Upper Arm Installation

[Zulu]

After blasting, painting, and bushing our suspension arms we are finally ready for reinstallation. Unfortunately, the upper arm doesn't fit. None of our four arms will fit around the shock tower.



Does anyone have any advice? The inner metal bushing is flush with the inside of the rubber, should that be pressed out towards the outside? Thanks in advance.

Austin

[dmwhiteoak]

It looks like your bushings are set too far in.

[focodave]

Agreed, with Dennis.
The bushings appear to be pushed into the a-arms too far.
Simply press them back out slightly, to obtain proper clearance.
Dave

[So Cal Mark]

there should be a row of ridges on the bushing shell. If the bushings are pushed past those ridges, they're in too far. One bit of advice. Once you get the bushings at the right depth, put some lube on the very end of the bushing where it contacts the shock tower. That will prevent squeaks

[focodave]

I used Novagard G623 Silicone Grease compound on mine.
If you use petroleum-based grease, it may deteriorate the rubber over time.

[dmwhiteoak]

I used nothing on mine and it squeaks to no end. Use what is recomended, you will be glad you did.

[vandor]

FWIW, there is a chance the ridges (which are not supposed to be pressed into the arm) have made the bushing holes (in the a-arm) bigger, and once the bushings are pushed out they will not be tight enough.
I've seen bushing sleeves tack welded to the arm...

[Zulu]

So the flange on the bushing is not supposed to be pressed up against the control arm?

EDIT: Here are close up photos of the bushing:

[focodave]

Zulu,
Here is a poor-quality photo of one of the original control arms I pulled off of my car.
Referencing what Mark said, see how the ridges in the bushing are visible?
The bushing should be pressed into the arm until the bushing ridges contact the receiving sleeve in the arm.
Dave

[bobplyler]

Here's some pictures of a new arm I haven't installed yet.

[Zulu]

Thank you for those pictures, I see now that we pressed the bushings in too far. I'm assuming then that we've ruined both the bushings and the arms.

Before we pressed the bushings in, they would simple slide in to what I now know is the proper depth. So I'd assume my arms were messed up from the start.