Hi all.

I have to replace my front end lower control arm rear bushings (1 per side). My 1997 Service Manual shows me how with all kinds of special tools and a hydraulic press, that I don't have. I've previously done this kind of work on my 68 Camaro, tough but doable with normal tools including a big hammer.

Can I replace these bushings in my garage? Has anybody done it? Is it necessary to remove the whole arm (more work), and do I have to align the front end?

Any advice is appreciated.

 

well what type of bushings did u buy to replace them?
In most cases they have to be pressed in, unless you bought poly.
Yes the Arm has to come out to make things alot easier.
Yes, you will need an alignment because once you move the control arm out of position, you just messed up the camber/toe adjustments, or try to mark where the bolts sat in place before you remove the bolts/arm so you can get it as close as possible so you can drive it to the nearest alignment shop.

I am going to be replacing all my lousy Poly bushings with MOOG bushings, changing my worn out rack and pinion, and upgrading to a 32mm sway.
Any questions, let me know cause i have done this already, and will be doing this again

 

The arms have to come out.

You will need a press if you're lucky, a press and a torch if you're not.

I took mine to a machine shop. I was not lucky (see above).

Go with Moog bushings. You can get them from Sam. Poly doesn't hold up in the caster (rear) position.

The car will have to be aligned afterward.

By the time I bought new bushing and ball joints and paid the machine shop, I was within about $25 of the cost of a pair of brand new arms. The new arms come from GM with new bushings / ball joints installed. Think about it.