If the upper control arm is moving a ton; bushings are bad. They are pretty easy if you buy the whole arm, or burn the old ones out, then replace with drop-ins.

Good luck!

 

I so need to do this to. No problem but with the miles it has it is just a matter of time.

 

Yea, I should have thought about it sooner, but I'm thinking about it now.... Upper arms are easy enough to remove? Looks could be deceiving

Thanks guys,
~Junior

 

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It's not a job I recommend for the novice...
Did mine (my 92) while the engine was out:

Used a free rental tool from the local autoparts store (which is needed):

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Thanks MM,
Calling me a novice is very kind of you.

I can't afford to have someone else do it, so I have to get my hands dirty.

So what exactly do I need to accomplished this task? Yes, rental tool. Any other tools?

Thanks again guys,
~Junior

 

Thanks MM,
Calling me a novice is very kind of you.
I can't afford to have someone else do it, so I have to get my hands dirty.
So what exactly do I need to accomplished this task? Yes, rental tool. Any other tools?
Thanks again guys,
~Junior

Very sorry Junior.... but my comment was not intended or directed to you specifically. It was simply meant in general because it can be a little involved. You may have good mechanical skills and maybe just never did a control arm job. We've all been there ... I'm often in the same boat as you. I learn new tasks all the time.. which would essentially make me a novice each first time too! If I could afford to pay someone else to do the job... I would!

The biggest thing you need is basic skills and the desire and will to do the job. It's a little messy, but not too difficult. It's pretty straight forward, and common sense. A good vice, a BIG hammer, necessary wrenches ratchets, and sockets, a floor jack and stands, a ball-joint separator, and the rental press tool should accomplish your mission!

I'm sure others will weigh in with more specific details....

Good luck!

 

Hey guys.

Ok, so I started do the control arm job. I just didn't have the right tools to remove the alignment bolts, attached to that control arm rod. There was a lot of exposed threads on those alignment bolts, and one shim just sitting on the frame. Then I thought maybe my shims just jumped out, causing my wobble.

So I'm sitting in a Firestone lobby, waiting to see why the counter guy said doing an alignment won't fix my issues.

I'll keep you posted,
~Junior

 

Firestone said the inner bearing race, is gone! How?!
Can't do a alignment until the bearing is redone.

To do the bearing job, they want $165..... H3!! no... I'll do it again myself. Plus $85 for an alignment. Well, it's worth the labor charge to know what is wrong.

Thanks guys,
~Junior

 

take a minute and check check your lower control arms where the spring sits...i had my shock blow right thru as i was pulling out of work. im luck the whole spring didnt let go on me. it was rusted thru bad. took me 4 hours to change out both arms.

 

On a side note.
Among third-gen Camaro guys, it is common knowledge that all third gen Camaros and some (maybe all) RWD Astro vans share the same lower control arm. MANY other GM products also have this control arm. The reason I mention it, is because they can be had very inexpensively at junk yards, and an extra set means that you can take your time rebuilding them, then have them ready to swap out.

Another item worthy of note is that there are a LOT of bushing options for the 3rd gen Camaro's, including something made by Global West called "Del-A-Lum" bushings. These are probably the best performance bushings on the market today. They are not the cheapest option but they will do wonders for your vehicles predictability at the limits of traction.