Front Control Arm Bushings

[dino420]

I have a 94 coupe with slightly torn LCA Bushings. Can new bushings be pressed into the control arms or does the entire arm assy. have to be replaced? I have heard that the entire control arm assy has to be changed, ouch......Any idea on the cost of control arms and best deals around?
Thanks

[dino420]

In addition.... Any idea on the number of hours to replace the control arms???

[toyomoho]

www.rockauto.com has both the arm and bushings.

[dino420]

Thanks man, I'll check it out. Anyone know of a good DIY thread on LCA?

[Venom_5]

i highly doubt anyone's done a DIY because its not a common issue

[Hajoca]

look up energy suspension for the instructions, and use white grease or soap.

[jsn]

The lower control arm bushings can be replaced on your 94 Camry.
I replaced mine but I am a certified mechanic and it is not any fun. If you are going to tackle this job, make sure you have the proper tools. A ball joint press is a must (otc sells one for around $100.00. If you have never attempted this type of work, I suggest you replace the entire lower arms. Be sure you have a service manual, a good jack and a good set of jack stands.
If you don't have these things, you may be better off paying someone to do this for you. Always align the front end after bushing or control arm replacement and obviously replace any other worn front end components.
Good luck--- Jsn

[dino420]

Thanks JSN..I think I am going to replace the entire control arms. This is what the dealer wanted to do. They found the issue last time the car was visiting them for some other issue I didn't want to tackle myself. I have good tools and a jack. I am a marine mechanic and mess around with cars during my free time. At least the car won't sink if I mess up the first time! Thanks again!

[davemac2]

if you are referring to the rear circular bushing, then yes they can be replaced without a press. You can get these bushings from Rockauto for about $30 each I think as already mentioned.

The hard part is getting the old ones out. First, observe the orientation of the old bushings in the arm because they are asymetrical and you want to put the new ones in exactly the same way. To get them out, just use a drill to drill out the old rubber and punch it out with a hammer. To get the old metal sleeve out, use a sawzall first with a metal blade and carefully cut thru the sleeve but not quite all the way. Then use an air chisel to bend the sleeve inward at the cut line and then chisel it out being careful not to score the control arm machined mating surface. It should pop out fairly easily unless there is a lot of rust, in which case you may need to use some penetrating oil and possibly heat the control arm.

To install the new ones, stick them in your freezer for a few hours. Heat the control arm around the bushing area with a torch (not red hot), then insert the new cold bushing. Use a hammer or small sledge hammer and something suitable (iron pipe fitting with a cap works) to put even pressure along the top of the new bushing's metal sleeve. You may need to give it a few good blows to get it in. Be careful to make sure it is centered top and bottom in the control arm and it is oriented the same way as the old one.

Total job per CA takes about 40 min.

cheers

dave mc

[dino420]

Thanks Dave, what a great write-up! I really appreciate the assistance!

[Maim Menu]

Be aware that old rusted bolts might be seized or will snap on you. I tried it on my old gen4 and there's a thread about it describing my nightmare.

Be careful and be sure that you can get some help if needed.

[Kep]

I like what DaveMac2 described. Especially about the cold & heat. Good idea.

When I did my 1990 I found some PVC fittings that matched the outside ring of the new bushings and was able to put the assembly in my vise and used that as a press. The PVC fitting applied the pressure only to the ring and it went in easy. Getting the old bushings out was the pain (the 90 model used two halves).

Kep