upper control arm on a chevy truck

[chevyaz]

the bushings on my control arm look pretty worn and Im going to replace them has anyone done this before that could offer a little help or am I in for a long day. Im plan on just buying a new control arm and swap it out. This is a 94 2wd truck. 350engine. That is a control arm with ball joint.

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[dave]

Not having any special insight on your peticular vehicle, I can just offer you some of advice just based on control arm busings in general:

Q: is this a cylinder type, or hockey puck type control arm bushing?

If it is the cylinder type and it can be changed it will have to be pressed out and the new one pressed in. A determination should be made to ensure there is no directional bias for the busing. An inspection of the busing can be made to determine if it is one that has a metal outter sleeve if it is open on one end or both ends. This will determine which way it can be pressed in and out. If the metal sleeve (if it has one) is flared on both ends, the bushing cannot be replaced and a new control arm will have to be installed.

More than likely, the busing will be replaceable in both directions as this is the most common type. The control arm will have to be removed from the vehicle. Use a ball-joint press (available for rent at autozone for a $100 deposit which you get back upon the tools return) with the adapters to press out the bushing. Clean and lubricate the control arm where the busing came out. *Use silicone spray on rubber components for lubrication (*This does not include WD-40 or PB Blaster) At this point bushing installation is just the reverse process of removal; simply select the appropriate adapters and press in the new bushing. Having an impact will pay off and make the job relatively easy.

With a hockey puck type bushing, it is possible to replace the bushing with the control arm still on the vehicle. It might be possible to pull out the lower control arm and wedge a block of wood between the arm and the frame to keep it out where you can easily access the bushing. The best tool to use in this case would be an air hammer. Use a blunt end attachment and hammer the bushing until it just falls out. Clean and lubricate the control arm in preperation for the new bushing. Bushing installation is just the reverse process; use and air hammer with a blunt attachment to press the bushing back into place.

[chevyaz]

I am just going to buy the replacment control arm with ball joint so I dont have to worry about pressing in the bushings. But thanks for the great info you posted,and for your reply.

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