How To Change Control Arm Bushings Using A Torch - DIY

[@jacobhendrickson8935]

I never understand why so many people post negative comments about how there way is better. Sure there are different ways but this works for him so he just thought he would share. Nice work. Anyone doing the job themselves deserves a bit of credit.

[@klowny1969]

thank you

[@fabio40]

The insulting comments are not necessary, BUT they are right in saying this is method is not a good idea and not necessary. The same ball joint press he used to put the new one in can be used to take the old one out. No damage and MUCH faster.

[@rebel9763]

Pre- amazon. Purchased new control arms with bushings. Dorman is my preferred brand. Old school still works, done it many times myself back in the 70's.

[@klowny1969]

Thanks for watching and commenting..don't forget to subscribe 😉

[@scunnerdarkly4929]

I've spent ages looking for a reasonably hazardous method for changing bushes and now I've found it. Don't listen to those safetytards who would try to tell you you could do the first part just as quickly (without having to breathe toxic shit and risk setting your house on fire) by simply using a hacksaw - possibly the same hacksaw used in the video. No, this is the one true way of removing bonded rubber components, although using a blowtorch is a bit lame. Oxyacetylene would be much better but for best results a WWII flame-thrower wins every time. Great video.

[@klowny1969]

Lol thanks for watching

[@TheXXxSuicidexXx]

This is the best comment I've ever read on KZbin! 🤣🤣😂

[@lukemain4222]

The 270 down votes have never even tried to change their oil much less swap out control arm bushings. This video has a lot of good info that no others have.

[@klowny1969]

Google Rapes thanks

[@edgrrickett140]

That's a good feeling when the new bushing starts to slide in the hole believe me when I tell you that what Klowny's doing here isn't easy even with those tools!!

[@elmarko9051]

Back before youtube had good videos like this one, I did almost exactly what the presenter did, minus I did not cut the metal ring with a saw. I just got my set of messed up screwdrivers and a hammer and chiseled the ring out. The rental press tool wouldn't work as the ring was essentially bonded by rust - it required a force greater than I could generate with an 18" breaker bar, practically standing on the tool. Anyone who says there is an easier way is right, but when rust fuses the parts together, surgery is about the only option.

[@klowny1969]

Yes that's right..thanks for watching and dont forget to subscribe

[@alanfisher7347]

When nothing else works, this method could save the day.

[@klowny1969]

That's right..don't forget to subscribe

[@r0ckymountainhi]

I used this technique only with a sawzall. Thanks for the idea, worked like a charm.

[@klowny1969]

+r0ckymountainhi thanks for watching

[@windriderkoo3142]

Another way to same result..without the expensive tool! Thanks a lot!

[@39knights]

Fortunately I am doing this with a chev Aveo and the control arm with bushings and ball joint was about the same price as the bushing by itself (mevotech). Since you have to remove the control arm either way I just took the full-replacement route. Thanks for the video though as I was looking to price out full or partial replacement and wanted to see what was involved.

[@jacobhendrickson8935]

Most shops won't do this due to the labor involved makes it cheaper to go with new arms with bushings already installed. So this is the best way for the do it yourself kinda guy. A little elbow grease and a few bucks. I always use polyurethane bushings that way they last much longer. On my mk4 gti regular last about 30,000 miles max but polyurethane once installed I've not had one go bad.

[@robertjordan386]

Jacob Hendrickson how do the feel

[@billybobjoe198]

You're probably the only one on youtube showing how to burn a bushing out because most people are too PC and are afraid someone will do it in a small closet with propane, they'll inhale rubber smoke giving them brain damage, then the propane will put off too much CO and they'll pass out and drop the torch burning their house down. Also for your drill bit part, next time try a hole saw? Last one I did I didn't think of it and used a drill bit too. But I'm sure once you got the saw to stop dancing it would work pretty well.

[@klowny1969]

Lol thnx for commenting and watching :)

[@catzepplin]

Saved this vid...got to do the bushings on my 97 Deville. Lower cntrl arm looks exactly the same.

[@klowny1969]

awesome..thnx for watching

[@thedesigner628]

Literally one of the most time consuming methods. A press, c clamp, or even bolts and washers work easier and faster.

[@thronewalker1153]

This method works great he’s just doing it wrong.

[@joelcr250]

why not use the ball joint press to press out the old bearing tho ?

[@joelcr250]

CR2504life oh nm

[@zoody1000]

+CR2504life OMG that great question.

[@lukemain4222]

CR2504life Because the metal sleeve is paper thin. You do it like you said then get back to me.

[@johnjones4096]

if there's not enough clearance cut the bushings stop off and push it through the opposite way.

[@psdaengr6155]

I bring this up because I live in a comunity where burning rubber will get you a very hefty fine. No fire or soecial tools are needed, though a vice makes everything easier. The first rubber bushing could be cut out from the center with a saw. The second original bushing was a two piece unit, just like the replacement. Push the center metal sleeve out and you can use a screwdriver to push the far end of the rubber bushing out through the center hole.

[@arows66]

Thanks for the tip, I used the torch method on my SEAT Cupra front wishbones. It does help soaking it with penetrating fluid as well, makes the rubber melt more than bake. need stronger drill bits though as I snapped about four!

[@klowny1969]

sweet..thnx for watching

[@napoguevara6450]

For an emergency it is very good to know.👍👍👍

[@donttrackmebro4562]

good video. love the witty commentary. $ says you are from NY or NJ, reminds me of home (NY)

[@klowny1969]

NY..thank you! dont forget to subscribe

[@zedieliam]

Ball JOINT PRESS - Hell-Looooooooooooooooo

[@kornx10]

The bigger of the 2 bushings is manageable with a press. But the smaller one is the problem since the bushing is flared in a way that the cup can't be used. Fire does like the best option for those who are just diy without hydraulic press or air tools. (Speaking from experience

[@dannychuqui4797]

Hi my friend, good video.....Question? .....So the last one bushing...... not need to be tight it up? ....thanks!!

[@klowny1969]

huh?

[@Overath12]

you are the best klowny.

[@klowny1969]

Thank you sir..dont forget to subscribe

[@hidayatsyah7995]

it will damage the control arm housing.. why you not use the press kit..:-)

[@dionkraft6782]

propane torch is not hot enough to do damage - if you used a real torch like an acetelene torch you can damage the material if you don't know and control your temps. Also instead of any hand chisel I use a air hammer with chisel end to gently hammer out metal rings or compress metal from the control arm. You don't need a very powerful one but use a air hammer for muffler work....learn to feather the trigger for easy control and avoid damage.

[@skellymann3145]

🤔

[@chhansen9813]

Isnt the press kit also designed to remove the bushing? If you can push one in, it should also push one out, shouldnt it?

[@klowny1969]

You can try it but there isn't enough room to press it in with the ball joint press..don't forget to subscribe

[@chhansen9813]

@@klowny1969 when.its off the car

[@boxatricks]

Klowny thanks for the video. You'r breathing in noxious fumes when you burn the bush and I can only imagine the smell. I think your drill and saw ideas are good and ill use them but drill more then drive the bush out with a punch or chisel, cutting the remainder with the small saw or at least a saw blade.

[@klowny1969]

thnx for watching

[@adilalhumady1672]

Hello .. Beautiful and clear work, especially the direction of Boucha ..Why not use equipment to pay Bush Better than heat

[@thomasjg2120]

cool video 😁 some people might not have the money to rent that tool and yes bench vise would work too, great job brother this has a real feel to it not so text book love it!!! u also put text book in but kept it simple that's hard to do sometimes looking forward to more videos you got a new fan here thank you😁

[@klowny1969]

Thomas Gordon thank u..check out my channel..i have 300 vids..the tool rental is free, they return ur money in full when u return the tool

[@robertjordan386]

Thomas Gordon it's a free rental

[@petertwiss4215]

Curious as to why you didn't use the bush kit to remove the old bush? And are you not in danger of softening the control arm with all that heat?

[@Texaca]

...you'd have to get that control arm pretty hot before you can effect the strength of it, way above 1000 degrees, for an extended period of time. imo

[@Mr032789oscar]

Hi, you said the bushing moves side to side but does it also move up and down. Trying to diagnose clunk i hear and i have the same style bushing that i can move up and down with a prybar.

[@klowny1969]

Oscar G its designed to move a little..as long as u dont see alot of movement and a tear in the bushing

[@marcinmorris]

Hi, question to 2nd bushing - I would have some doubts to the bushing finger-pressed ;) Aren't they too loose?

[@klowny1969]

Hey..They work fine..easier for the DIY'er..thanks for watching

[@reaper060670]

Sorry dude. One more question for you.... Should u change/replace all bushings when doing the job. I mean front and rear all together? Is it best to do them all at the same time or could u just do the fronts and then do the rear at another time in the near future. I bought an old car last month. It's in great nick but the bushing at the front need replacing along with some other wee jobs. I need to change them b4 my NCT comes up but should I do the lot or just the fronts like the previous owner told me..

[@klowny1969]

just do the ones that need it

[@reaper060670]

klowny1969 Cheers mate. I'm new to all of this car fixing stuff so any advice from good people like yourself is always helpful to say the least. Thanks!

[@klowny1969]

+Slim Reaper no prob

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Fantastic idea. Great video

[@caddi70]

I've been burning mine out for over 25 years. Didn't know anyone else did it. Most of mine are late model GM like on your table. :)

[@klowny1969]

Lol You're not alone..thanks for watching!

[@seeya205]

Why didn't you use the kit to remove the bushing?

[@klowny1969]

I dont remember the specifics for this video..it was over 5 years ago..but I think it was because u can remove it using the kit

[@LowsJuan]

Thanks Very clear, easy to follow instructions.

[@klowny1969]

Thanks for commenting and watching :)

[@leonardtaylor1904]

😂😄😅🙈.

[@cresposaidso4265]

Man I've been trying to remove a control arm but the bolt is rusted onto the sleeve which prevents it from turning turning loose. I have used a sawzalland fire and I'm still stuck. The bushing is the one in the back for the control arm that the bolt goes to up not across. I need some help

[@klowny1969]

it depends on the car..but you should be able to sawzall the bolt off or cut the sleeve.i have a video on a ford focus rear trailing arm where they were frozen on there as well.

[@Chubbycat747]

I had a Honda front bushing, similar to one you have here, and when I tried to press it in, it would not align and kept getting crooked and would not go in straight. Finally, after several frustrating attempts, it went in.

[@klowny1969]

U just have to force it in

[@frankdatank1974]

Great video Klowny, I really like the aluminum top on your workbench. Did you buy it like that or did you build it? I know this may sound silly but I'd like to see a video about your workbench. I'm in the process of gathering ideas to build one of my own & I enjoy watching videos on all things garage related...I know sound boring right lol. Have a great day Klowny.

[@klowny1969]

L9l not boring at all..i also watch similar videos..just look through my channel..i do have a video where i explained what i did..the stainless steel top was a stand alone piece that i bought..i built the rest...thnx for watching

[@MikeyMack303]

Why would you only lube one end of the ball joint tool? The more lube the better.....as you stated!

[@reaper060670]

Good stuff mate. Brilliant video btw and very helpful for me personally.. How big a job is it to take the whole thing, sorry, the control arm, off??

[@poogy1111]

Lol 8:37 that's wat she said lol !!😂😂I'm a real get off but u did a good job ...bet she said that too right 😆

[@klowny1969]

Yes!! Lol

[@joewarrick6043]

My 08 Subaru my 08 Subaru tribecas rear bushings are shit. The upper outer control arm bushing is a split bushing. I’ve done bushings before but this is the first time I’ve had to do one of those. This is the only video I’ve found that shows what to do unless ya have a 400.00 split bushing extractor tool. But your bad one wasn’t a split bushing and mine is. So I’m thinking I can burn it then cut and chisel the casing out like ya did on the first one then I can press the other half out. Any Davis for setting the camber correctly on my lateral link. It’s one that has the oblong shape washer that goes over a square part on the bolt so it’s fixed and then ya turn the bolt and it adjusts the arm in or out. I didn’t pay attention to where is was set when I took the old off unfortunately. So is there an easy way to know where it needs to bet set at?

[@klowny1969]

You can try using a level..but u really need to bring it for a real alignment on a computer. Don't forget to subscribe

[@tubee103]

wholly moley,,why deal with it,,I just paid the 32 dollars for a new control arm bushings balljoint included.

[@benson4u215]

tubee103 Consider yourself lucky for having a cheap car, an '86 chevy astro for example is hard to get a new balljoint for under 35$ unless you dont mind using valucraft parts.

[@pheloniousmunk]

What do you drive, a Yugo?

[@Reggie548]

What if i dont cut towards the end of your video when you were done installing

[@matthewgregerson5038]

That was helpful, but mine didn't need the rear, so I never got past installing the front bushing, bought the kit to add to my ball joint presses (yes, plural) and never even removed it from the car. Mine, I removed the rubber bushing and insert with a 1/4- inch drill (we remove tractor and trailer suspensions with rubber, neoprene, and polyurethane bushings this way, so easy and fast, then used the ball joint press to push the bushing sleeve or of the arm, die grinder and whiz wheel to clean up the hole in the control arm, coupe drops of oil, stated cranking on the press

[@mixter7x7]

if you choose to use this method- a hole saw will cut out the rubber core. no pyrotechnic needed. the hacksaw trick worked pretty good or a rotor file on your die grinder works great. silly rabbit - hold that chisel with a pair of vice grips instead of your hand. you should use an actual grease on the threads of that pressing tool for that type of bushing you can use your vise and 2 pipe caps as pressing dies.

[@klowny1969]

mixter7x7 wont work

[@blairguinea1337]

Nice job Klowny

[@klowny1969]

thanks for watching and commenting

[@arolon9173]

You sound like Ray Romano.

[@butchs2337]

i am not sure breathing the fumes is a good idea maybe when all else fails, kinda like using a holesaw and torch to remove pvc pipe out of a fitting, not good to do in a closed in space, good video

[@2001pontiacta]

I've been doing this exact same thing... Burning bushings out n cutting the ring

[@单一航-k3j]

torch can make the metal pre_heat_treatment . then the control arm bushing hole area will be easy to crack. bad

[@单一航-k3j]

+单一航 make the metal heat treatment go wrong .

[@klowny1969]

+单一航 nope..its not heated hot enough for that

[@dre04mach]

Like others said, you can use the ball joint press to take it out... or instead of fire and half hour worth of smelly toxic fumes, get a hole saw and give it 15 seconds worth of hell.

[@blancomputers1]

Thanks, made the job on my lancer easier

[@klowny1969]

Brett Lancaster thanks for watching

[@JDsSportsRoom]

What if control arms are aluminum?

[@josephlong2278]

if you continue using the torch along the edges, then you can tap it out with a sledge hammer..

[@denniscoronel2691]

Not a good idea mate, you make your control arm weak because of heat. That will make it brittle and rusty

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

Probably the vehicle belongs to someone else and the work is shop labor rate so the wasted time is paid for?

[@gdaddylogan]

Dennis Coronel that little torch will not get it hot enough to make a difference while just burning out the rubber.

[@Jo3splace]

@@gdaddylogan These guys that are making comments like that must understand thermal dynamics better than we do😂. I was told once by my professor that the more times metal is heated up and cooled: in his words "it creates happier metal" and what he means by that is the molecules that makes up the metal become tighter and therefore harder.

[@BloodStainedTear]

I wonder how many people will burn their garages down doing this... The GM service manual says the flat edge on the first bushing is supposed to be 30 degrees off center

[@klowny1969]

Perform at ur own risk..the slots are supposed to be facing towards the inside and outside of the car..thats the way the bushing bends

[@klowny1969]

This is why I mentioned that the factory installed the bushing incorrectly and it cracked..check out your bushing on your car..should be pointed the way I specified..thanks for watching

[@zimarokas]

Well done,nice video man

[@klowny1969]

thank u sir

[@pinoyeh]

It's a GM and was installed wrong in the first place.

[@14dogday]

Yes why not use the press kit to push it out

[@TieuXuanTu75]

the best use hydraulic sylinder kit to press uot bushing

[@surfibit]

you'd be better off buying a new control arm W/bushings not knocking your work but by the time a vehicle needs new bushings the control arm is so rusted insurance carriers wont cover damage to vehicle if your carrying collision that is just a thought some rustolium and undercoating wouldn't hurt the control arm either

[@MrBow54]

Why didn't you just pressed it out from the being , It would've been easier

[@klowny1969]

First bushing is hard to press out..second bushing had no room for press tool..wanted to do it a way where the average diy'er can easily accomplish..and it works everytime..thanks for watching

[@johnjones4096]

@@klowny1969 if you have no clearance for the tool, 1st cut the that stop ring off, 2nd push it through the opposite way.

[@leonardtaylor1904]

Crazy, only a crazy person, would do it that way,and talk like that,to.

[@SteveRobReviews]

Well done. Thanks

[@klowny1969]

Thanks for watching

[@kentwyoming3948]

thank you for the video its helpful

[@lonewolf56308]

Thank you!

[@neonRTowner]

The video is instructive - but I would have searched for polyurethane replacements.

[@klowny1969]

This video was for instructive purposes only..actually threw away the control arm afterwards lol thanks for watching

[@neonRTowner]

Well hopefully someone will still find the content useful. Ultimately, only a very small percentage of car owners know anything about worn out bushings.

[@klowny1969]

neonRTowner almost 200k views though..not doing too bad :)

[@neonRTowner]

That is a good viewing count. Let me see if my polyurthane video install is still on youtube; I may have removed it. But I don't think I got 200K views!

[@klowny1969]

neonRTowner thanks lol..i have about 17 million views on my channel

[@theicediamond7]

put the bushing in the freezer and tap it in

[@jedhuang3817]

The torch flame will over heat the steel part, that will weaken strengh and hardness, not my idea practise

[@klowny1969]

Jed Huang it wont get that hot to affect anything

[@willthecardude6900]

Jed Huang not enough to warp them. Done this to a honda and then drove it cross country no problems.

[@jammy46235]

Why didn’t you just use the press to take them out lol

[@incognitotorpedo42]

OMFUG. Also, the idea that the bushing was installed wrong at the factory seems a little sketchy.

[@willthecardude6900]

Good stuff man

[@klowny1969]

William Brown thanks for watching and commenting

[@edwardd6528]

Feel free to use my car for any of your videos. lol

[@klowny1969]

Kinda booked at the moment for a while lol

[@joehorton01]

klowny1969 that's what she said

[@redihoxha2940]

Helo, do u have email to ask for something?

[@klowny1969]

Redi Hoxha klowny1969 on facebook

[@redihoxha2940]

klowny1969 I've asked since Oct 1, u haven't answered

[@fatwalletboy2]

i doubt theres much saving in terms of knuckles or cash buying a new arm.instead.no hassle.

[@finditandfixit2081]

+fatwalletboy2 You never repair anything in your life huh? Those controller's arms are at lease $90 and above. Depending on the car. The bushings are about $20.00 or less for both sets. So do the math.

[@tubee103]

I just bought a new control arm with bushings and ball joint online for 32 dollars..so ya your right,its not worth the hassle.

[@I.WearKneePads12]

Cheap arms are fine if you like doing them every 6 months

[@willthecardude6900]

On hondas yes but on certain cars theyre expensive as shit. they want like 200 a side for mine and i got poly bushings both for 90

[@franciscorodriguez6511]

OEM bushings run for 20-25 dollars a piece. The whole arm costs $368 a piece for my GMC truck

[@criznitty]

Subarus have a similar LCA

[@bigmanaguilar2299]

thanks 4 the video

[@klowny1969]

thnx for watching

[@alanjones7429]

u can buy 2 whole arms on ebay 25 -30 quid

[@klowny1969]

or you can buy just the bushing for a couple of quid..if you are really on a budget..dont forget to subscribe

[@MrSloika]

Not all control arms are available for cheap, in some cases new control arms are not available at all. I recently repaired a Cadillac, new control arms could not be found anywhere, had no choice but to replace the bushings and ball joints.

[@willthecardude6900]

alan jones yeah unless u wanna install poly bushings or in my case if the control arms run over 100 a side

[@5332wonderboy]

Why not replace the whole arm assembly with every this in it instead of going through all this trouble. Whole thing is About a hundred dollars.

[@klowny1969]

Some people are on a budget

[@5332wonderboy]

klowny1969 I perfectly understand, but what I see here is a messy and time consuming proses to install the bushing. I am not sure after heating, twisting, cutting and hitting the quality or the integrity of the part remains the same. I checked both arms are 90 bucks. This is only my opinion I could be wrong though. No offence

[@klowny1969]

Tariq Choudry no offense taken

[@muchgreatness7497]

Careful not to fall into a burning ring of fire...

[@dannychuqui4797]

The small bushing......So we don't need to Pres .....just like you did ahh.....

[@klowny1969]

+Danny Chuqui yeah if u get the same one i got..if not then ull have to press it in

[@ZehraanBarmare]

This would surely corrode the lower arm 😓

[@gadgetdeez7069]

You're doing it all wrong my dude.. you NEVER touch flame to the rubber. You only heat the shell of the bushing. This breaks the bond to the rubber, and the bushing literally shoots out of the shell with almost no smoke and no fire.. What you're doing is just hacking shit up.

[@ikutoisahobo]

I don't believe in replacing bushings, might as well change the entire control arm, yes, I know, a waste, but it seems like it weakens the rest of the control arm, no? The whole pressing, and heating action? I guess it's appropriate on a car with expensive or hard to find parts but if you drive a regular Ford or something you can pick a new control arm up for under 40 dollars from Rockauto or something, that's what I do.

[@klowny1969]

Nope doesnt weaken it one bit..depending on the control arm, it can cost over 80 dollars for an oem quality arm..and 10 dollars for an oem bushing..thnx for watching

[@ikutoisahobo]

klowny1969 Yeah, I guess you're right. Also doesn't the opening for the bushing expand and become loose due to the initial pressing?

[@klowny1969]

when oressing the new one in, you can feel the resistance..no loosening occurs

[@grantt1836]

dammit. I wish I would of watched this video sooner. lol

[@klowny1969]

lol

[@grantt1836]

+klowny1969 you think a circle saw on a drill would do OK? I'm getting my control arms powder coated and I'll have to press out the bushings when I get them back.

[@klowny1969]

+Grant T yes u can do that as well

[@lukemain4222]

Grant T Me too

[@sonny337257]

THANX !

[@klowny1969]

richard montoya thanks for watching

[@JasonKale]

Cool!!!!!

[@nestyheartcther]

this guy is a freak... fire,lube... weird shit going on there kkkkk

[@klowny1969]

Woooo babyyy

[@paulchamberlin8638]

i'd say this is just plan stupid when you can rent a bushing press tool at like part source for free.

[@klowny1969]

+Paul Chamberlin you cant use a ball joint press tool on this bushing to press it out

[@paulchamberlin8638]

there is a such thing as a bushing press tool, there rented for free at part source.

[@klowny1969]

+Paul Chamberlin yes but for this type of bushing that will not work

[@paulchamberlin8638]

i take these bushings out all time with these type of bushings.

[@klowny1969]

+Paul Chamberlin lol ok..now ur just lying..

[@NurchOK]

Ever heard of WD-40???

[@klowny1969]

+NurchOK no..kroil or go home!!!

[@binyameenabuayyan]

its wrong way pulling a bush best way is pressing machine pull and press

[@klowny1969]

You cant do that with this type of bushing

[@josecardona7990]

Mucho

[@eksine]

My house caught on fire

[@klowny1969]

Should have done it outside like the video

[@eksine]

@@klowny1969 you were in your garage though

[@klowny1969]

In the begining?

[@eksine]

@@klowny1969 dude for both bushings you used the torch inside in the garage

[@fotosvictor6311]

Not safe. Careful. There's other ways

[@AlexAlex-wb8kb]

gud interesting idea!

[@klowny1969]

thanks for watching

[@daverose8772]

JUST BUY NEW LOWER CONTROL ARMS.

[@klowny1969]

there is no fun in that lol

[@hugotapias9829]

que manera mas incorrecta de cambiar . busque una prensa si no la tiene unas manuales. enseñe bien

[@klowny1969]

yes!!

[@zimarokas]

+hugo eliecer tapias sanchez con la prensa batallas mas esta super duro son partes casi soldadas por el oxido y la sal debido a los crudos inviernos en el video lo esta haciendo con calma por obvias razones pero en el campo de trabajo eso es mas rapido.

[@EsamHandrex]

super

[@ChamuelDiaz]

This method would not do 3 things: 1. I polluter 2. pollute the environment 3. I'm not crazy