advice on replacing lower control arm bushings?

[brads70]

Hi all!
I got some new poly bushings from a member and wanted any advice on replacing them? Any pitfalls to look out for?   I've never done this job yet?

[Chryco Psycho]

I heat the pin & pry it out with a tie rod fork then just pry the rubber bushing out , pack it with the special grease that comes with the poly bushings so they do not sqeak , it will just slide back together

[brads70]

I heat the pin & pry it out with a tie rod fork then just pry the rubber bushing out , pack it with the special grease that comes with the poly bushings so they do not squeak , it will just slide back together

Hmmm "special grease" ? I don't have any of that? What is that? Do I need a press to assemble it?
Another question......I noticed firm feel sells a lower pin with a grease nipple on it? What about drilling the stock one for a grease nipple? Is the pin hard? heat treated?

[ChallengerHK]

The special grease is lube for poly bushings. I think I got mine from JEGs.

[Bullitt-]

I was having a tough time getting the old bushing out of the sleeve, I forced some penetrating lubricant in between then was able to press out easily. 

[brads70]

Thanks for all the replies!  I'm planning on doing this sometime this winter. To busy driving it while the weather is still nice!
Still wonder about drilling it for a grease fitting?

[BB73Challenger]

Thanks for all the replies!  I'm planning on doing this sometime this winter. To busy driving it while the weather is still nice!
Still wonder about drilling it for a grease fitting?

Did the complete front end on the Chally before Carlisle '09 - you should have no problems.
If original, you will be surprised on just how wore out they are - my car was night and day afterwards.

Couldn't say if that pin is hardened... adding a grease point if possible would be a great idea.

[brads70]

Hi Jeff!
Ya I have no idea if they are original or not, just figured with all the new Hotchkis stuff I'll be adding soon might as well just replace them. It's a safe bet they are original though, the flex lines /brake lines were all original so I'm guessing the bushings are too! Member  dougs bs23 set me up with new bushings   ( Thanks Doug!! ) so I might as well put them in!

[Chryco Psycho]

I have never tried to drill for a grease nipple , I am sure you can handle it though !
 Energy suspension sells a grease for the poly parts , it is about the consistancy of honey .
you Don`t need a press to assemble it , pulling the pin out is the hard part

[brads70]

Thanks Neil!

[Strawdawg]

Question, when using the poly bushings...

The stock rubber bushings have an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that the pin goes thru.  With poly, one leaves the outer sleeve in place and inserts the poly bushing into it.

How about the inner sleeve, does it stay on the pin and go back inside the new poly?

Also, does one push the poly bushing into the arm and then press the pin, or pin and sleeve, back into the new bushing, or does one put the pin into the bushing and then press both into the arm as an assembly?

[Chryco Psycho]

leave the sleeves in place unless they are damaged , I push the bushing into the arm & slide the pin into the bushing after .
 You could have had them done by now Brad !!

[brads70]

You could have had them done by now Brad !!

   been busy! Snow blower tune up season is starting! As the old saying goes..... gotta cut hay while the sun is shinning!

[ChallengerHK]

Snowblower, you say? 

[brads70]

Snowblower, you say?