Quote:
Originally Posted by sarguy01
The LCA bushings are a PITA. Actually, just the rear bushings are a PITA! I had a press and knocked the front out and pushed the new one in. They are directional by the way...I noticed this after I got the first new one in wrong, then pressed it out and right back in again correctly. Ball joints were easy too. I used Moog greasable ones in hopes that they would last longer.
The rear bushing is next to impossible to press out, unless you have the right clam shell for the press. I had four different clam shells to choose from and still couldn't make it work. I took the control arms home, drill a bunch of holes in the old bushing, hammered the center out, then used a Sawzaw to cut the bushing case out. Then I went back to the shop and pressed the new ones in.
The car makes a lot less noise on the road, but there is still a bit of a clanking noise that I can't figure out. Any guesses? The sway bar links are also new. Struts aren't leaking, wheel bearings, tie rod ends, and the rear end bushings are pretty solid.
Anybody have any idea what this weight looking thing does? I found all three bolts holding it in were loose. Can I take it off? Are there any more?
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You had a busy weekend...
I left that weight off of mine. I believe it is simply for deadening harmonic vibrations since I can't come up with any other reason for it. I now have a fair bit of vibration at idle... but I also put in polyurethane inserts in the front and rear engine mounts. Three of the four mounts in my car were FUBAR, and the inserts were much cheaper than new ones. The third I had to replace. Just removing this weight shouldn't have much added vibration, but I suspect you will notice a little.
I did the LCA bushings without a press... definitely a PITA. I used polyurethane here too, primarily because no press is needed to install them.
Glad your timing belt went smoothly. The threads in my tensioner bolt were stripped (when I removed the bolt, the threads came with it) which made for a fun time for me.
As for the thunking... did you check over the rear suspension? Possibly the bushing/bearing at the top of the struts? I've got a thunk in mine that I haven't found either and I've done everything you listed as well.