Hi, my front lower control bushings need changing. I know I need a the ball joint tool to change them but I don’t want to take the whole control arm off. Could there be enough play perhaps by take the bolts bolts off, pry it down and change the bushing? Anyone ever have that experience? I hate changing the lower control arm.
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing
- Thread starter Brian1133
- Start date
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4wd/awd/rwd.. those things will make a diff...
I personally just change the whole arm assembly .. Then you get a
new control arms with both bushings and a new ball joint...
You'll have to look at your RPO codes to make sure you get the correct stuff too
Just stick with a better brand on this
4wd/awd/rwd.. those things will make a diff...
I personally just change the whole arm assembly .. Then you get a
new control arms with both bushings and a new ball joint...
You'll have to look at your RPO codes to make sure you get the correct stuff too
Just stick with a better brand on this
Joseph Garcia
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I agree with @rdezs . You are much better off to change the entire control arm, than to try to extract/replace worn bushings and you get a new ball joint at the same time. I know that you don't want to do this, but it is the best repair practice for this issue.
strutaeng
Full Access Member
I've replaced the LCA/UCA bushings on my 99 Silverado and 06 2500 Suburban. They are definitely a challenge. The ball joint c-style press and heat is what I've used to remove them and a shop press to install the new ones. I've heard guys just burn them out.
On the 2500s the LCA are forged and very expensive ($250?) so replacement of the bushings is more economical. That was my first job and I definitely struggled.
I did the Silverado the following year and those were WAY easier. But still a pain over simply replacing the entire arm, especially because I spent too much time removing the ball joint rivets by then. Argh!
Both cases I did ball joints as well. Again, you definitely need a press for this as well. Or at least I would highly recommend a 20 ton press.
Good luck.
On the 2500s the LCA are forged and very expensive ($250?) so replacement of the bushings is more economical. That was my first job and I definitely struggled.
I did the Silverado the following year and those were WAY easier. But still a pain over simply replacing the entire arm, especially because I spent too much time removing the ball joint rivets by then. Argh!
Both cases I did ball joints as well. Again, you definitely need a press for this as well. Or at least I would highly recommend a 20 ton press.
Good luck.
petethepug
Michael
14 Tahoe. As stated it’s best to replace both the UCA & LCA at the same time. Today’s labor cost don’t support replacing the ball joints / bushings on both arms. Only a machine shop guy with his own press might do that job now. Purchase them complete.
The only other surprise you might get is one or more aluminum control arms. Stick a magnet on both to verify you’ve got steel.
The only other surprise you might get is one or more aluminum control arms. Stick a magnet on both to verify you’ve got steel.
