ammonman

Howdy all,

I am starting to gather parts in preparation for installing the Eibach springs from the group buy. While I have the springs out I am going to send the Bilsteins and have them reconditioned. I thought this would be the perfect time to replace the rear lower control arm bushings. The WSM calls for a hydraulic press to R&R, but has anyone done it using a C-Frame style press? Also, do the front upper spring mounts usually need replaced when doing new springs?
Thanks

Mike

Shark_Week

mike, where do you send the bilsteins for reconditioning

Bill Ball

I've used a press, but I suppose a large balljoint C-frame could work if you can get enough leverage on it. Worth a try, if that's all you have. Lube the bushings with some silicone spray or a little silicone grease, but not petroleum grease.

Not sure why you think the upper spring mounts might need replacing. Often I find deteriorated bump stops that need replacing but not much else.

SeanR

I've changed a few of those bushings, and of those, none needed replacing.

I don't think you will be able to get them back in w/o a nice, large press. Hell, removing them is a pain.

ammonman

The shocks go back to Bilstien for reconditioning. Take a look here.

Bill, I'm not sure the mounts need replacing as I don't have the shocks out just yet. Just thinking about 20 year old rubber/steel parts that have been through countless heat cycles and attack by pollution etc. and the window of opportunity while replacing the springs. I hate to take something back apart to do another job that I could have done when I took everything apart the first time. Call me lazy I guess I am unsure how much benefit there is to replacement if they are not torn/broken and am looking for input.

Mike

Mrmerlin

The front upper spring perches should be fine sometimes the outer covering comes off but thats about it, For the inner bushings you can use a big C clamp to press out the inner bushing the take a hack saw and cut out the rubber, there is a metal sleeve in the rubber so once your through it you can pry our the remaining bushing.
It would be helpful to have a press to install the new bushings use silicone spray and a pipe coupler ( 3 in IIRC) thats just bigger than the bushing edges this will let you push the bushing through the hole as it will sit sit proud a few MM s or so.
I broke my vice pressing one in, used a C clamp to press out the inner bushing then hacksaw. Good luck

ammonman

Thanks for the insight Sean. I have an occasional clunk that seems to be coming from the right rear suspension. All the bushings seem tight and there aren't any loose bolts as i have checked torque on all the fasteners in the rear (well, all those I could get at.) When I do the spring R&R I will remove the pins completely and check that neither is bent. Maybe I'll get lucky and the cause will be something shock/spring related.

ammonman

Thanks for the info Stan. I guess if I have to do the bushings I'll find a local machine shop to do the press work if they are that difficult.

Mike

Mrmerlin

that would be the best bet with the right tools its easy,
without them it is very hard to complete

SeanR

True, but when I did yours, I had to buy a 20 ton press to get them back in. The 12 ton wouldn't cut it, and your old ones weren't bad.

GlenL

Replacing the 10 bushings in the rear of my car wasn't worth the effort. No discernable difference.

blown 87

Damn, that is in there if you can not get it with a 12 ton press.

Bill Ball

Man, and after I bought all the rear bushings for ny car.

GlenL

Hopefully your experience is different.

Bill Ball

Actually as far as I can determine all the bushings are fine, but I'm getting desperate to resolve some strange and worsening handling issues despite shocks, tires, alignment, wheel bearings, tie rods, etc. all being good.