i just received a a pair of boxed rear lower contol arms i need to replace the bushings i have a bushing driver set but the bushings are not budging this is my first attempt at this so i am looking for any suggestions on how to do this correctly thanks chris
Post a pic of the driver you have. Usually a hyd press is required. Do a search on this board as this topic is well covered. - Bill
the driver i have is from harbor freight the guy that was previously at the job i am at now left it there probably for good reason here is the link to it on their website http://www.harborfreight.com/bushing-bearing-set-38145.html
Most time you need some heat added to make the thing start giving up, Also helps to put the new bushing in the freezer overnight and heat the arm nice and hot to reassemble.
Go to the local home store like Lowes with the new bushing. Find a cast iron pipe nipple that has an inner diameter a tad bigger than the outside diameter of the bushing. Then, measure the distance between the inner surfaces of the control arm - cut the pipe nipple to that length. Now, cut the pipe nipple lengthwise, so you have a "clamshell". Use on e half of the clamshell wedged in between the sides of the arm on top of the old bushing. This will prevent the arm from collapsing when you apply pressure to push the old bushing out. Some PB Blaster and some pressure will work.
A better tool is the c clamp device shown in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR88AGXtnNw Usually comes in a kit like this:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=04PJA6HTJA35QH0XJ4J4 or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1W4KSJC2TT87CWQ2EBBP You should be able to borrow one from your local Autozone or Advance Auto type store. What Paul posted is important: you can collapse the arm if you don't support the inside between the two ears: See here: http://www.leverfamilysite.com/imag...etup_to_Remove_Bushings_Lower_control_arm.jpg (They only show one but its better to have two) This is a series of photos showing clamps and presses in use: http://www.leverfamilysite.com/Spacers_and_Shims_Page.htm You can use an air hammer and flat hammer attachment and drive them out as well. - Bill
This is a good shot of the "saw" method: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=154137 Sometimes the rubber is "loose" and leaves the outer shell behind when you press it. You can use an air hammer to drive it out or carefully cut the shell as show and collapse it as shown. - Bill
I'll second the saw method. HOWEVER if you saw cut into more material like toward the other bushing. This way if you do nick the arm it is less likely to cause a stress concentration where it can start tearing.
There was a video that someone posted somewhere where a guy walked one out with a drill in under a minute.
