How can I replace an 850 lower control arm bushing?

Post by **JimBee** » 10 Sep 2019, 15:30

Rubber control arm bushing is missing from front-most bushing where it mounts to the rail (on the right side). I suspect this is why the steering pulls slightly to the right. Noticed it when I took the car to a reputable shop for alignment. They couldn't eliminate the pull.

The other bushing and ball joint are in very good condition. This is a NAPA control arm, made in Italy, I think. Probably has ~ 5k miles on it. I have a Lemforder replacement bushing ordered from FCP. I'll put my digital caliper on the control arm to see if the new one is the right size.

If so, then, how to change it out since I don't have and apparently the tool rental places don't have a press for that. I'm thinking maybe a socket could be used as a slave with a larger socket at the receiving end—all set up and squeezed in my 4" vice.

Any suggestions?

crlande · Post by **crlande** » 10 Sep 2019, 16:35

I bet you could rig up something with this.
https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/l ... e/449947_0

Post by **JimBee** » 10 Sep 2019, 17:29

Nice, crlande. When I discovered O'Reilly didn't have it, I didn't check further. Just checked with my local Autozone they do have it available for rental. With all those sleeves hopefully one will fit. Will find out tomorrow!

Post by **erikv11** » 10 Sep 2019, 17:48

I would be interested to see pics .

Good luck!

Post by **JimBee** » 10 Sep 2019, 21:15

We have rain coming in the next couple of days. Hope to pull the LCA this weekend weather permitting and will size everything up. If the replacement bushing is a go, I'll try to get it done and take some pics.

Herb Goltz · Post by **Herb Goltz** » 11 Sep 2019, 07:34

For DIY I would be inclined to just replace the whole control arm-- here in the rust belt those bushings can be a bear to press out! Also, if the front bushing is toast the rear one probably also has some wear. Having a new ball joint is good too-- around here alignments are $150, so you want to be sure everything is tight before you take it for alignment. I used MOOG for mine, but the control arm stop rivets are already falling apart after only 6 months or so. I would get Lemforder next time.

Post by **abscate** » 11 Sep 2019, 10:46

I’ve got two nice ones coming off the 1998 V70 parts car soon

Post by **erikv11** » 11 Sep 2019, 14:03

Herb Goltz wrote: ↑11 Sep 2019, 07:34 For DIY I would be inclined to just replace the whole control arm-- here in the rust belt those bushings can be a bear to press out! Also, if the front bushing is toast the rear one probably also has some wear. Having a new ball joint is good too-- around here alignments are $150, so you want to be sure everything is tight before you take it for alignment. I used MOOG for mine, but the control arm stop rivets are already falling apart after only 6 months or so. I would get Lemforder next time.

You make good points especially about the Lemforder but see the original post - JimBee already looked carefully at the other bushing and the ball joint. Not his first rodeo, I suspect he will press on (pun intended!).

Post by **abscate** » 11 Sep 2019, 14:07

I think I can use one of the parts cars 1998 front wheel hubs if my 1999 indeed has another bad front right foot,

Just missed the start of the FCP lifetime warranty with that one.

Post by **erikv11** » 12 Sep 2019, 09:33

abscate wrote: ↑11 Sep 2019, 14:07 ... Just missed the start of the FCP lifetime warranty with that one.

I don't think that has a start date. If you bought it there and have documentation, they will honor it.