Pushing Bushings • GTO Upgrade Project

[@XSilverREAPeRX]

I learned from another video and anyone watching this will appreciate this comment but....the bushing you were trying to push out and had trouble with and got a different tool kit to use, can be dealt with easier, not by setting the bushing on fire and letting it burn out like you see a lot of other people doing which mentioned in the video at 22:08. Use a blow torch on the 'outside' of the 'control arm housing' that the bushing is set inside, not too much heat but enough to soften the rubber bushing and you will be able to push it out with much more ease! I plan on doing the same project to my 2004 GTO soon this video helped me out a lot and I have learned quite a bit. Thank you for taking the time to make and post this video.

[@foxtrot789]

lol, someone using spring compressors for the first time doing a tutorial. Appreciate the video none the less.

[@CarsSimplified]

Thanks! Yeah, it's a much better design than the last one I used.

[@killawattgarage]

Got to upgrade your tools to make it easier, safer and quicker. Suspension works ALWAYS has larger nuts and bolts with high torque settings as well as corrosion making it difficult. A small press is a better option once the suspensions arms are off the car. The kit you had is best while the working with the suspension parts in place. If the bushes get too stubborn I burn them out with a small butane torch or an Oxy set. I have the do the same job on my Holden Commodore (Pontiac GTO) so thanks for the video.

[@CarsSimplified]

Yeah, those would have definitely been nice. Working with limited space right now, but I have room for and really need to get a vice. The particularly stubborn bushing has to be pressed out off the car, though. I will be making a more condensed version of the instructional bits in the future, so they may be better reference material. I hope it helps!

[@pontiacgto2005]

Cool video! I'm currently working on mine. I took the whole suspension apart. I'm replacing the rack and pinion as well. It took me half of the day to take the whole front suspension. Took me much time putting the strut tower together. I'll be able to put all of it together this coming weekend.

[@wobblyplanks]

I've done fourteen pairs of the inner control arm bush, I'm getting pretty good at them lol. I use a cheap 12T press but you can do them with a hammer or a vice. The control arms and bushes aren't rare at all as they are the same fitted to VT-VZ Commodores, they are just rare if you look for GTO stuff. Pedders supply the complete arm with bushes. I know this video is four years old so things would have changed since the original vid was done.

[@khex_bb]

This video brought me nightmares of working on the control arm. That inner bushing was a real pain to remove. I used the c-clamp method myself with an impact. Still took an hour or more to get one side removed. Pressing back in was another hour. Either way, when it came time to update, I just bought a new control arm with the bushings already pressed in and new ball joint. It is just easier that way. Good video though. GTOs takes a special breed of person to work on them...one that loves abuse and cursing a lot.

[@adambryant3546]

These front control bushing are a pain!!! I might have to rent that tool & give it a shot

[@CarsSimplified]

If you do the "free" (pay then get a full refund) rental I did, it's well worth the gas money. They are indeed quite a pain!

[@adambryant3546]

@@CarsSimplified yeah most definitely do that.. did you replace your rear sway link bushings

[@CarsSimplified]

A long time ago, I did. I don't recall how difficult they were, but I feel like they were much more straightforward than these. The links can be put in backwards, so note their orientation if you plan to take them off.

[@gregkistner1955]

Definitely gotta have some patience when doing this job!!!

[@micthegreasemonkey2918]

I had a time doing mine ended up folding the metal sleave over on 1 end & pushing it out with a c press. Mines a holden commodore same running gear !

[@chasebrazzon5675]

What struts did you buy?

[@CarsSimplified]

I got the basic Pedders street struts. I feel like there were a few options beyond that, but it wasn't lowered and they aren't the drag ones, either; just their closest to stock offering.

[@gimpo312]

Great vid. Wish I would've saw this a week ago before I did pretty much the same to my 05 goat. Can I recommend the milwaukee mid-torque impact gun. Really made short work of all the fasteners( purchased specifically for this task ) and at $200 for gun,battery and charger. It was a great deal

[@sambert96]

I always just burn the bushings out with a mapp torch and hit the charred rubber out with a screwdriver. Works great. Smells bad.

[@CarsSimplified]

I've heard about that technique, and the smell! There's still the outer metal bushing sleeve, but I bet the heat would have helped with that, too. Not sure how at risk this particular control arm would have been to cracking, though; the area around the inboard bushing seemed a little thin.

[@sambert96]

@@CarsSimplified very true. Just be cautious. I'm honestly getting ready to do a bushing kit and coilovers on my 04 gto so your vids helped out alot! I was leaning towards drag bags and some stiffer springs in the rear but the money is there for a set of nice coilovers. It's time for a upgrade! Then the motor is coming out and sent off to the machine shop!

[@ExtraSimplified]

What other GTO modifications would you like to see?

[@slowgoat6089]

Fixing the glovebox. Lol, my friend and my glove box both fell off