Control Arm Bushings

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LJS30

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Hey gentlemen how difficult is changing control arm bushings on our A-bodies? I am having some major issues with squeaks and other noises in my front suspension that are getting really annoying. Several years ago I had a front end rebuild but it looks like my control arm bushings are already very worn away.
 
Your noise could just be a dry ball joint or tie rod. Have you been greasing your suspension? Besides squeaks dry joints will also cause pops and groans.
 
Suspension work qualifies as hard labor. Even with tall jack stands and all the right tools, the lower arm bushings are a chore to renew. Embrassingly loud up and down squeak typically comes from there too. When that bushing fails the pivot pin rubs metal to metal against the hole where passing through the K member.
There are plenty of threads here containing info, tips and tricks. These only supliment the info found in the factory service manual.
Hope this helps
 
Are you talking about upper or lower control arm bushings? The uppers are the easiest. Place a jack under the lower control arm to brace the suspension. Take the two bolts out of the upper control arm and spin it around so the bushings are facing you. Make your own press with a big bolt, a couple of big washers, nuts and a big socket that's just big enough to go around the bushing. At that point you can use the home made press to press them out and the new ones back in. Use dish soap for lubrication.

Remember to lower the car all the way on the ground before tightening the two alignment bolts back up on the upper control arm. If you tighten them while jacked up, you'll twist them once the car is dropped on the ground. After that it's only a matter of time before the rubber breaks and you get squeaking again. Also never lubricate them with anything oil based because it will dry the rubber out and squeak over time.

After that is done you'll need an alignment.
 
Thanks for the input guys. These squeaks are getting really annoying and I'm about done with it. I have never done front suspension work so hopefully in a couple weeks I can take a weekend and do this job.
 
I havent put my front suspension on yet but I've driven a car with them, it stiffens them up A LOT!! When taking a turn, you get less flex/roll is the best way I can discribe it to you (there is a probably a better way of informing you but this is the only way that is coming to my mind).
 
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