Control Arm Bushings

[ricnor]

My 1997 K2500 454 4x4 Suburban has cast front control arms, is it possible to get new bushes for these and is it a job a reasonably adept diy mechanic can do at home or does it need special equipment? If they are replaceable what type would be best? Also any links to good parts stores that will ship to the United Kingdom would be very helpful.
Thank you in advance for any help.

[maxwedge]

GM has bushings for these at about 16.00 each, you will need special tools to install them. Also check Napaonline.com.

[ricnor]

Thanks for that. Is the special tool for installing the bushes into the arms or for removing and refitting the arm's themselves. I have a press that I have used in the past for installing bushes on other vehicles.

[maxwedge]

There is a universal tool set for the job, I paid 160.00 for one and it has done old Fords as well as modern upper and lower arm bushings, got it from Napa, Carquest has it also.

[rhandwor]

If you have a 20 ton press you can install the bushings. You will then need a spring compressor to remove the whole control arm. You might get a free loaner from Auto Zone but I'm not certain exactly what they have. You will also need to remove the ball joint.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by rhandwor

If you have a 20 ton press you can install the bushings. You will then need a spring compressor to remove the whole control arm. You might get a free loaner from Auto Zone but I'm not certain exactly what they have. You will also need to remove the ball joint.

Why does the ball joint have to come out of the arm to replace the bushings, never had to do that?

[rhandwor]

You are using a tool which he doesn't have. To take the control arm to a press in the shop it has to be completely out of the vehicle. I have a tool but if I wanted to use my press it is in another room in my garage.