control arm bushing removal???

[dohcfiend]

how do you remove the control arm bushings? can it be done wit hand tools or do i need to take it to a mechanic to have them pressed out?

[IsaacHayes]

If it's anything like the 94+ L body press in ones, here is how I did it.

I cut out the rubber. Then I cut the metal sleeve, and tapped it out with a chisel. Then cleaned up the old rust/etc and pressed the new one in with a bench vise, going around it slowly until it was in. I had to take off the control arm to do this.

[MantaGreen97]

Yep, cutting them is the easiest way of getting them out. Reinstalling is another story. You can use Issac's method above, or try to hammer them in, or use the appropriate press which is designed to do it.

[dohcfiend]

well i already have the arms off, perhaps i may be better off getting a shop to do it. sounds like a PITA.

[pwmin]

prob wont cost much to have them pressed out and back in again. glad i have access to a press.

[IsaacHayes]

It took me about 15mins to get the old out and new in. It took longer taking out the control arm and putting it back in.

Just cut/torch out the rubber bushing, then take a haxsaw or saw-zaw and cut the metal sleeve out, sand/file/dremel the inside clean, and press the new in.

[dohcfiend]

i do not have a torch either but i have been contemplating one.

[IsaacHayes]

Saw-zaw makes quick work of the rubber bushing. Or a drill and then get a normal saw in there to cut around it.

[Chris88CL]

You dont need a torch. Pour a tiny bit of gasoline on the bushings and light it up. The burning rubber will keep it going. It's messy and lots of black smoke but it works.

[mikedamageinc]

I left my control arms on and just drilled a bunch of holes on the old busjings but one of my bits broke and I drilled a hole in my hand so be careful! Then just knocked what was left out, greased up the new ones and they slid right in.