I'm thinking of having some front control arm bushings put in (New Edge prothane) at a labor cost of $400.00 (Ford Dealership) is that insane? No way I can do it myself, it's beyond my skill level. From what I've read here it's quite the job. Then I read the thread where they wear out in 40K, (old thread) is that still the case? I want to do auto-x this summer and from what I read these bushings will really help.
Front control arm bushings; Best material; pros/cons
black07
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I'm thinking of having some front control arm bushings put in (New Edge prothane) at a labor cost of $400.00 (Ford Dealership) is that insane? No way I can do it myself, it's beyond my skill level. From what I've read here it's quite the job. Then I read the thread where they wear out in 40K, (old thread) is that still the case? I want to do auto-x this summer and from what I read these bushings will really help.
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1,530 Posts
you want to do autox and you cant replace bushings? :lol:
but seriously, though. it you have a set of sockets, a jack, and a hammer, you can do it. personally, i think nothing is beyone anyone's skill level if you take your time and do the research. its all part of a automotive learning experience!
everything that ive done with my car has been done by ME. (except alignments, tire mounting/balancing. etc) i didnt know how to do HALF of this stuff, but i taught myself! believe me, if i can work on my car, you can work on yours :thumbup:
400 bucks is a bit pricey. ask around at some other shops if you REALLY dont want to do it yourself.
but seriously, though. it you have a set of sockets, a jack, and a hammer, you can do it. personally, i think nothing is beyone anyone's skill level if you take your time and do the research. its all part of a automotive learning experience!
everything that ive done with my car has been done by ME. (except alignments, tire mounting/balancing. etc) i didnt know how to do HALF of this stuff, but i taught myself! believe me, if i can work on my car, you can work on yours :thumbup:
400 bucks is a bit pricey. ask around at some other shops if you REALLY dont want to do it yourself.
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2,717 Posts
For $400 you can buy yourself a press and still be ahead.
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2,717 Posts
a big vise, maybe some huge channelocks
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14,313 Posts
nah they won't work :lol: tried it with dinoadventures back in the day and my god what a PITA it is to do...we bought a small bench press.
burning them out is an alternative but it stinks and makes a mess.
You need a press. You could remove all the arms and then take them to a shop to have it done. then reinstall yourself and have it aligned.
Honestly tho $400 might sound high but its a lot of work and if it that price includes a realignment/brake bleed then that's a good price.
A brake bleed you ask...the rear trailing arm brake line must be removed to get the arm off the car so you'll need to bleed the rear brakes.
burning them out is an alternative but it stinks and makes a mess.
You need a press. You could remove all the arms and then take them to a shop to have it done. then reinstall yourself and have it aligned.
Honestly tho $400 might sound high but its a lot of work and if it that price includes a realignment/brake bleed then that's a good price.
A brake bleed you ask...the rear trailing arm brake line must be removed to get the arm off the car so you'll need to bleed the rear brakes.
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14,741 Posts
Front control arm bushings are a major PITA. While $400 is on the high side, I'm surprised they gave you an estimate.
I used to run a set, but when I upgraded brakes, the new hub needed different control arms, and while contemplating installing a set on those arm, I just said "Fuggetaboutit".
I used to run a set, but when I upgraded brakes, the new hub needed different control arms, and while contemplating installing a set on those arm, I just said "Fuggetaboutit".
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3,768 Posts
I bought the ES bushings myself and had a shop here do the fronts for $80
What about reinstallation? I'm okay with burning out the bushings, but how hard is it to get the sleeve out then? Also, how hard is it to get the new bushing into the sleeve, and the bushing/sleeve back into the arm?
Hmm, good to know. That would make life a lot easier, but why is that the case?
Also, does the sleeve need to be lubricated too? Does the sleeve bind to the control arm pivot?
Was thinking another way to remove bushings would be to freeze them with liquid nitrogen and chip them out. Less messy than burning them. But how to get ahold of liquid nitrogen?
Also, does the sleeve need to be lubricated too? Does the sleeve bind to the control arm pivot?
Was thinking another way to remove bushings would be to freeze them with liquid nitrogen and chip them out. Less messy than burning them. But how to get ahold of liquid nitrogen?
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