A arm bushings replacement - what else while I'm there?

[grahamkissack]

So I'm planning to replace my A arm bushings (with Elephant rubber from our host) since I have a TB squeek. The ball joints feel good and I think I can get the nut off since I've already started soaking with PB. Hopefully the TBs aren't shot!

Anything else I should do while I'm in there? Any other bushings like the stabilizer bushing or perhaps seals?

Thanks, Graham

[Scooter]

I am a little confused from your post. Are you replacing A arm bushings because you have "TB squeak"? Or, are you replacing the TB's and replacing A arm bushings while you are in there? We are doing a complete suspension rebuilt on my buddy's '80 SC right now. To tell you the truth, we probably won't see a real difference in replacing the A arm bushings.

BTW: I doubt squeak is coming from the TB's.

[m1franck]

What else do you do, while you are in there? That's a dangerous question & can only be determined on your answer to the question "How much money do you want to spend & how much time do you have to get the work done?

My simple suspension bushing replacement led to replacement or installing of the following. This gives you an idea of what is possible & how a bushing replacement can get seriously side tracked:

- stripped & powder coated all suspension components
- ERP poly-bronze bushings
- ERP strut top bushings
- ERP low friction control arm mounts
- hollow T bars
- hollow adjustable sway bar
- ball joints
- turbo tie rods
- new wheel bearings
- disassembled, cleaned & re-lubed the steering rack
- new Koni strut housings with raised spindles & new inserts
- Rebel Racing bump steer kit
- PMB restored alloy S brake calipers with Porterfield pads
- new brake rotors
- new inner fender undercoating
- restored the trunk (don't ask, how this became part of the project, but it did!)
- I'm sure a plethora of other parts that I've since forgot

[juicersr]

Originally Posted by grahamkissack

So I'm planning to replace my A arm bushings (with Elephant rubber from our host) since I have a TB squeek. The ball joints feel good and I think I can get the nut off since I've already started soaking with PB. Hopefully the TBs aren't shot!

Anything else I should do while I'm in there? Any other bushings like the stabilizer bushing or perhaps seals?

Thanks, Graham

Lessseeee, the A-arms are presumably now off car, so no-brainer to replace the 30 year-old Ball joints.... and just one nut is now holding the 30 year old struts in, so replace these. Easy at this point to replace front wheel bearings as well. If u are planning on owning car for while, just get these four things done. If u got a wad of $$, you can go crazy with Elephant stuff or raising spindles if lowering, etc like a lot of guys here (including myself) have done, but just replacing the worn stuff and upgrading the torsion bars will give u a new car from a handling standpoint.

[na2ub]

I am about to do similar. My project list is:

Front:
New A arm bushings
Bigger T bars
Re-valved shocks (for the new T bars)

Rear:
New spring plate bushings
Bigger T bars
Re-valved shocks (for the new T bars)

All this because 1 front shock leaked, and because I wanted to ever since I bought the car 9 years ago. Its such a shame to own a supercar, yet not have it handle like a supercar.

[grahamkissack]

Originally Posted by Scooter

I am a little confused from your post. Are you replacing A arm bushings because you have "TB squeak"? Or, are you replacing the TB's and replacing A arm bushings while you are in there? We are doing a complete suspension rebuilt on my buddy's '80 SC right now. To tell you the truth, we probably won't see a real difference in replacing the A arm bushings.

BTW: I doubt squeak is coming from the TB's.

Thanks for the feedback....any downward movement in the front of the car on the arm produces a squeek. I confirmed the old bushings are in there and they have cold flowed so it sounds like the bottom of the TBs are rubbing on the housing making the squeek....no? Not sure what else would be doing it? Ideas?