Control Arm Question?
#1
Control Arm Question?
I have a 90' RX7 Convt I'm putting new control arms on. I have the pivot bolt and ball joint in but the rear bushing (the one with 2 bolts) is cocked and not flush to where it bolts to the frame, i.e., I can't get the mounting bracket flush because the bushing is cocked.
I looked at the old arm removed and the bushing is like, for lack of better words, cocked at about 20-degress. The new bushing omn the control arm is level and when installed does not seat flush. Hard to explain.
What am I doing wrong?
I looked at the old arm removed and the bushing is like, for lack of better words, cocked at about 20-degress. The new bushing omn the control arm is level and when installed does not seat flush. Hard to explain.
What am I doing wrong?
#5
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Oh, the round one with one flat side? That one should turn by hand. Rather easily, in fact. It seems that you need new bushings. (I would also suggest cleaning the surfaces very carefully when installing the new bushing.)
If you insist on installing it as it is, unbolt the shock from the hub and move it out of the way then roll the arm up around until you can get the bolts in the back and then grab the arm and move it down.
I seriously recommend new bushings, why replace the lower control arms and not the bushings?
If you insist on installing it as it is, unbolt the shock from the hub and move it out of the way then roll the arm up around until you can get the bolts in the back and then grab the arm and move it down.
I seriously recommend new bushings, why replace the lower control arms and not the bushings?
#7
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I guess you will have to remove the hub and put it on, then horse it down and bolt it together.
You will probably have to burn or cut the old bushings off if you decide to replace them. The car will handle strangely with seized bushings on the lower control arm.
Out of curiosity, why did you replace the lower control arm, anyway?
You will probably have to burn or cut the old bushings off if you decide to replace them. The car will handle strangely with seized bushings on the lower control arm.
Out of curiosity, why did you replace the lower control arm, anyway?
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#8
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No DOHC,
this may not be something you know... The stock bushings had a tendancy to bind, in fact they don't move freely to begin with. Only aftermarket bushings move and let the arm turn freely. Taking the stock rear (of the control arm) bushing off is a pain and you must be careful. However, the benefit is that the arm will be much more user friendly and you will have a more responsive front end because of it.
this may not be something you know... The stock bushings had a tendancy to bind, in fact they don't move freely to begin with. Only aftermarket bushings move and let the arm turn freely. Taking the stock rear (of the control arm) bushing off is a pain and you must be careful. However, the benefit is that the arm will be much more user friendly and you will have a more responsive front end because of it.
#9
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I appreciate the input, I have done lower control arms on two cars (four bushings) and both bushings turned (maybe not freely), they must have been aftermarket. I appreciate you correcting me.
#10
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Yeah, they basically only turn with the give in the rubber with the stock bushings. You get a little, but not a whole lot. Plus it causes minor camber and toe changes in the suspension due to the rubber giving and compressing.
Beautiful cast aluminum pieces from the factory with ****-for-bushings.
Meh, thats the 80's
Beautiful cast aluminum pieces from the factory with ****-for-bushings.
Meh, thats the 80's
#11
So, what you're saying is the reaction from the factory bushings may bind at first? I noticed my old control arm bushing I could turn either.
Looks like I'll have to take the strut off to install the arm. I was hoping to avoid that but I tried a 1-1/2 days with no luck. I thought it should've of been a simple swap out.
Looks like I'll have to take the strut off to install the arm. I was hoping to avoid that but I tried a 1-1/2 days with no luck. I thought it should've of been a simple swap out.
#13
Finally got the control arms installed. Had to remove the struts to install. But they are in.
Boogered a Tie-rod castle nut. Best I can tell they are M12X1.25 thread pitch. No one seems to have this size- I guess because its fine thread? Where can I find one??????
Boogered a Tie-rod castle nut. Best I can tell they are M12X1.25 thread pitch. No one seems to have this size- I guess because its fine thread? Where can I find one??????
#14
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Sorry to kinda hijack the thread, but anyone got tips for removing those bushings? I tried cutting it off but, i gave up and slapped it back in, so i got a half cut bushing on top of cracked and worn in my car - lol
#16
Rider of the Sky
You can get the Energy Suspension kit for the front for about $40, and take off the old bushings with a butane plumber's torch from Home Depot for like $20.
For the second part, Ace Hardware.
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