Control arm bushing question
 

I know to put new front control arm bushings in you need a press, would it be possible to use a vice or can you not get enough pressure? And how hard is it to remove the old bushings?

Unfortunatly the OEM rubber bushings can be quite challenging to get in and out. I've used a vice, and various deep well sockets to push them out, and act as a backstop for the A-arm. Lighter fluid works well as a lubricant, and will evaporate fairly quickly. Removing them envolved cutting off the rubber shoulder on one side, and punching it out the other.

I have the Delrin two-piece bushing, much easier to install, (but quite a bit more expensive) but it is a race car.

good luck

JM
:cool:

Thanks for the help. That's exactly what I wanted to hear.

Weltmeister makes replacement bushings for this that are very easy to install.

However there is some debate as to how good they are. I have them and autocross and have had no problems...Yet!

I rebuild my front end about 1 year ago and used the weltmeister bushings, no problems so far. I rebuilt the ball joints, strut inserts, tie rod ends, sway bar bushings.

Putting in the new bushes is a piece of pi$$. Thoughly clean the insides of the bush retainers to help ease it in. Place the bush in position and then get a long bolt threaded down the majority of its length (or a screw) and put it through the steel centre of the bush. Place a socket on the other end - just big enough to allow the end of the bush to enter it. Put a nut on the end of the bolt / screw. Put the head in a vice and tighten the nut with a spanner against the back of the socket until it draws the bush into the control arm retainer. Doddle. Takes a few minutes per bush.