Control arm bushings

Mack_1111

Hi,

I can't track the rear wheels on my mk1 ford focus. Basically the bushings on the lower rear control are unserviceable. Does anyone know how I could change them? Is there a step by step guide anywhere?

Cheers

George Dalton

Is this the bush on the swing arm ahead of the rear wheel? If so it's not really a DIY job to be honest. There is a special tool for pressing them in. You can't pull them in with a normal bush installation tool because there is a metal bar made into the centre of the bush. If you have the tool you can change the bush without removing the control arm but otherwise you will have to remove it and the chances of snapping off bolts and getting into a very messy situation are pretty high.

Mack_1111

Hey it's the arm that the suspension spring sits in.

This shows the bushings and locations:

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220811152639&ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:IE:1123#ht_1842wt_1037

George Dalton

They are different to the ones I was talking about. Should be easier to change.

d o'c

Ideally have a press, out with old fit the new ones. Or take the arms off, and take then to a garage. If you want to do it yourself.....

Compare the bushing size old vs new before you start, stick new bushings in the freezer.

Without the press,with this type of bushing I cut out the centre of the old bushing. A drill is handy hacking out the rubber.
hack a track through the rubber down until the steel casing part of the bushing. Then using a hacksaw, cut the metal casing end to end taking care not to go too deep down to the control arm housing.
The cut will relieve outward friction on the housing, then chisel the casing toward centre of the hole. The split casing will just knock out.

sand the hole and oil it
Take new bushings out of the freezer, and use a socket and large vice to press the new ones in. Make sure you start the bushing squarely.
Or use a bushing puller.

When refitting arms only tighten bolts fully when car is on the ground.

Plug

The bolts in it are probably rusted and the metal part of the bushes are seized thats why it can't be tracked. Bolts sheering off etc not really a DIY job.

Mack_1111

Ya, that's what happened. I got new bolts from the Ford garage but when I went to change them the bushings went. It's fairly expensive to buy two new control arms that's why I was hoping to just change the bushings. Any advice?

Plug

Remove the arms and get a garage to replace the bushes in them. Save you the bother of hardship if ya dont have the proper tools. I dont think a hack saw blade will fit throw them, even if it did there is a lot of cutting and beating.