Upper control arm bushings -- which hand tools to use

[findalex]

Hi,

I'm trying to replace the upper control arm bushings. Since the control arm is $40+ and the bushing (https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi-suspension-control-arm-bushing-8k0407515)is $6, I'd like to try to just change out the bushing.

I have Autozone nearby with some loaner tools I can rent (here (https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/loaner-ball-joint-press-adapter), here (https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/loaner-ball-joint-press-adapter/p/great-neck-ball-and-u-joint-press-set/557231_0_0)) but all the sizes seem to be too big. Since the OEM bushing has an outer metal edge I think I should find something with that exact diameter 47 mm or 48 mm to drive it out of the control arm. If I just drive through the metall center push, it's just rip through the rubber and leave the outer metal edge.

Has anyone done this DIY? If so, what tool(s) did you use to remove and install the bushing?

Thanks.

Alex

[mrg_B8TFSi]

I don’t think anyone is replacing just the bushings anymore.. the pain and time of removing the old separated bushings from the control arms isn’t worth the price of just replacing the entire arms.. plus it’s likely you’ll be damaging the ball joints on the control arms during the process of removing the spindle pinch bolt. I don’t know anyone who lives in an area with 4 seasons that hasn’t had to put heat on the pinch bolt to remove it.. just buy new control arms the extra $ is nothing in terms of costs of owning these B8 Audis


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[Theiceman]

so .......... you want to replace your upper control arm bushings with a few tools from autozone huh ....

i suggest watching this first so you are prepared for what you are in for

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yc-y3o_kR4&t=364s

[findalex]

so .......... you want to replace your upper control arm bushings with a few tools from autozone huh ....

i suggest watching this first so you are prepared for what you are in for

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yc-y3o_kR4&t=364s

I can definitely replace them easily with the right hand tools.

I have already replaced the front struts, which required popping the control arm from the knuckle secured by the pinch bolt. Thankfully, I live in CA, and the car didn't see much rain for the past 10 years. So after I removed the pinch bolt nut, I just had to use another bolt to punch it out of the knuckle. No heat, just a lot of PB blaster and patience. Used the spring compressor from autozone, my 3rd set of struts replacement (on different cars) using their tools. Works great!

When I put everything back, I lathered the bolt in anti-seize, so hopefully it'll be even easier this time.

[Theiceman]

I can definitely replace them easily with the right hand tools.

I have already replaced the front struts, which required popping the control arm from the knuckle secured by the pinch bolt. Thankfully, I live in CA, and the car didn't see much rain for the past 10 years. So after I removed the pinch bolt nut, I just had to use another bolt to punch it out of the knuckle. No heat, just a lot of PB blaster and patience. Used the spring compressor from autozone, my 3rd set of struts replacement (on different cars) using their tools. Works great!

When I put everything back, I lathered the bolt in anti-seize, so hopefully it'll be even easier this time.

oh if that's the case you are in great shape... do you not have a buddy with a press? i did the lowers on my sons car and it was a piece of cake, i found the ball joints on the things are indestructible so i think you will be in great shape, you just need some round stock you can push through . i used sockets that fit fust inside and it popped the whole thing out no problem.

[mrg_B8TFSi]

Yep I’ve used a socket to pop em out before.. but I just did my entire front end at 90k on my A4 .. the video in this thread was my basis along with my Bentley manual.. I don’t remember maybe 27mm socket?? Or 25, which is 1”

Wow i used to live in Washington and never had any frozen bolts .. ok so CA yeah you’re good , no crappy weather or NaCl .. easy to work on cars there


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[findalex]

I found a socket that seems perfect, but quite a bit larger than 27 mm, but seems to have the same outside diameter as the bushing. I'm thinking this socket plus this tool (https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/loaner-ball-joint-press-adapter/p/great-neck-ball-and-u-joint-press-set/557231_0_0)should get the job done. What do you guys think?

@mrg_B8TFSi, can you please post the link to the video you mentioned?

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/PXL_20230505_000925667.jpg

[mrg_B8TFSi]

It’s the FCPEuro video in Iceman reply.. that video shows the upper and lower arms.. and how to load the suspension when torquing the bushings.. unfortunately it doesn’t show how to replace the rubber bushings.


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[findalex]

It’s the FCPEuro video in Iceman reply.. that video shows the upper and lower arms.. and how to load the suspension when torquing the bushings.. unfortunately it doesn’t show how to replace the rubber bushings.


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Ah, OK. I've watched that video many times. The guy had a really tough time with the pinch bolt.