Replacing '89 A-arm bushings

[S10newbie]

I want to try and replace the upper control arm bushings myself. I don't have the bucks to have a shop do it for me. I've got a Chiltons which pretty much explains it but I've never done it before. I'm a bit nervous since it's my daily driver and don't want to screw things up. I know I need a ball joint seperator and installer tool(s) but any other tools I need? Coil spring compressor? How do I remove and 'press' in the bushings? Is it difficult to remove the arm to frame mounting bolt? How long would this take an amateur (to front ends) to do?

[dmbrisket 51]

seince you said your a newbie, i am sorry that im not going to give you directions, and its because its a 2wd truck, and i know this becuase you said spring, and those things will knock every damn tooth out of your mouth if it gets away from you, its not a hard job and shouldn't take to long (few hours) but if your worried, i wouldnt do it, gettin those springs back in is the real pain, if you got a chitlans, you should be good to go

[S10newbie]

Only a newbie to the S10 (stupid name I chose). Not new to working on my own vehicles. I've changed lower balljoints on a couple of other cars and have changed coil springs a long time ago on my old 70 Chevelle SS. I'm aware on the dangers of working with the coils. It's just most of my repair experience has been with motors, brakes/rotors.

[sector95]

To do it right, you'll need a small press. I know, there are probably some folks out there who'll use a 10lb sledge....but you'll be way better off with a press. If you're like me, just looking for an excuse to buy a new tool, then Harbor Freight has some nice "bench top" presses that will serve you well...and for right around 100 bucks or less. You should have a spring compressor; yes, you can use a floor jack to hold the spring tension as you release the lower ball joint fitting but you'll be tempting the fates during reinstallation. You'll need an internal compressor (one that slips up inside the spring through the shock hole in the lower A-arm) and you can usually rent (from you local rent-a-stuff) or borrow (free) from the likes of AutoZone (just need a credit card imprint). In addition, you'll need to make some adapters out of various diameters of pipe; one to act as the ram to push out the old and push in the new bushings and another to help support the legs of the A-arm where the bushings are mounted. Until you get the tools and parts, don't even consider starting. Give yourself a *good* full weekend to do it. IMHO, if you're going to be tearing down the suspension, you might as well do it all; while you're at it, R&R the ball joints. Also, again IMHO, if this is your daily driver I would use OEM rubber bushings rather than the Polyurethane jobbies. Poly bushings *will* squeak and will provide a much harsher ride. The Chiltons does a pretty good job of explaining procedures but you might want to consider getting a genuine GM factory service manual. There are many online outlets that sell these books (I bought one for my '85 and it is way much better than the Chiltons I have....the GM manuals are also year specific). Also, check online (a Google search) as there have been many articles written on doing this procedure.

Hope this helps and good luck

mike

[dewaynep]

To replace the upper control arm bushings you won't need a spring compressor. The spring will stay in the lower control arm pocket with the lower control arm. You will need a press of some sort, or you *can* do it with an air hammer to knock the bushings out. Not a difficult or hazzardous job, but a real good bench vise or a press will make it easier. I would give yourself a weekend to ensure it gets done.

[S10newbie]

Thanks guys. It doesn't sound that bad but I didn't have the time to spend on it. Got a quote to replace the passenger side bushings for $200. so I had them do it. This side was REAL bad since I could pull the wheel and it would move and pop quite a bit. Definately an improvment.
Thought I'd do the drivers side when I had a whole weekend off of work. I appreciate the help and guidance.