Trouble Installing New Control Arm
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: S.E.,CT.
Trouble Installing New Control Arm
I'm trying to install a new R/F Upper Control Arm from AutoZone on my truck.
Should it fit easily into the brackets?
I can't get it into the brackets. It seems there is not enough space between the inner edge of the two bushings. The inner part of the brackets bend even when it's only partially mounted. The only difference between the new & old one is the bushings seem more compressed on the old one.
Should it fit easily into the brackets?
I can't get it into the brackets. It seems there is not enough space between the inner edge of the two bushings. The inner part of the brackets bend even when it's only partially mounted. The only difference between the new & old one is the bushings seem more compressed on the old one.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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I have had a few where I had to drive the bushing into the arm another 1/16 inch to get them installed. Set the arm on end over the vise or a big pipe so it sets on the frame. smack or press the bushing outward into the pipe a very small amount ( 1/32 to 1/16 inch) to get the extra clearance needed. Its a quality control problem with the manufacturer.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 223
Likes: 2
From: S.E.,CT.
Thanks Steve.
I gave that a try. The bushings didn't budge & I damaged the arm in the process. But I was able to exchange it for another which also didn't fit for the same reason. So I got one from NAPA that does fit. Thankfully. It's non-grease able though. But that's just the way it's going to be.
I do appreciate the advice.
I gave that a try. The bushings didn't budge & I damaged the arm in the process. But I was able to exchange it for another which also didn't fit for the same reason. So I got one from NAPA that does fit. Thankfully. It's non-grease able though. But that's just the way it's going to be.
I do appreciate the advice.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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The bushings are pressed in at the factory on a hydraulic press. Depending on how tight they are you may or may NOT be able to bump them with a hammer. Your probably better off with a new arm if you don't have a hydraulic press. You want the bushings TIGHT in the hole so they wont move at a later date and change the alignment !!
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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the truck frame has egg shaped holes. the arm has a bushing with a round hole. After sticking the arm into the truck frame bracket, you normally have a washer on each OUTSIDE covering the oblong hole. One under the bolt head and one under the nut........ some bolts and nuts have the washer built in and will not need an extra.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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Did you mark the old washer on the truck frame bracket so you can put the new arm and bolt in the exact same position ? If not, you need to get it aligned afterwards to get the caster and camber right.... they can also affect the toe in if not in the same position.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: S.E.,CT.
I did not make any marks.
I'm beginning to wonder if the flat washers are suppose to go on the inside of the brackets because of how loose they fit.
On the control arm on the other side of the truck, they are between the nut & the bracket. But I'm not sure if that is correct cause it has been replaced with one from Advance Auto which might have fit not as loose as this one from NAPA. Advance didn't have one in stock for this side.
Also, I noticed that there are ridges in the metal edge of the bushings & the inside of the bracket that they mount against. And I would think the washers would have ridges also if they went there but I could be wrong.
I'm beginning to wonder if the flat washers are suppose to go on the inside of the brackets because of how loose they fit.
On the control arm on the other side of the truck, they are between the nut & the bracket. But I'm not sure if that is correct cause it has been replaced with one from Advance Auto which might have fit not as loose as this one from NAPA. Advance didn't have one in stock for this side.
Also, I noticed that there are ridges in the metal edge of the bushings & the inside of the bracket that they mount against. And I would think the washers would have ridges also if they went there but I could be wrong.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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There are no washers between the control arm bushing and the frame mount. The washers go on the OUTSIDE. On the inside, the bushing metal center should bottom out on the frame and pinch tight. As you tighten the bolt the steel center binds and locks in place. As you rotate the control arm up and down, you are flexing the rubber bushing around the steel center. The steel center does not move.
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