Another LCA post

[loanrangie]

So it looks like i need to at the least replace the lca hydro bushes as i have confirmed the DS side is flexing too much and starting to knock, as i'm planning on a timing belt and oil pump change early in the new year i wont be replacing the arms but would like to do all the bushes and balljoint.
I have access to a press and a lathe to turn up some dies to aide in bush removal /replacement, if i just replaced the bushes is the balljoint easy to replace without removing the arm or does the arm need to come off ? I read there may be clearance issues withdrawing the bj with arm in situ ?
Or does anyone in Vic/Mel have the tool to replace the rear bush in situ ? I was hoping to pickup some used arms so i could refurb then do a swap.

[walahbro]

Hi I took my car to Prorepair in North Melbourne, and dealt with Phil. At the time he didnt have the LCA bush removal tool, but i told him about it a couple of months back and he said he'd be getting one because he regularly does LCA bushes on Rangies..

[loanrangie]

Thanks, i was meaning a forum member that had one so i could do them myself.

[IndusD4]

Would you be able to use one of those gear pulling tools for this? They don't look too expensive.

Ron

[loanrangie]

Would you be able to use one of those gear pulling tools for this? They don't look too expensive.

RonI think you could with an adapter of some kind.

[Ean Austral]

From what I seen when I replaced mine , the ball joints are in good condition and when I do mine next I am going to do the bushes only .

Cheers Ean

[Disco-tastic]

I managed to get the LCA bush removal tool for about $400 shipped. It only does the rear bush but if you have a lathe I believe dies for the other bushes would be easy enough to make. Then you can do all of the suspension bushes for a reasonable price.

[PerthDisco]

Is there a recognised bush replacement expert in WA?

When asking leading Indy here they said they don’t do this anymore because bushes get tortured and fail early. Only replace complete arms.

[loanrangie]

Is there a recognised bush replacement expert in WA?

When asking leading Indy here they said they don’t do this anymore because bushes get tortured and fail early. Only replace complete arms.

I can understand why a workshop would change the complete arms but what i'm reading is that its mainly the hydro bush that fails and the front bush and ball joint are still good so it's an unnecessary cost when the bushes and ball joint can be replaced instead .
These aren't any magical beast just a normal control arm with replaceable components.

[CanadianRyan]

I did mine a few months ago. I removed both arms myself and then took them to a suspension shop who pressed out the old ones for me. I replaced the front and rear bushes on both LCAs with the orange Polybushes (Polybush are the world leader in Polyurethane Suspension Bushes and Components. - Polybush (https://www.polybush.co.uk/)) for two reasons. First, I could fit them myself without a press, and second because I expect them to outlast the car.

You can also cut out the old ones if you're careful - e.g. YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qME9xcnWBg) as some shops will opt for this method.

[loanrangie]

I use to cut the bushes out of my RRC's but it was easier to drive over to my dads shop and drop the arm out there are press out/in the new bushes.
A conventional press with correct tools will press them out easily, will never use poly again but will be using the Meyle HD solid rear bush.

[loanrangie]

Looking to order the parts and the bloody bolt kit is as much as the 2 bushes, do we have to replace the bolts or is that just for those heavy handed mechs that cut them off. I dont think we have much of an issue with rust as the poms do.

[justinc]

FGS just replace the arms!!! Every time you touch the front end you will need a wheel alignment, so factor that cost in too. Thee is a bloody good reason we replace whole assemblies every 95 to 100k intervals.... trying to save a few dollars isnt realy saving a few dollars IME

[Disco-tastic]

Looking to order the parts and the bloody bolt kit is as much as the 2 bushes, do we have to replace the bolts or is that just for those heavy handed mechs that cut them off. I dont think we have much of an issue with rust as the poms do.I was glad I replaced mine as the old ones were kinda crusty. I thought you were supposed to because of the high installation torque and bolt stretching, though I dont know whether that's really an issue.

From memory when I did my LCA treat bushes the parts came to $225. I used Lemforder hydro bushes.

Have the arms been changed previously? If not I agree with Justin. i should have changed my arms as the front bush, though not flogged out, was definitely well used.

[loanrangie]

Yes these are the 2nd set.