Front end bushings: need to clarify

[njoconnor]

Took Blue 72 over to my mechanic's place last night for a safety check up on the rack. All in all, we passed (and he said nice things about over all condition). He wrote up a list of "things to do":

1) Replace front (heck, he said, just do "all") flexible brake lines (fronts and rear center had cracked plastic covers, rears looked ok). Assured me bleeding was not a big deal, and I've seen plenty of confirmation of that on the site. He thought this important, but not immediately required. I've been meaning to learn how to "do brakes", so I'm up for this!

2) Replace ALL front A-Arm and roll bar bushings (total 12, if I'm counting: 4 each location); the rubber on all of them is pretty badly cracked/worn, though none are loose enough to move by hand. Not immediate at all, but will get "clanky" as wear progresses. He thought it would be a fairly straightforward "loosen bolts and slide in job". He carefully checked the tie rod ends and ball joints for play/leaks, and showed me they were fine. The A-arms themselves are a little surface rusty, but solid, so replacing the entire assemblies would be pretty, but not needed.

Maybe the bushing replacements for the sway bar are that simple, but after reading the various posts on bushing replacement, I'm not so sure. If I understand all the posted instructions correctly, one still needs to use some form of press to properly fit the bushings back into the control arms (which means a fair amount of front end disassembly). Can someone clarify that impression? The parts are relatively inexpensive, and my mechanics labor charges are low (he has started giving me a slight discount whenever I "help" as well; great to have him as a tutor!), so waiting for the end of WI driving season and doing the job at his shop is entirely reasonable.

Thanks! The run down to his shop was eventful. The top/frame is still not mounted, and I checked the radar before heading down to his shop. Just about got there when an isolated cell opened up on me. No, 55 mph does NOT keep the rain out of the car! Thankfully, he had his garage door open, and I could drive in immediately. No damage, and a good laugh.

Thanks

Neil

[81SPIDERMATT]

yes there is actually a lot of disassembly for replacing a arm bushings ... some parts went to the shop for pressing out the old and in with the new .... some say that replacing the a arms with new is the way to go because they come with all new bushing and ball joints in them ... pricey and new and shiny but for me it was a no brainer .... doing it yourself will get you intimate with the car and it is not that hard to do ... also I have heard that the originals are beefier than the replacements ... cant verify that but remember reading it ... with very little experience and basic tools I was able to accomplish everything I have put my mind to (except alignment)... and will continue to do so .... lots of reading on what you are asking with some searching ... great write-ups and the willingness of others to share and help is amazing on this site .... and if your car is a summer driver only it is a great winter project for sure ...

as for the soft brake lines ... yes change them ... get the proper flare wrench ... it will keep the cursing to a minimum

[azruss]

the a-arm bushings are far simpler on a press. They do require removing the arms, spring, sway bar, etc. If you are willing to do this, you will save a ton on labor. If your steering ball joints are ok, then just replacing the bushing makes sense. I replaced my a-arm because everything was shot. I bought mine from AR and put a mic to the metal. The construction and thickness of the metal was the same as my OEM a-arms.

[njoconnor]

Thanks, guys. Means I'm reading/understanding the various posts correctly.

Giving all the tasks some thought, I've decided to push forward on the brake hoses this summer/fall; the car has an important date to provide the "departure" from my youngest son's wedding in OCT. Brakes would be a good thing to have (even if it's only around the block and back for the feast). Seriously considering a changeover to speed bleeders as well.

The bushing project is an excellent candidate for project creep. Replace bushings....geez, since I have to remove the front shocks, why not replace 'em with new shocks...might as well do the rears as well....and those bushings....and heck, while the control arms are off, hit 'em with inhibitor and a nice coat of flat enamel.... . Think I'll save the bushing project for the spring, along with the standard equipped leaky pinion seal. That gives me time for research, and to arrange things with my mech if things go furball.

Thanks again

Neil