removing track control arm

[singapore stag]

I am finding it difficult to remove the track control arm, namely I am finding it hard to remove the bolts from the drag strut and track control arm bush ( bh607201,bh608221).Any easy way?, please. Also does paddocks sell these bolts with the nuts?, or can I get them from elsewhere.

Feedback appreciated as always .....Sukh

[Greenstag]

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Hi Sukh

I did this job about 2 weeks ago prior to MOT as I wanted to replace the drag strut bushes. Yes I agree....... can be a right sod. The bolt (201)on one side came out really easily but was really seized on the other side. Sometimes its actually easier to take the whole unit off the car and work on it in a vice . So, remove BH608221, by driving it out,separate GSJ130 and remove drag strut by removing nut GHF275. Theres also a swivel bar joining the drag strut to your anti roll bar

You can order all these bits from Peter at LD parts. Make sure you replace all the old lock nuts as really you shouldn't reuse old ones

David

[singapore stag]

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Thanks David, got day off tomorrow will start afresh again, failed MOT on ball joints so thought I might as well renew with new bushes and paint it. Incidently would it need the tracking done after every thing is put back?

Cheers, thanks for the info....Sukh.

[Greenstag]

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singapore stag wrote:

Incidently would it need the tracking done after every thing is put back?

Cheers, thanks for the info....Sukh.

I asked that question as well and was told no.

David

[V Mad]

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Hi Sukhi
I recently replaced ball joints on two cars. You should be able to get the track control arms off OK if you persevere, but getting them back together is difficult because the drag strut has to be forced downwards against the pressure of the rubber.

It should help if you loosened the nut at the rear of the drag strut then the strut will drop down more easily.

When you remove the bolt connecting the strut and the control arm you may have to wind it out which damages the thread. I got replacements from LD Parts.

Pressing out the old ball joints and pressing in the new ones will make your eyes bulge though:shock: You will need a very strong vice or press to do it! Most people resort to using a club hammer, but be careful not to damage the suspension arm, and dont forget to remove the circlip first.

Have a good day tomorrow

[dogsnadgers]

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V Mad wrote:

Pressing out the old ball joints and pressing in the new ones will make your eyes bulge though:shock: You will need a very strong vice or press to do it! Most people resort to using a club hammer, but be careful not to damage the suspension arm, and dont forget to remove the circlip first.

You could buy the whole arm on an exchange basis with the joints already pressed in, which is what I did, then you know it's done properly in a press.

Dave

[Rubce]

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dogsnadgers wrote:

You could buy the whole arm on an exchange basis with the joints already pressed in, which is what I did, then you know it's done properly in a press.

Dave

Paddocks sell them as service exchange units with the ball joints fitted.

Bruce

[stustag]

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Hi Sukh

It took me 20 mins to get the control arm and drag strut off my car recently.

The best way to do it it to loosen the bolt for the drag strut - control arm first then undo the lower strut bolts. This allows the control arm and drag strut to move up and down allowing you to get the 19mm long socket on the drag strut nut (in the body) easily.

The remove the drag strut and then split the ball joint and finally take the bolt out at the rear of the control arm.

Re-assemble control arm bolt then drag strut then ball joint then strut easy.

Stuart

[singapore stag]

imported post

V Mad wrote:

Hi Sukhi
I recently replaced ball joints on two cars. You should be able to get the track control arms off OK if you persevere, but getting them back together is difficult because the drag strut has to be forced downwards against the pressure of the rubber.

It should help if you loosened the nut at the rear of the drag strut then the strut will drop down more easily.

When you remove the bolt connecting the strut and the control arm you may have to wind it out which damages the thread. I got replacements from LD Parts.

Pressing out the old ball joints and pressing in the new ones will make your eyes bulge though:shock: You will need a very strong vice or press to do it! Most people resort to using a club hammer, but be careful not to damage the suspension arm, and dont forget to remove the circlip first.

Have a good day tomorrow

Please Note:....The Above written advice by Chris is an understatement, I never want to see nor change ball joints and bushes for a track control arm ever again, period.:shock:

Well, the ball joints are replaced and the bushes changed to poly and the TCA's painted, now awaiting bolts, nuts and washers from ANG Triumph to put every thing together again.

All thebolts were well sized, had to carefully angle grind them off. I will change them again if needed on my car knowing that I have new bolts and everything is clean, but never on one that was in the condition mine was before I started.

Tell you what though I feel proud, and am now going to replace the quill shaft bearing and oil sealwith this new found confidence,......Thanks alot again guys for the advice and support.

Sukh