Upper control arm - help me

[Richnd1974]

Hi all
I have managed to remove the old upper arm but how do I get the new one on, seem a tight fit, Any advice please let me know it's being a real pain in the backside
Cheers Richard

 

[jcarruthers2]

Hi Richard

Is the problem with fitting the arm at the rear end (long bolt through suspension bushes) or at the other end, getting the ball joint to press into the the top of the stub axle?

 

[Richnd1974]

Yes that's the issue I am having it appears to be too tight

 

[jcarruthers2]

Have you tried levering it into alignment with the flat end of a long screwdriver?

 

[jcarruthers2]

Hi Richard

I have re-posted your photo encircling what looks like a thin piece of metal bent outwards located between the inner side of your new suspension arm and the outer side of the left bolt hole. It does not look like it should be there ( or it is a skin of metal which was bent outwards during the removal of the old arm). It could be impeding the fitting of the new arm.

 

[Andy McGhee]

Hi Richard
Have you measured the distance between the insides of the bushes on the old and new wishbones?

 

[Richnd1974]

I've had a result,, the picture that showed like the new unit was bent was due to the angle of the phone, well I took a breather and went back with a large screw driver and a little tap from a rubber mallet it's all aligned and bolted back up, two new track rod ends ordered arriving next week and now to move onto the other side and repeat, I've then got to replace the steering rack seals which I plan to take the rack out unless ifs possibe to do in situ, then plan on a little wire brushing and a little wax oil to tidy it all up. Cheers fellas

 

[angel]

Remember that the bolt must be tightened with the front suspension set at the "half laden" position. This is roughly when the ball joint end of the wishbone is 1-2 cm higher than the bolt. Otherwise, the bushes get strained and will soon fail.

 

[Richnd1974]

Remember that the bolt must be tightened with the front suspension set at the "half laden" position. This is roughly when the ball joint end of the wishbone is 1-2 cm higher than the bolt. Otherwise, the bushes get strained and will soon fail.

Thank you there was no mention of that in the Haynes manual