GM Control Arm Bushing Replacement - 1970 Chevrolet Corvette

This is a quick runthrough on the removal and replacement of the lower control arm bushings and balljoint on a 1970 Corvette at my shop, Jaw Droppin Customs out of Corpus Christi, TX. This technique requires an air supply and a quality air hammer with a punch attachment, chisel attachment and a good size vise.

[@ward26102]

Dude it worked!! Even wirh my underpowered compressor and air hammer. There was a bit of cussing and it took awhile but we got the rusty bushing sleeves out of the 77 Corvette. Thanks, you saved me taking it to a shop or buying new control arms. ❤️

[@ward26102]

Definitely like this approach. I'm going to try it today if I can find the correct air hammer attachments. Watched some other videos where the guys started the rubber on fire with a torch and let it burn for awhile. Well that seems dumb, because heat is going to make that steel brittle.

[@timthemechanix]

Thanks for the video, good job, especially for me on this '64 Corvette I'm restoring. I have the Snap On air hammer and all the ends you do. The frame just went for the sandblast then powder coat, customer was going to buy new upper and lower control arms but cost too much so I get to remove this to follow the frame to blast/coat.

[@FlipFlopandFly]

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing!

[@peterjlindley]

A very helpful video.

[@dynodon427]

I'm attempting your method of removal, I'm not having any luck getting the bushing to rotate. I'm working on a 1968 Corvette that has lived it's life in the mid west. I'm sure it has more rust than a Texas car. I'll keep trying!

[@PhysifistEngineering]

Did you ever get it, and did wd40 or putting heat to the bushing work?

[@HumbledGod]

crazy how bushing without right tools can take days

[@markhuffman64]

This job can be a bitch without having any experience doing it. My 57 nomad control arms were not rusty but boy I bout gave up

[@michaelmayville5878]

What mfg. of ball joints do you use / recommend? and where did you purchase from? Thanks

[@PhysifistEngineering]

+michael mayville I typically use Moog from my local supplier like O'Reilly or I use Ecklers mail order.

[@maxanguiano6935]

Why didn't you show the complete bushing installation process?

[@PhysifistEngineering]

I did.

[@PhysifistEngineering]

I explained the process of pressing in the new bushings, and demonstrated the use of a socket to press them. I also explained the placing of the shift before installing the bushings. Let me know if you have any confusion on the install. Thanks

[@maxanguiano6935]

+Scot Rod Wettach Sorry about that. You are right. This was a great video. Also, do you ever use a bushing press tool kit for replacing control arm bushings, or do you always use this method (in your video) for all bushing replacements? Thanks.

[@maxanguiano6935]

+Scot Rod Wettach If you don't mind, what I'm actually asking is, is using an air hammer a better method than using a bushing press tool kit? I have very limited experience replacing control arm bushings. I would like your opinion.

[@PhysifistEngineering]

+Max Anguiano I really don't do a lot of these. If I did I would buy a kit like that. I do so much weird different stuff at my shop that I don't expect to do control arm bushings again any time soon. This method was pretty quick though. I bet this would be super quick after like 3 jobs.