Guest Lasse Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Just bought a front-end rebuild kit from Kanter, and most of the stuff in the box makes sense. However, these ones (there´s two of them) in the picture don´t. Where do they go?Also, there seem´s to be a bushing or a bumper wedged between the upper control arm and the frame, what´s that? There doesn´t seem to be anything like that in my kit.Still also: As you can see, this is my first go in front-end restoration. Any, and I mean ANY good advice, hints and tips are welcome.Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pyntre Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 They look like lower control arm bushings , the hardest piece of the front end to replace in my opinion . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
X-Frame Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 They are the busings for what Buick calls the Brake Retraction Rod which is the shorter straight stabilizer rods that run from the lower control arms (below the stablizer bar) and through the front frame cross brace. The bushing goes into the frame and the rod runs through it and is bolted down.Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob J Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 (edited) They are the busings for what Buick calls the Brake Retraction Rod which is the shorter straight stabilizer rods that run from the lower control arms (below the stablizer bar) and through the front frame cross brace. The bushing goes into the frame and the rod runs through it and is bolted down.EricAre you sure about that Eric? I think those are the Front Lower Control arm bushings. The brake reaction rod bushings are different, and are not one solid piece like in the photo.I have the same Kanter Front End kit.As far as tips, having access to a press helps matters greatly. I have a cheap Harbor Freight 12 ton press that I've had for about 5 years or so, and it has worked well, and paid for itself. Edited February 9, 2012 by Rob J (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lasse Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Rob, how many of those should there be in a kit? 1 or two per side? I got two, hope that´s enough! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
X-Frame Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Are you sure about that Eric? I think those are the Front Lower Control arm bushings. The brake reaction rod bushings are different, and are not one solid piece like in the photo.I have the same Kanter Front End kit.As far as tips, having access to a press helps matters greatly. I have a cheap Harbor Freight 12 ton press that I've had for about 5 years or so, and it has worked well, and paid for itself.Rob... now that you mention it I believe you are correct. Both bushings look similar but the one in his hand is larger than the stabilizer one and not as much rubber exposed.Lasse... Yes, there will only be two of them - one for each lower control arm that attaches to the frame. The upper control arms will have 4 of them.You will need a vice press or a screw down spanner clamp press made to get them in and out. Years ago I just hammered them out but you risk damage that way but that was in the days you could just get a rebuilt lower control arm off the chain parts store shelves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
X-Frame Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Rob, how many of those should there be in a kit? 1 or two per side? I got two, hope that´s enough!This is a link to the front suspension section to the 1966 Riviera at the Team Buick website. It will be similar and hope it gives you a little reference.http://www.teambuick.com/reference/library/66_chassis/files/30-b.pdfEric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob J Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Rob, how many of those should there be in a kit? 1 or two per side? I got two, hope that´s enough!Yep, one lower control arm bushing per side of the car. You should definitely get yourself a chassis service manual if you don't already have one. Best money you'll spend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pyntre Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 And a box of bandaids:p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lasse Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 Thanks guys. Does the bushing come off with the lower arm or do I need to pull the bushing when the arm is still attached to the frame? I mean do I need to find a tool that can handle the business under the car or can I do it with a press across town? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pyntre Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 The lower control arm comes off the car ...the bushing stays is in the K member under the car... I did it on my back with the car on jack stands but I would HIGHLY suggest you get the car on a lift so your working angle is better ...it was not any fun the way I did it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
X-Frame Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 Lasse... give that shop manual PDF link I posted a look. It gives you procedures and diagrams. You will have an issue with the coil spring though so for me I would work sitting as close to the ground you can trying to wrangle seating the coil.Dealing with removing control arms on any vehicle is not holiday so be prepared to spend some "patient" time on them.You may want to try and find the price difference in buying a recycled (rebuilt) control arm. Could save you some headaches.I have worked on nearly every part of a car years ago... everything except the transmission. I always left that up to someone else more experienced.Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lasse Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 Thanks Eric! That PDF is great. It really just now hit me that I need to remove the springs also.In your experience, how should I proceed with the whole business, I mean in which order? I´m going (if the V8-gods are with me) to renew all of the following:upper ball jointslower ball jointsstabilizer link kitsouter tie rod endsstrut bushing kits upper inner bushingslower inner bushingsI have the wheel & brake assembly off, what shall I attack first and where to proceed? I´m just trying to minimize my agony here... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JouniK Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 Hi Lasse!Where did You get the kit? I got mine from PST, but it´s missing the sway bar bushings (their super front end kit should include them..). I e-mailed them but I haven´t got an aswer yet. I´m not going to replace all the parts yet, just the ones that are in bad shape. I´ll replace the rest later, when I install the air bags . Jouni Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenugent Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 before you start-get a manual.it will be the best money you will ever spend on your project.follow there instructions.these are hard to get out and in.i used a 4 inch pipe and washers with allthread.got it done but bent the allthread-use a press. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob J Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 With this Ball Joint Press Kit I removed the old, and installed the new with ease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now