Upper control arm bushing install

[siggyfreud]

Is the bushing supposed to be flush against the control arm? The bushings appear to have a lip about a CM from the mating surface. Not sure if I should keep cranking on it, or if the installed on is as far as it's supposed to be.

[siggyfreud]

Looks like they need to be pressed in more. May have a shop do it as I'm bending the control arms with my method.

[tincan1966]

unless there is a step notch in the control arm, I'd stop where you are, since it appears you are up against the step in the bushing. If you're already bending the control arm, it would be a good place to stop.

A good idea on the home made tool would be a way to support the control arm in between the bushings to avoid damage.

[siggyfreud]

Originally Posted by tincan1966

unless there is a step notch in the control arm, I'd stop where you are, since it appears you are up against the step in the bushing. If you're already bending the control arm, it would be a good place to stop.

A good idea on the home made tool would be a way to support the control arm in between the bushings to avoid damage.

Yeah, I was about to fab something up, but had to run to the store anyways so figured I'd just drop them off at a place with a press where they can pop them in quickly.

[65CowboyCaddy]

Just a thought, not sure if correct (someone else may know). After mounted can you press them on up with the nut that goes on each end.

[tincan1966]

Here's a question: How are you going to get the control arm shafts in?
I am assuming you haven't pressed in both bushings?

And not to repeat myself, but they will not go in any farther because of the step in the bushing that can be seen in the picture of the bushing by itself.

[siggyfreud]

I haven't pressed both in. The plan was to press one in, then put the shaft in, and use the shaft and nut on the other side to pull the other one in.

[B_Bob]

Here's a pic of mine. I see what you mean about the 1 cm gap. Mine are flush. I used a press to install them. Harbor freight special!

[tincan1966]

If you use the shaft and nuts to install the bushings, make sure you back off the nuts before installing the arms, then torque them.

Final tightening/torqueing of the shaft nuts shouldn't be done until the arms are installed and vehicle is at ride height with the vehicle weight on it. This is a little tough to do, but it is the proper way.