04-21-2014 | #1 |
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Portland Oregon metro area (Washington side)
Posts: 3,207
|
Control Arm Bushings Replaced
Finally got around to replacing the upper control arm bushings.
I did the lower ones about 3 yrs ago but wanted to wait on the uppers to minimize the complexity of finding any squeaks. (the replacements are polyurethane) No real issue to speak of. Took 4hrs. Time to go out and test drive it in a few hours. I used Energy Suspension for the replacements.
__________________
Scott Vett owner since 1979._It's about the car and the people |
04-21-2014 | #2 |
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Portland Oregon metro area (Washington side)
Posts: 3,207
|
Re: Control Arm Bushings Replaced
Amazing difference in tightness.
Worth it for sure. The old rubber bushings were soft like sponge rubber. Now for new shoes for her and an alignment. Then I'll be ready for the driving season.
__________________
Scott Vett owner since 1979._It's about the car and the people |
04-21-2014 | #3 |
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Chicagoland, IL
Posts: 9,710
|
Re: Control Arm Bushings Replaced
Did that last winter along w new ball joints, upper and lower. This winter, replaced sway bar ends, tie rod ends F/R, and rear trailing control arm bushings. Much tighter steering, perceptibly flatter cornering. I actually can step down the FX-3 setting.
__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Former Membership Chairman Former ZR-1 Registry - BOD 1972 Corvette 4speed base Coupe SOLD long time ago 1984 Corvette Z-51/4+3 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Aqua/Gray #474 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Black Rose/Cognac #458 2014 Honda VFR Interceptor DX |
04-21-2014 | #4 |
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Portland Oregon metro area (Washington side)
Posts: 3,207
|
Re: Control Arm Bushings Replaced
I checked ball joints. Very tight still and coming up on 100Kmi.
By going after one thing at a time I hope to isolate on what needs attention and what doesn't. Next is sway bar but looks fine and the tension can be adjusted. Hubs are good and tie rod ends are good. I may replace the center caps on the wheels though.
__________________
Scott Vett owner since 1979._It's about the car and the people |
04-21-2014 | #5 |
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Chicagoland, IL
Posts: 9,710
|
Re: Control Arm Bushings Replaced
Scott,
My ZR has 125k+ so I follow the "while you're there" rule.
__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Former Membership Chairman Former ZR-1 Registry - BOD 1972 Corvette 4speed base Coupe SOLD long time ago 1984 Corvette Z-51/4+3 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Aqua/Gray #474 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Black Rose/Cognac #458 2014 Honda VFR Interceptor DX |
04-21-2014 | #6 | |
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Portland Oregon metro area (Washington side)
Posts: 3,207
|
Re: Control Arm Bushings Replaced
Quote:
It goes back to Engineering 101 at UNL 43 yrs ago. The best solution is the most cost effective one. Not that I haven't shotgunned solutions in the past (bulk replace) but when you have the time and inclination to go for what has actually failed, why not? I think because mine is not exposed to moisture AND pot holes......... the ball joints are still tight/stiff in the sockets. I was a bit surprised at the rubber bushing though as soft as they were. Can't wait for new shoes on the car. New rubber is the best!!!!
__________________
Scott Vett owner since 1979._It's about the car and the people |
|
04-21-2014 | #7 |
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Chicagoland, IL
Posts: 9,710
|
Re: Control Arm Bushings Replaced
Not a question of shot gunning solutions. I just don't want to take it apart again.
So I multi-task.
__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Former Membership Chairman Former ZR-1 Registry - BOD 1972 Corvette 4speed base Coupe SOLD long time ago 1984 Corvette Z-51/4+3 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Aqua/Gray #474 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Black Rose/Cognac #458 2014 Honda VFR Interceptor DX |
04-22-2014 | #8 |
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Portland Oregon metro area (Washington side)
Posts: 3,207
|
Re: Control Arm Bushings Replaced
I hear that. Not an issue. You just have to know what your goal is.
__________________
Scott Vett owner since 1979._It's about the car and the people |
04-22-2014 | #9 |
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Pendleton, IN
Posts: 3,909
|
Re: Control Arm Bushings Replaced
Nice write-up, Scott.
__________________
1988 KOH Prototype EX5023 sold 1990 ZR-1 #444 Convertible 1990 ZR-1 Black #966 1991 ZR-1 Quazar Blue #296 1957 Duntov SS Project |
04-22-2014 | #10 |
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Portland Oregon metro area (Washington side)
Posts: 3,207
|
Re: Control Arm Bushings Replaced
__________________
Scott Vett owner since 1979._It's about the car and the people |
|
|