size, thats one trick.

[BadAndy]

Quote:

Originally posted by Vigo heating heat treated parts= bad. as for drilling the rubber, save yourself some time and use a holesaw of the appropriate size, thats one trick.

It's not like they see major temps....lol.... you use the torch long enough to catch the rubber on fire which only takes a second....besides the rubber compound burns at very low temperatures and the control arm would act as a heatsink.....it doesn't take very long at all. Sinse when did they begin heat treating cast control arms?

[Vigo]

i dunno, the 50s?

ill actually TRY to find the answer when i get my suspension and steering ASE results back.

seriously i dunno, but i like the holesaw method more.

[MrCSX55]

I got them change out. I got a 1/2" rod bolt and tightened them couple of turns at a time and used a hammer to help them slide into the arm, thanks for all the inputs.

[BadAndy]

Quote:

Originally posted by Vigo i dunno, the 50s? ill actually TRY to find the answer when i get my suspension and steering ASE results back. seriously i dunno, but i like the holesaw method more.

I did not know that That's pretty cool actually.......I can see your point but honestly it does not get hot at all.

[Vigo]

granted, you're right, but taking all these classes has me in 'liability' mode.. lol