Control arm bushings

I decided to replace my upper control arm bushings, but I'm begging to feel like that may be a mistake. The service manual says the upper control arms are not serviceable, but somebody said I could chisel the old ones out. I tried air hammering them out but to no avail. Haha, am I wasting my time, and should I just buy a new set of upper control arms?

 

They are serviceable, they should be pressed out using a spacer to support the flange, I usually take them to a shop for pressing them out and back in for about 20 bucks an arm.. is it a front or back upper control arm?

 

They are the front ones with the shaft still attached.

 

64's have solid bushings- all others are serviceable. It may help to drill out the rubber part to get some play in it.

 

Do I also need to remove the outer metal sleeves? I ordered ac Delco replacement, but they haven't arrived yet for me to compare.

 

yes- the rubber is surrounded by an inner and outer metal bushing making up the bushing assembly. The outer can be collapsed once the rubber is removed. Be careful not to hammer on the control arm as it has no support between the flanges. The control arms are easy to bend. Probably best to take it to a shop that has a press and the proper spacers.

 

This is the tool I used which works great to remove and install. Costs about $80 or some parts stores do loan out like an advance auto, O Reilly’s etc...

 

I buy the shaft kit also, cut the old shafts so they can be removed, makes removing/installing the new bushings way easier. Just don't forget to install the new shaft before pressing the second bushing in...

 

If your thrifty like me, borrow the tool mentioned above from a local parts store. It's usually free, though you have to place a large deposit. You'll get that back when you bring the tool back. From my experience the tool may not be the best, but it's better than paying for something you will only use once. You only need to move the bushing a little bit. They are tapered so once you move them a little, they will just slide out.

From my experience, removing the rubber to collapse the outer shell is a huge pain. Doable but I prefer to push them out.

Also note there are standard pipe fittings out there that are the perfect size to push on the ends of the bushing that are the perfect size. Just FYI for when you push in the new ones.

 

Many videos on you tube:

Many different ways to do it. Do a search, pick the one you like!

 

I gave up trying to reuse the shafts and cut them out. Using my ball joint press, I just pushed them out, no problem. Now all I have to do is buy new shafts.

 

Yes, your right about a 10 minute job. I've use an air chisle with a flat end to push them out IN THE CAR WITHOUT even removing them. I was shown how to do this MANY years ago by an old time mechanic. Basically your vibrating them out & back in. Once you learn how it's so easy you wouldn't believe it. Even on lower control arms with the spring still in place.

Tom T.