Lower Control Arm bushings

[my66cruiser]

Has anyone replaced the lower control arm bushings? There is one for the left and one for the right side. If so, please share the procedure with me and if any special tools are needed. It looks like it is just one bolt on each side. One of mine appears to be squeezing out of the bushing's metal housing. Thanks.

[Harley Eaton]

I've always removed the lower control arm from the car.. Remove the bracket at the inner end of the control arm (one big nut). Remove two nuts that hold the strut to the control arm. Disconnect the stabilizer link. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the spindle. That should allow you to remove the lower control arm. Knock out the bushing metal sleeve. Press the new bushing in while using a spacer between the flanges of the control arm. Are these instructions in the shop manual?

[redbird1]

Originally Posted by Harley Eaton

I've always removed the lower control arm from the car.. Remove the bracket at the inner end of the control arm (one big nut). Remove two nuts that hold the strut to the control arm. Disconnect the stabilizer link. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the spindle. That should allow you to remove the lower control arm. Knock out the bushing metal sleeve. Press the new bushing in while using a spacer between the flanges of the control arm. Are these instructions in the shop manual?

Why does the arm need to be removed to replace the bushing?
Why not just place a jack under the arm, and to hold the weight, and unbolt the bushing.
Seems like a lot of trouble to remove the arm just to change out a bushing.
I can see unbolting the stabalizer and strut rod, but why the lower ball joint?
Isn't that a bit of unnecessary work?
Bob.

[Harley Eaton]

I did not say the arm NEEDS to be removed. It's easier to do it on the bench and removing the lower ball joint is no big deal. One nut, one whack and it's out. Besides when installing the bushing, you should use a spacer between the front and rear flanges to keep them from collapsing.