Front Control Arm Bushings - Fitment Issues

gibby · 07-10-2016, 01:35 PM

I'm in the midst of rebuilding the aluminum control arms for my 86 944 N/A. Replacing the ball joints was surprising easy, but I'm in a real bind with the front bushings. I bought a set from ebay that looked more or less like the old bushings (rubber, with inner and outer sleeves).
When I pressed the bushings in, they're too long, leaving about a 1.5mm gap between the steel flange of sleeve and the face of the control arm. I can see inside the sleeves to see that the two sides are indeed touching.
This seems like a fitment problem - clearing the webs of the crossmember upon installation and/or something that will screw up alignment later.

Has anyone had this kind of problem with bushings? Is this normal?

fiily · 05:30 PM

You need to cut the inner steel sleeve inside where the bushings goes with a hacksaw. Then they'll slide right in without issue, I'm assuming you bought these?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-944-Control-Arm-Bushings-/311653161181?vxp=mtr

thomasryan · 07-10-2016, 06:35 PM

The steel lip needs to be flush with the aluminum arm. I botched a set.

Run a bolt through and use some washers so it loads the center of the new bushings. Tighten it until the rubber is compressed. Heat the arm quickly with a propane torch to see if they will pop in without destroying the rubber.

Arizona_928 · 07-10-2016, 07:31 PM

Been there, not fun.
dermal tool if it won't come out. break it out like a stubborn oil seal.

911tracker85 · 07-11-2016, 05:19 AM

air tools....

looked at that link. curious as it looks like that replacement bushing does not have the 'inner steel sleeve'.

dont have a pic of doing my front A arms, used delrin but now have a set of mono ball as delrin squeaks at times.

but here is how I got the inner sleeve out of my rear arms when replacing them with mono ball. be careful. I caused a couple very small gouge places but they easily cleaned up with a file.

gibby · 07-11-2016, 05:58 AM

Thanks for the advice everyone. Just to be clear, my problem isn't getting them out (already used the hacksaw method with the old bushings) -- my problem is that I have this gap between the flange of the new sleeves and the control arm.
The bushings came in this kit:

Porsche 944 951 968 Control Arm Arms Ball Joint Rear Mounts Bushing Kit 8 PC | eBay. I have since returned the ball joint rebuild parts from that kit because they were low-quality crap and bought the Rennbay kit. Long story. But anyway, the new bushings looked just like the old bushings (inner and outer steel, rubber in between)...I wish I would have compared them before I started installing the new ones (on both control arms mind you).
I can see inside the center of the bushing and it looks like the two sides are making contact. I'll try the bolt trick but I don't think they're going anywhere.
I suspect I'm going to have to take these out and start over again. Any recommendations on a good OEM-style bushing that fits? I live in the boonies on a dirt road, so I want to avoid a too-stiff ride.