88 90Q: removing control arm bushings using Huw style tool

[Huw Powell]

> So I build the Huw "late" bushing puller and I'm frankly frustrated
> by my success so far.  I've succeeded in bending the control arm
> flanges such that I have to hammer the pipe nipple off the control
> arm after loosening the whole deal, and the bushing hasn't budged at
> all.  I'm putting about maximum human torque (standard 3/8" ratchet,
> operator bench presses ~280) into tightening the bolt and the
> bushings are simply not budging.  I can throw more torque at the
> problem (18" breaker bar) but I'm frankly worried about how much I've
> bent the flanges on the control arm already, given that the things
> are rusted so badly

I used an impact wrench - a few advantages - one is that there isn't a 
problem with pulling everything sideways that you get with a ratchet or 
wrench, the other is, much more torque.  I can't imagine *ever* getting 
one out with a  3/8" drive set up.  Also, since lining up all the bits 
for removal is sometimes a bit tricky, it's nice to just be able to 
"hammer" away at it the moment everything is right.

Rusty old control arms make it a lot harder, since their metal is no 
longer strong enough to act as a "base" or anvil for pushing the bushing 
out.  At that point I think one should consider new control arms.  They 
are available for about $70, with new bushings already installed.

My homemade tool worked for 4 bushings on my car, then 8 on another, and 
on another set of 8 the bolt finally broke.  I used it once more for a 
pair of bushings, and the next time the bolt broke early on, but I was 
next door and Eric pulled out a bearing press tool of some sort that was 
like a giant overbuilt C-clamp, with several various diameter anvil 
things.  Using that, and one or two pieces of my "modified plumbing 
bits" it was a piece of cake.

My tool used an 8 mm bolt down the middle, this C-clamp thing had 
something like a 3/4" diameter screw.

By the way, I remember doing those first four, on the front of my 90Q, 
in about an hour total.  The actual bushing popping process literally 
took 2-3 seconds each once the bits were all lined up.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/