Front lower control arm

[john adam]

I am about to replace the control arms. Is it possible without removing the rear bush? I have replaced the original bush with the powerflex system.

[DMGRS]

Personally I find it much easier taking it off with the bush - they're a real pain to separate sometimes (but may be easier on the Powerflex system).

If you need an arm without bush, we do now stock them although not listed on our site. They're Moog, too - so will last well.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by john adam

I am about to replace the control arms. Is it possible without removing the rear bush?

No John.

Look at the inner balljoint, projecting through the subframe. That has to be lifted out. How will you do that with the end of the arm retained in the bush?

I've just removed my control arms. This is what's involved:

• Release steering track rod balljoint from hub.
• Remove nut and bolt securing lower arm outer balljoint to hub (good luck with that).
• Remove rear bush fixing bolts*.
• Release lower arm inner balljoint Using Sykes Pickavant two leg adjustable puller 0830 0000. You will also need to raise the driveshaft to provide the necessary clearance.

* This is easier said than done. Members have described using two combination spanners linked together but since the bolts were tightened to 150 Nm at the factory this is not my preferred solution. I followed MG Rover's advice and removed the anti-roll bar saddle clamp to enable me to use a hexagon socket on the bush bolts. This has the advantage that they can be refitted at the correct torque which is important for stressed suspension components.

It's a horrible job John and not to be undertaken lightly. If you would like any further tips, let me know.

Simon

[john adam]

My control arms and a couple of other bits are on the way from Mat and Scott at DMGR. Great service from these guys. Unfortunately postage to NZ is horrendous. Even so it still works out cheaper that trying to source parts here.
Thanks also to SD1 for his comments.

[Mike Noc]

John if you are fitting new lower arms to Powerflex bushes then test fit them off the car to ensure that the arm can slide fully into the bush. Thel last two arms I changed had to be filed down along the back part of the hexagon.