Tricks for installing swing arm bump-stops?

[jcwren]

I'm replacing the bump-stops on the lower control arms, and while getting the old soft ones out was trivial, the new ones are not quite so cooperative. The bottom of the new ones have an "arrow" shape, and I can't compress the arrow to get it into the slot. Part #24 in the image below.

Besides using some silicone lubricant, what's the trick to getting these in?

I'm thinking >maybe< a set of parallel jaw pliers, if I can find a set with narrow enough jaws. There's probably a special GM tool for this...

Thanks!

[chiefcfd]

I actually have an old microwave in my shop. I used it to heat up the bump stops for installation. Just test after a few seconds. Warm them up just enough to be pliable and they will slip right in.

[jcwren]

Originally Posted by chiefcfd

I actually have an old microwave in my shop. I used it to heat up the bump stops for installation. Just test after a few seconds. Warm them up just enough to be pliable and they will slip right in.

I was going to check out the link in your sig, but it just throws up a page that says 'pageok'.

Thanks for the microwave idea. That may be the way to go.

[Ironangel]

The pic above doesn't show the slot completely...Once the old stop is removed you can take a large screw driver and bend the slot tabs up to open one end allowing you to slide the new stop in. Heat the new stop up in a pan of boiling water while you wire brush the mounting surfaces clean and smooth. Smear some grease on the mount and the new stop and push it on the two tabs that you bent up. When you get it on, use a punch to hammer the tabs back down and your done...This is a job best done when making a spring change or control arm bushing maintenance allowing full access...