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Just wanted to add my results on Chris' control arm bushings.

I had some initial trouble taking off the forward (larger) bushings. What I found helpful was to use a coping saw to cut as much of the old rubber away from the metal bushing. This allowed me to better see the hacksaw cuts and it also relieved some pressure on the whole unit. Once the rubber was removed and the two hacksaw cuts completed, the hole punch did the trick with a couple of hits. Piece of cake at that point.

The aft bushings eventually will come out by using Chris' chisel technique, but you do need to keep working around the edges to incrementally move the bushing. It takes time, but it will finally let go. I used a socket that fit snuggly inside where the first bushing was removed to punch out the second aft pushing. A couple of hits with a hammer on a wood-protected socket did the trick.

Overall performance results are excellent...the new bushings corrected the braking wobble I was getting as I slowed through 50 mph and the suspension is a touch firmer. Nicely done, Chris!

MDamen

I took out the front bushings the same as Joe. Get as much of the rubber out as you can so you can see the metal. Cut two parallel lines down the bushing about the width of your chisel. No need to go all the way through, just close. then chisel between the two cuts to peel the strip of metal like opening a sardine can.

I like using a cold chisel and a three pound sledge. A little tough on the hands when you miss.

I love the results. Can't tell if there is any increas in noise or vibration. Got an alignment and it drives better than ever.

AB-Oz

G'day Chris,
Just in case my email didn't go through, could you send me some info on the Bushings cost + shipping to Australia? adamvfr@iinet.net.au

Cheers
Adam

trevor townsend

Hi Chris,
This sounds like a great upgrade. I'm sure that my '94 C2 needs them by now although only 55000 kms on the clock. The rubber must have perished long ago.
i will have to have them installed by a shop as I don't have any tools for this job and even if I did I would not be capable.
Can you send a set to me in South Africa? Fedex would be fine. If you can give me your bank details I'll arrange a transfer. Or I can pay by Mastercard.
Hope it's not going to be a hassle for you to do.
Best
Trevor

AOW162435

I installed a set of Walrod's Finest Bushings for another Rennlister on Saturday. The install went fine and was a bit easier than when I did the same to my 993.


For the large bushing:
Once I heated and removed the center sleeve, I carefully used a Sawzall to cut around the outer sleeve - the entire rubber bushing came out as one.

Using the same Sawzall, I made two parallel grooves in the outer sleeve. A few whacks with an old wood chisel and the piece peeled up, allowing the sleeve to slide out.

For the small bushing:
I found that a 1" deep socket is a perfect fit within the a-arm bore. Once you've gone ballistic on the first half of the small bushing, using a socket to persuade the other half out is easy. Unfortunately, I purchased that socket today....


Chris - once again, this is a fantastic product!



Andreas

Wachuko

Chris,

Can we still get these directly from you?

Since I just did the suspension in my car, and getting ready to take it for an alignment, I might as well replace the bushings before doing the alignment.

PM sent.

Update: Order placed. Thank you Chris!!

newsboy

Chris,
Could you E-Mail me the DIY for your control arm bushings.
shakin123@comcast.net
Thanks

chris walrod

Sure, check your email.

Ag02M5

Chris, have you had any thoughts of doing the rear bushings? I know 9m has some but the weak dollar makes them somewhat pricey.

Cheers.

RT

chris walrod

Colin is working on the 964 trailing arm bushing, IIRC. Completely different than the 993 rear lower control arm. But yes, the 993 rear lower control arm is doable. I need a sample arm to design the bushing and develop a process to retrofit them.

FLA997

Chris-

Since I went ERP, I can send you one in a couple weeks....?

KASH '95 993

Chris,

Thanks again for supply the bushings...installation was not too bad and my old ones were shot!

chris walrod

Konichiwa,

Thanks for the nice words -- great to hear!!

matt777

Just got the bushings installed this weekend. It's a bit of grunt work but everything went pretty smoothly with the DIY instructions. It's almost impossible not to mar bores a touch getting the large rear bushing out. The original 68k mile bushings were in fine shape. I hope to feel the difference along with the new PSS10's and H&R sways later in April.

tchubacha

Thanks Chris! Another happy camper. Vibration at 50mph is gone. I wimped out and did the exchange and installation was a cinch. At least now I have a brand new torch in the box waiting for something to do.