Upper control arm rebuild.

[RS01]

Had a lower ball joint separate on right side. I had already ordered the Energy Suspension bushing kit so I prepared to rebuild the right front. This has been an education since this 1990 RS has 240K on it. I am replacing all the bushings as well as the hub bearing since it sticks now and then.

The problem: the bushings supplied by ES do not fit the upper control arm. I've tried my vise and we even tried a 60 ton press. Everything I have says this is the right kit for my car but the bushings are noticeably bigger than the spot they are supposed to go. As a precaution I ordered a complete upper control arm so I can get this car rolling again.

Has anyone else replaced the upper bushings with ES bushings?

 

[jbrown97ls]

I used ES bushings and had no problems.

 

[RS01]

Then I must have opened the wrong packet. I'll go though them again.

 

[UalRamper]

I changed mine last spring with zero issues as well.............I know they didnt label things very well thats for sure.

anyone know how hard it is to change the upper ball joint on the control arm ?

 

[RS01]

I know it's the right part because it's labeled as that 3291 part. Weird.

Just did my upper ball joint. It wasn't too bad. I used sockets and my vise along with a cheater pipe on the vise handle. The new one was VERY tight.

 

[RS01]

http://www.clubintegra.com/board/picture.php?pictureid=4871&albumid=952&dl=1363735493&thumb=1

That is a picture of part of the upper control arm with the ES bushings. The old bushing is at the lower left and the new bushing is beside it. I cut one in half just to see how much bigger it was and it's quite a bit bigger. Part number stamped on ES is the right number.

 

[RS01]

Insult to injury. In removing the lower control arm, the last bushing on the inside is stuck solid to the bolt. So tight it spreads the attachment where the bolt comes out. I'm hoping that the impact will loosen it up. :evil:

 

[RS01]

After heating it and beating on it the mighty SawAll was needed.

I'm glad I ordered a wheel bearing. The inner bearing had a 1/8 of play in it besides the small catch now and then. Just about ready to put this corner of the car back together. Now, I know what I'm in store for the other 3 corners.