Tubular UCA Squeak - Help!

[74desertduster]

I have a 74 Dart Sport with Tubular UCA on it. Got it that way so don't know what bushings are in it but after reading many many postings here about Poly bushings squeaking...I'm thinking that is what I have.

When they get wet from rain OMG...it is gonna make me want to sell my car. Have tried WD-40 etc and read posts on here about grease but would rather change them if they will need constant service.

What is involved in changing the UCA bushing with these tubulars?

I am a confident mechanic but have never done much front end work.

Any help is much appreciated.

Brian

 

[1968FormulaS340]

I would go find some stock control arms, put in some new rubber bushings and toss the ones that are on your car in the trash.

 

[bargeahead]

I would go find some stock control arms, put in some new rubber bushings and toss the ones that are on your car in the trash.

What specifically is wrong with the tubulars ?

 

[mopar head]

Sounds like driveing an old squeeky bed does`nt it? They may have been installed hanging. the cars weight supposed to be on them before torqueing, I believe. You might take em apart and silicone grease. let us know if that works out for you. mine does the same thing, 340 powered barometer:cheers:. Im lazy and just use silicone spray. temp. fix.

 

[74desertduster]

Very old squeaky bed!

I think the car was set up to go fast for a 1/4 mile cuz when I got it the inside was gutted and all the work had been done on the engine, trans and front end.

Runs like hell but driving it is no fun because it squeaks and is very stiff up front. There is give in the front when I push down on the fenders. The torsion bars were all the way up and it was really bad so I lowered it a bit.

Maybe some stock shocks instead of the KYB's would soften it up too.

 

[70Duster440]

Spray lubes won't penetrate. The cheapest fix would be to mark the UCA adjusters and pull the bolts. Disassemble the bushings (which you should be able to do by hand) and apply silicone grease to everything. Reassemble. You can probably find the grease at a parts store that sells Energy Suspension parts (Part Number: 9.11110). I had the issue with aftermarket control arms. Could not quiet them until I disassembled and greased. A paint mark across the adjusters and frame will allow you do to it without getting another alignment.

 

[74desertduster]

So if I take the weight off the control arm by jacking frame....take out the bushing bolt and the play in the ball joint will allow enough room for the control arm to move so I can get the bushings out?

Thanks!

 

[jrlegacy23]

Also check the little flanges near where the control bushings bolt in. It is common to get metal to metal rub there and looking at your picture, you may have that. Look at the pics, its where I circled in red.

 

[70Duster440]

So if I take the weight off the control arm by jacking frame....take out the bushing bolt and the play in the ball joint will allow enough room for the control arm to move so I can get the bushings out?

Thanks!

Yes, you can easily disconnect the UCA from the frame. Just remember to mark the adjusters.

 

[74desertduster]

Thanks for all the great help!

Will tackle soon...tried some Liquid Wrench lube spray and helped some for the day but I am sure it won't last and want to make it better without constant care.