Control Arm Bushing Question

[Nacanowhere]

Ok mine are very shot, the rubber is separated from the bushing housing on one side, other side is about to go. What is the easiest way to remove the bushing from the housing?

I've seen some DIY's where they have to cut the metal out and then chisel it out? Any one had any easier methods for removal?

Thx Chris

[cockneyjohn]

Hi Chris. The bush in the middle of the boomerang shaped arm (the one with the threaded bolt in) should come pre pressed - I got mine in the UK from Euro car parts - Double cheap at 35.00 UK. The 'Lollipop' shaped bracket with the bush in that the control arm sits in is another matter. Bush is still cheap-pennies in fact but is a Bugger to get out. Sawing pushing and a bit of grease (meant to be a BMW lube that sort of 'sets' in half hour) is the only way im afraid. Tried to find these pre pressed in the UK to no avail.Hope this helps.John

[Zaks]

Ok mine are very shot, the rubber is separated from the bushing housing on one side, other side is about to go. What is the easiest way to remove the bushing from the housing?

I've seen some DIY's where they have to cut the metal out and then chisel it out? Any one had any easier methods for removal?

Thx Chris

i really doubt there's a much easier way, other than pressing it out someway i guess... oh and you cut the rubber then chisel out the metal... it takes about 2-5 mins each side, so it's a pretty easy method imo... i've done it about 10x now and it gets easier and easier... basically but the inside rubber off with a saw, then just start chiseling on the outside metal and it'll pop out very fast
good luck
if you have any more questions feel free to pm or whatever... i've done those damn control arms so many times now haha

[APKhoas]

Did these a couple of weeks ago. They were ragged just like the ones you described. Removing the old bushing from the lolipop was a simple matter of brute force. Once you cut the fairly thin outer shell of the bushing, a few taps with a punch will have the old one out. Getting the new one in is more challenging. You need a large vice, but also need to be uber careful that the bush is lined up accurately before you start pressing it in. You will need a drift for the last few mm where the bush is outside the lollipop on both sides.

Tommy's DIY is a terrific guide - great pics and high on realism!
http://www.geocities.com/e36rulz/DIY.html

[Nacanowhere]

once again, much thanks fellas... I'm restoring this lil commuter from its former glory! It has a long way to go. I'd be lost without the knowledge of the fine folks on this forum!

so far:

-spark plugs replaced
-oil changed with 20w50 castrol ---> now have 7 liters of Lubro molly 5W40 syn going in next
-K&N replacement air filter
-micro cabin filter
-fan delete
-alum. thermostat housing in progress
-control arm bushings in progress
- the big money item Bilsten BTS kit
-///M3 exhaust is shipping as we speak
-also changed automatic tran. fluid/gasket
-serpentine belts replaced

plan on some steel braided brake lines, a fuel filter change, and a valve cover gasket to patch the maintenence side of things for a WHILE

then I may need a headgasket later down the road.

I've either done these things myself, or plan on doing them myself except for the suspension (no spring compressor). ALso this bushing issue may require a shop as I have no VISE.

[sapienti]

when i did mine, i cut the rubber out with a coping saw, then cut through the metal outer ring with the same saw, chiseled it out with a flat screw-driver. for installation i took it to the local tire shop, they had a press, took the guy 5 minutes, and he didn't even charge me anything. getting them back on the control arm involved a little dish detergent and a pair of gloves, not as hard to get on as other stories i've heard.

[Sweeeems]

If you are getting into the control arm bushings - you should consider replacing the arm including the ball joint. If the car has 100k+ miles on it and the ball joints haven't been done they need it anyways.

Do the tie rods too and it'll be driving (close to) new again!:buttrock

[karlow]

That sounds familiar.
I have a front end kit on order (Ebay).
ETA about 1.5 weeks. The cost is $195-$250.
My car has 145K on her. The front wheels felt a litte lose when I checked the ball jonts/tie rods. When I changed the wheels to 17" (225 45) it started driving lose. It wants to wander around on the freeway! It's nice in the turns, but skidish on the freeways. A little bumb-stir, and some vbration when braking at freeway speeds. All after changeing tires and pumping them up! 17inch tires realy ride ruff @ 51 psig!:lol

KP

[myblackcar]

Ok mine are very shot, the rubber is separated from the bushing housing on one side, other side is about to go. What is the easiest way to remove the bushing from the housing?

I've seen some DIY's where they have to cut the metal out and then chisel it out? Any one had any easier methods for removal?

Thx Chris

For the wishbone bushing (aka lollipop), you can use a 3 jaw gear puller while it is still on the control arm.