axle and rear upper control arm bushings

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Old Dec 20, 2009 | 09:42 PM
  #1  
bigwillystyle's Avatar
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axle and rear upper control arm bushings

What is the easiest way to remove the rear upper control arm bushings at home. The rear upper control arm bushings are on the frame and on the axle what is the easiest way to remove the bushings that are on the axle?
Old Dec 20, 2009 | 11:55 PM
  #2  
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To remove the bushings that are in the axle, drill a bunch of 1/2" holes in the rubber. The heat and missing volume will make the rubber part slide out easily. If the casings are in good shape, just use the rubber from the new bushings and slide them in. You can freeze the overnight to shrink them a bit. If you are intent on replacing the entire shell, remove the rubber part as described above and then take a hacksaw blade and cut a slit from the inside at approximately the 9 o'clock position. You can then hit the outer shell of the bushing from the outside with an air hammer or a hammer and chisel. They should collapse into themselves. You can pretty much remove any control arm bushing that way.

Check this out:

http://www.valvoline.com/car-care/au.../res20011101br
Old Dec 21, 2009 | 02:20 AM
  #3  
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That article is informative but aren't all the '68-'72 A-body upper rear bushings pressed into the axle housing?

"Each control arm has two pressed-in bushings, one at each end."

Here's a thread with some info.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-bushings.html
Old Dec 21, 2009 | 04:36 AM
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This post is about 80% wrong.

Originally Posted by henryk8398
To remove the bushings that are in the axle, drill a bunch of 1/2" holes in the rubber. The heat and missing volume will make the rubber part slide out easily. If the casings are in good shape, just use the rubber from the new bushings and slide them in. You can freeze the overnight to shrink them a bit. If you are intent on replacing the entire shell, remove the rubber part as described above and then take a hacksaw blade and cut a slit from the inside at approximately the 9 o'clock position. You can then hit the outer shell of the bushing from the outside with an air hammer or a hammer and chisel. They should collapse into themselves. You can pretty much remove any control arm bushing that way.

Check this out:

http://www.valvoline.com/car-care/au.../res20011101br
Old Dec 21, 2009 | 05:12 AM
  #5  
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I found a video on youtube when I was doing mine. I don't have a link just go to youtube and search rear control arm bushings. This guy has a very slick way to remove the rubber inner bushing.
Old Dec 21, 2009 | 05:32 AM
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Here you go. Good luck
Old Dec 21, 2009 | 05:52 AM
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http://www.youtube.com/user/telowe20.../8/UPXf1OR9Lnk
Old Dec 21, 2009 | 06:31 AM
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That is pretty slick!

Probably best to keep one "strong" bit around for this purpose only, maybe use an old dull bit though. The cheapo ones would probably snap pretty quickly.
Cool, quick solution though. Might not be as easy to access under the car though.

Duane
Old Dec 21, 2009 | 07:07 AM
  #9  
don71's Avatar
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/That guy made it look Easy!!
Old Dec 21, 2009 | 07:16 AM
  #10  
AZ442's Avatar
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I used this to do mine in the car with a right angle drill it worked great. Also did the same thing on the control arm bushing. Very slick
Old Dec 21, 2009 | 07:24 AM
  #11  
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OK, yes the right angle drill would be a big plus to doing it under the car. It would be worth the $20 to go rent one from the local rent-all shop to not have to remove the rear, that's for sure.
Duane
Old Dec 21, 2009 | 08:14 AM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by My442
This post is about 80% wrong.
It worked for me. That's the procedure I used on my A-Body car and it's been fine. If you have a better way, please share.
Old Dec 21, 2009 | 09:10 AM
  #13  
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The bushings on the axle of GM A body cars are a one piece part (steel sleeve and vulcanized rubber center with a sleeve). They are not rebuildable.

You can use a number of methods to remove them, but the best way (and factory SM way) is to use a tool to press them out and press them in.

I use a ball joint press to do the work. Easy to do, and prevents any damage to the ears on the axle housing.

If to look at a FSM, they show how a press is used.
Old Dec 21, 2009 | 10:05 AM
  #14  
junior supercar's Avatar
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easiest way, then like My442 said, ball joint press. There are other ways, but he asked for easiest way.
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