Received my new Pillowballs from Ray.

I know many forum members have instlled these themselves and there are a couple of really detailed writeups.

Interested in what people have paid to have the 6 Pillowballs installed and was it from a dealer or shop.

Thanks.

 

Did not have it done by a shop, but:

It took me about 3 hours total to do it myself, including ~1 hr to check and reset the alignment (I pulled the arms off to do this in a press, so alignment was necessary). So, if you find a friendly dealer, repair shop, or machine shop (they always have presses and can do it), it should cost, IMO, between $200-300 not including alignment. However, the rear suspension will probably need to be aligned after the job, since the lower arm adjustments (they affect toe and camber) will most likely be disturbed if the arms are removed, you will have to add alignment to the cost.

Dave

 

Thanks! The dealer has quoted 3 hours to do the 6, so that's roughly $300.

 

If you want to save some money, take the control arms off yourself and take them and the bushings to the shop.

 

+1. I didn't have a press back in the day and took the suspension pieces and the new bushings to a shop I've gone to for other stuff over the years. IIRC they charged me $5 per bushing, including pressing out the old.

 

You shouldn't need to do an alignment. Just be sure and mark where it was before you remove it. Then line up the marks when you put it back on.

 

Do it yourself. Follow Dale's guide:

http://www.clubrx.org/default.asp?id...ntent=32&mnu=5

And pick up the Harbor Freight tool:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38335

I doubt it will take you 3 hours with the proper guide and the proper tools.

 

Adam,

When I did mine, there was enough slop in the offset alignment bolt on the inner end of the lower arm that marking the position of the bolt and the indexed washer on the opposite side was not good enough. The alignment didn't come back to exactly the same settings when reassembled, and I had to do minor readjustments to get it right. YMMV

Dave.

 

can that harbor freight tool also do a bushing install..ie the SuperPro full kit?

 

Yes, if you have a good collection of varying sized sockets.

 

Dave,

It's been a while since I did a set of pillow bearings. I have done 3 sets, on 3 different cars, and never had an issue with "slop". As I recall, the indexed washer should bolt up tightly. Why was your sloppy?

Adam

 

i have a bunch of sockets...can you or anyone give me an idea of whats needed for that job. 26mm is the biggest and just about everything in between.

 

You should also get a pair of snap ring pliers.

 

It takes about one hour per side and yes I have a press . I get $ 35 per hour .

 

I sent David my bushings to be pressed in. He did a great job and at a great price. Thanks again

 

Why not just buy the Harbor Freight tool and do it yourself?

 

This may be a stupid question but would a 12 ton press be enough to change the bushings?

 

Easily. They don't take very much force to press out or in.

Dave

 

Thanks

 

I also had him to some other things for me so it was easier this way.

 

edit

 

Thanks for all the tips, have the new pillowballs in now and we'll see if the 'ol clunk is gone. . .