Control Arm Bushing Advice

Flifisher

Flifisher

New member
My rig is in desperate need of control arm bushings in the front. I noticed it while doing my brake this weekend. can anybody offer advice...I have read you can't buy them, so I researched...some are 30bucks, and some are 10 bucks...and if they can be changed, how diff. is it....Thanks a million.
 
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Can you find new arms from a salvage yard? That is the only option I have heard of other than aftermarket arms.
 
what are the control arms? I am guessing they are the bars that go from that torsion bar to the frame and has a pancake style bushing at the top??>
 
MTDewX8 said:
what are the control arms? I am guessing they are the bars that go from that torsion bar to the frame and has a pancake style bushing at the top??>
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He means in the front, the upper and lower control arms or A-arms, whatever you want to call them.

The control arms in the rear are the 4 arms that go from the axle forward to the frame (2x upper, 2x lower). They keep the rear axle in lnie front to rear, and keeps it from spinning on it's own axis.
 
Nelsonmd said:
He means in the front, the upper and lower control arms or A-arms, whatever you want to call them.

The control arms in the rear are the 4 arms that go from the axle forward to the frame (2x upper, 2x lower). They keep the rear axle in lnie front to rear, and keeps it from spinning on it's own axis.
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thanks for explaining.

wasn't possitive
 
Yes, you can replace the bushings on both upper and lower control arms. You will need access to a press to get them out and in.
Most dealership service departments will try to sell you a new entire control arm with bushes already installed and if you can afford/want to do that then that's a good option. But it you're on a budget and can do mechanical work yourself, then just get the bushes.

To see the work involved, here is a link to the entire service manual. Scroll down to the suspension and axle sections.
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1996/SIL/fsm/repair.html
 
Thanks!!!! I am very reluctant to go to a stealership....but i have a local mechanic who might be able to do it... Thanks for all the clarification in the thread...yes, the arms are exactly that....Thanks!!!!!:cheers:
 
Flifisher said:
Thanks!!!! I am very reluctant to go to a stealership....but i have a local mechanic who might be able to do it... Thanks for all the clarification in the thread...yes, the arms are exactly that....Thanks!!!!!:cheers:
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I would use this as an excuse to get a harbor freight press and do them myself.
 
I've done em on my Tacoma and my 4Runner, all you really need is a propane torch, air hammer, vise, hammer and a block of wood. Heat the bushing and pop the rubber insert out, use the air hammer with a muffler cutting bit to knock the metal shell out, clean up the hole in the control arm with some sand paper, put a light layer of grease on the new bushing and in the hole in the control arm, and pound the new bushing in using the hammer and block of wood. After taking the control arm out it should only take about 30-45 minutes on each side.
 
Hummmm That is what I was thinking...I would really rather do it myself. A couple more questions....do I have to take the arm off? and can you recommend a bush supplier.... ?? can I use anything besides an air hammer?? I really appreciate your help and advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
You definitely have to take the arm off, the bushing is inside the arm which is sandwiched between the frame when its all together. I think I got mine from rockauto both times I did them but check out Amazon. You can most likely get away with using a hammer and chisel but its going to take a little longer.
 
Thanks again....That is what I will do...I figure I'll do it while I have my wheels off to paint...get two things done....at once. I appreciate your help.
 
techno said:
Yes, you can replace the bushings on both upper and lower control arms. You will need access to a press to get them out and in.
Most dealership service departments will try to sell you a new entire control arm with bushes already installed and if you can afford/want to do that then that's a good option. But it you're on a budget and can do mechanical work yourself, then just get the bushes.

To see the work involved, here is a link to the entire service manual. Scroll down to the suspension and axle sections.
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1996/SIL/fsm/repair.html
Click to expand...

I wouldnt say you "need" a press, but it is certainly ideal if hitting them in with a large socket and hammer isn't your thing.
 
YotaZach85 said:
I've done em on my Tacoma and my 4Runner, all you really need is a propane torch, air hammer, vise, hammer and a block of wood. Heat the bushing and pop the rubber insert out, use the air hammer with a muffler cutting bit to knock the metal shell out, clean up the hole in the control arm with some sand paper, put a light layer of grease on the new bushing and in the hole in the control arm, and pound the new bushing in using the hammer and block of wood. After taking the control arm out it should only take about 30-45 minutes on each side.
Click to expand...

YataZach, how did you know your bushings needed replaced? And how much of a difference did it make in the ride?
 
1985taylor1925 said:
YataZach, how did you know your bushings needed replaced? And how much of a difference did it make in the ride?
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In both cases the adjusters to do my alignment were seized inside the bushings and I couldnt rotate them to get the alignment back into spec. The only way to get everything apart is to cut the escentric shaft off on either end of the bushing and replace the bushings and escentrics all together. The only ride difference I could feel was a result of the alignment.
 
One more thing.... What is the difference between the $25 bushing and the $8 bushing....amazon has them both....I want to do the replacement right, and save bucks as best as I can...keeps my lady happy...
 
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