Control arms - rebuild or replace

rjkoop · Post by **rjkoop** » Sat Apr 11, 2015 8:02 pm

azruss wrote:I rebuilt my front suspension using A-arms from AR. They were not lighter than OEM. I had no fit issues at all. I have done it both ways, and replacing the A-arm is far simpler. I like the idea I have new metal up there instead of 35 year old arms that have been hammer for a couple of hundred thousand miles.

Got the parts from AR and going to start my suspension rebuild soon. Silly question. Is it obvious which control arms are for the left and which ones are for the right? And should I lubricate the knuckle and bolts? If so with what lubricant?

RRoller123 · Post by **RRoller123** » Sat Apr 11, 2015 8:49 pm

This may not show it all that well, but the arms sort of bend back, if you know what I mean. The vertical pivot line is a little aft of the spring line. I am pretty sure this is right, haven't done this for a few years now. Someone verify?

rjkoop · Post by **rjkoop** » Sat Apr 11, 2015 9:59 pm

RRoller123 wrote:This may not show it all that well, but the arms sort of bend back, if you know what I mean. The vertical pivot line is a little aft of the spring line. I am pretty sure this is right, haven't done this for a few years now. Someone verify?

I know what you mean. Here's a few pics of my old ones.

Drivers...

Passengers...

And what about lubricant for bolts and control arms and knuckles?

wizard124 · Post by **wizard124** » Sun Apr 12, 2015 9:21 am

As I recall, I used lithium grease.
There was no clear concensus when I asked that question.

rjkoop · Post by **rjkoop** » Sun Apr 12, 2015 1:43 pm

I think I've got everything I need now. Thanks autoricambi!

Weather's finally nice in Ottawa so... Giddy up!

rjkoop · Post by **rjkoop** » Sun Apr 12, 2015 3:46 pm

So far so good.

A few questions though.

On the passenger side I put the lower control arm right onto the bolts (ie. no washers behind it).

On the drivers side I had 2 washers (at the bottom of the picture below) which I put on before the control arm, then the control arm then the lock washer and nuts.

Is it normal to have washers on 1 side of the vehicle and not the other? I'm pretty sure I didn't misplace anything.

And just to confirm does the knuckle go longer side down towards the ground? Can't remember.

I think judging by the 'pre' picture I think the longer side of the knuckle goes on top but just wanted to confirm.

vandor · Post by **vandor** » Sun Apr 12, 2015 4:10 pm

I usually leave out all the washers between the arms and the crossmember, to give the alignment shop as much adjustability as possibly. All those washers do is reduce the number of shims needed, but they also limit the amount of positive camber.

I like to assemble the spindle and a-arms off the car and then install it, but it does not make much difference. I like to think that if the spring slipped out during the initial assembly the spindle and upper arm may prevent it from going too far.

rjkoop · Post by **rjkoop** » Sun Apr 12, 2015 8:59 pm

vandor wrote:I usually leave out all the washers between the arms and the crossmember, to give the alignment shop as much adjustability as possibly. All those washers do is reduce the number of shims needed, but they also limit the amount of positive camber.

I like to assemble the spindle and a-arms off the car and then install it, but it does not make much difference. I like to think that if the spring slipped out during the initial assembly the spindle and upper arm may prevent it from going too far.

Thanks. I'm going to do an alignment so I'll leave them off.

Borrowing the spring compressor tool tomorrow (thanks Jay!) and then I'm good to finish soon.

4uall · Post by **4uall** » Sun Apr 12, 2015 11:06 pm

rjkoop · Post by **rjkoop** » Mon Apr 13, 2015 7:17 am

4uall wrote:

I feel the need... the need for speed!

Goose

4uall · Post by **4uall** » Mon Apr 13, 2015 8:45 am

rjkoop · Post by **rjkoop** » Mon Apr 13, 2015 6:06 pm

Much easier assembling the control arms and knuckle off the car. So now I've attached the lower control arm.

Used this tool (Crow Foot Wrench - 22mm - $16 at Cdn Tire) to properly torque the knuckle control arm bolts.

Want to ensure all suspension components are 100% safe and torqued to spec. Hopefully tonight get springs in with internal spring compressor.

81SPIDERMATT · Post by **81SPIDERMATT** » Mon Apr 13, 2015 8:50 pm

just a reminder .... some things do not get tightened until car is on the ground with weight on the suspension

RRoller123 · Post by **RRoller123** » Mon Apr 13, 2015 8:51 pm

Upper and lower control arms tightened while 2 average adults (wonder what can of worms that will open) occupy the seats.

rjkoop · Post by **rjkoop** » Mon Apr 13, 2015 8:57 pm

Yep. I was just tightening the bolts that hold the lower control arms to the cross member. I'm following this guide...

http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/sp ... l_Arms.htm

Control arms - rebuild or replace

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Re: Control arms - rebuild or replace

Re: Control arms - rebuild or replace

Re: Control arms - rebuild or replace

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Re: Control arms - rebuild or replace

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Re: Control arms - rebuild or replace

Re: Control arms - rebuild or replace

Re: Control arms - rebuild or replace

Re: Control arms - rebuild or replace