control arm bushes replacing without press Topic is solved

[darrylrobert]

Lower Control Arm bushes replacement.

First of all dont try to use a vice as a press

Vice destroyed by LCA

Both bushes are best cut for removal.

cut out old bushing

Buy a decent clamping tool with the correct sized cups, i tried two metal shops and non had the correct size pipe for the job.

clamping tool

I also used a 5Tonne gear puller because it has a longer reach (long legs), it felt like it was at it limit, would suggest a 10Tonne

The large rear bush is easily done, the smaller front bush is a problem only due to its length. Lub it up and slowly press it in. I tried putting the bushing in the freezer and heating up the LCA with a heat gun but it didnt seem effective

lca press 2

Installing the LCA by removing strut bolts and jacking up hub.

install lca

[cn90]

- I admire you for doing this.

- Most people just get a new control arm for a little more money. Less headache.

[GlennG2759]

Congratulations, the front one is what discouraged me from doing this job. I went with Lemforder arms, and what I've read about them here, I might be tackling this again sooner then later. Nice job, good info.

[oragex]

Congrats! One interesting detail is you have the XC70 arms - you notice behind the front bushing the surface is flat so pretty easy to place the adapter. On the S60/V70/S80 this same surface makes an angle, pretty annoying. I think one of the key to success is to render the CA hole as smooth as possible, this reduces the friction coefficient when pressing the busing in.

[vtl]

Harbor Freight 12-ton bottle jack press was $100 or so, and sure thing can press the bushing out and in I did 3 sets of LCAs, both flat from XC70 and curved from V70. For curved I didn't use any adapters, traction provided by wise grip was enough.

Next time I would get a new LCA, but Volvo originals are way too expensive, and I developed a distrust in Lemforder since they moved parts production for our platform to countries with less rigorous QA.

In fact, the next time I will get XC90 LCAs

[abscate]

Where can you source the bushings from?

Part numbers are nice, too!

[vtl]

FCP -> your car -> Suspension -> Control Arms and Bushings?

[matthew1]

Thanks Darryl. This is much better than what I tried.

I made your account MVS Contributor for sharing this. Let me know if you want the contributor avatar.

[oragex]

If one can press - or have the bushings pressed - definitely go with genuine bushings from Volvo. The bushings run for $70 for each side - so under $150 for both arms and you know you have genuine, no more worries. I've been there trying control arms (and struts) and ended with genuine bushings. As vtl says, I'm loosing trust in some Lemforder parts - such as their individually sold bushings, I even put their bushing for XC90 and it lasted 1 year.

If you want genuine, these are the parts for my S60 as example - each side runs for $60 USD - see the two very last items at the bottom of the list

https://www.volvopartswebstore.com/show ... evel=24659


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[jonesg]

Thanks Darryl. This is much better than what I tried.

I made your account MVS Contributor for sharing this. Let me know if you want the contributor avatar.

home ovens don't get hot enough for that press fit.
when they fit steel tires to cast iron steam loco wheels they get them very hot with direct flame, they're a shrink fit.
At the high temps needed, I wonder if the rubber inserts can sustain the heat.
Maybe go halfway with heat and dry ice for the insert.

One day I'll get a real press.
I have a small one, good for pressing blueberries maybe.