Control Arm Bushes

[DKWW2000]

Winding myself up to change the bushes for Poly, Is it straight forward, what is the best procedure, any tips welcome

[ian65]

if the bolts come out then that's half the battle.... most of the ones I've done the bolts have rusted onto the steel sleeve running through the bush and they are then a right sod to get out.
Assuming though that the bolts come out..... I usually hacksaw the rubber head off the bush each side of the control arm then drift the rest of the bush out or press it out with a G clamp.... easier job if the arm is off the car but that's another hassle because you either have to unbolt it from the bottom of the front strut or take the whole strut/control arm assembly off the car.

Here are mine with the new bushes and balljoints in...



.

[DKWW2000]

Thanks Ian, did you replace your bolts as well?
I guess they should be high tensile, assuming a cutting disc can be used?

[ian65]

in the past I have had to cut the bolts but it's very awkward to get a grinder in to cut the head off the bolt and the nut and then spread the front crossmember to get the control arm to drop out..... you can usually drift the bolt out eventually though once the nut is off it.
I've never bought any replacement bolts, just found some out of my stash of spares.
That's all looking on the dark side though Pete... try your bolts first to see if they are free and ok.... if you take the nut off, you should be able to spin the bolt with a socket on it's head... if it turns ok and doesn't feel as if it's rusted onto the bush sleeve then you'll be ok and the job is a lot easier.

[DKWW2000]

I am drawn to The Dark Side, as they say "Plan for the worst & hope for the best" I have sprayed liberally with Plus Gas, will spray again a day or to before I do them Ian.