Bushing install

[NorthWestRider]

gonna be ordering my energy suspension bushings for my upper and lower front control arms. Just wondering how easy or difficult to do them myself at hoMe what do i need and any tips or advice

 

[jeremyandthemonte]

I had a machine shop shop take out my bushing and sleeve me personal would just replace the bushings and not the sleeve as you run the risk of damaging the arm but get a ball joint press and some wd40 and they should come out just be careful and don't bend the arm or if you are replacing the sleeve be very careful not to go past the ridge on the sleeve as it will damage the arm I did that on my uppers so I had an excuse to but some new uppers. Sorry for the long post If you have any questions just ask

 

[pontiacgp]

unlike the OEM bushing the Energy bushings come out of the metal sleeve. Coat the outside of the sleeve with grease and put the sleeve in the freezer overnite to shrink it. Heat up the control arm just before you install the sleeve and it should drop in with just a little force. then grease the bushing and install it into the sleeve.....

 

[Bonnewagon]

The job is easy with the right tools, a nightmare without. You need a big "C" clamp like HF sells, and a shop press helps too. Lacking these why not let a real auto store with a machinist on duty do it and get the ball joints done as well. Of course buying the tools is better in the long run.

 

[Longroof79]

Mark,
You're absolutely right on. When I did mine, I ended up drilling and burning the bushings out and caving in the shells with a sharp chisel. After getting everything out, I brought the arms to a machine shop and had them press the new bushings in...and like you suggested, had the lower ball joints pressed in.
Having the right tools for the job makes life a lot easier...words to live by.

 

[NorthWestRider]

I already have the bushings out just need to reinstall the energy suspension ones

Not sure if i can heat them up wit out mess n up da paint

 

[Longroof79]

In that case, bring them to a shop with a press that knows what they're doing, and have 'em pressed in...along with the lower ball joints.

 

[MollytheOldsmobile]

When I did mine, I had my buddies shop do both the uppers and lowers. Paid the guy like $20 a set and a 12 pack of bud to get them done. Not to worry you can always repaint them.
Like stated before me...have the ball joints done at the same time.
Save the hassle if you do not have the tools and a press.
Good luck...should drive like new!!!

 

[drogg1]

I, like the others, have had a shop press balljoints and bushings in and it was well worth the hassle. For me, a local brake and clutch shop did it for $15 a piece.

 

[liquidh8]

I agree with everyone else, I have the press and tools to do my own. with a fresh paint job it may be better to pay a few bucks and get it done, or hit you local parts store and see if they rent the tools to do it your self.

I have in the past used my bench vise, put the bushing in the freezer, and just he-manned the vise closed to press the bushing in. But that would definitely jack up a fresh paint job.