Write up: http://rivperformance.editboard.com/brakes-suspension-f6/write-up-front-control-arm-bushing-t4034.htm#51539

IS there a write up on how to replace the lower front control arm busshing, Mine is going out and I dont want to pay a shop 100 bucks an hour to replace a 15 dollar bushing

I've never done it on a riv before but I would imagine you could pull the control arm, buy the bushing, and take it to a machine shop and have them press the old one out and the new one in for $5 or $10

yeah I know its cheap to have it pressed and the bushing is only 12 bucks I just dont know how to do the control arm

removing the control arm is very easy. jack the riv up set jack stands under the riv.

1. remove the tire on the side you will be working on
2. remove the pin that goes thru the castle nut on the lower ball joint
3. remove the ball joint castle nut
4. grab a big azz hammer and a pickle fork. wedge the pickle fork in between the lower ball joint and the steering knuckle.
5. bang the hell out of the fork till the control arm drops down.
6. remove the front bolt of the control arm
7. remove the rear bolt of the control arm
8. if you have a bushing press or a ball joint press then you can remove the bushings yourself. if not take it to a machine shop.
9. follow reverse to install.



now i did not tell you socket sizes, because on my '96 its a torx bit for my front bolt. if you have an air compressor then that will help out, if not make sure you are using 1/2 inch sockets with a good breaker bar.

good luck

thank you

Ive done this on my 96'... problems you may run into... the metal sleeve the bolt goes through inside the rubber bushing,, may or may not be rusted to the bolt.. which means its going to suck!!!!!!! i would suggest dousing everything in penetrant.. I had to use a cutting torch and carefully cut down the side of the sleeve.. I hope all goes well for you!!!

well when ever it stops fucking raining i will attempt

doesnt always work my friend... [/quote]

Its a very good penetrating oil, but will not work miracles or do the work of a cutting torch.


Bert

no problem. i do agree though, before you attemp this(especially if you don't have acess to air) spray the nuts and bolts of everything that you have to remove and spray them with pb blaster. if you are going to do this on a weekend then spraying the parts everyday throughout the week will help you grately.

kool thanks for the tips

What size Torx bit is required for that front bolt?
I have an assortment, but want to know ahead of time if I will have to buy one.
T-50? T-55?

T55 in my 1997