Forward Lower Control Arm Removal - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

DavoinShowerHandel · 08-20-2023, 10:08 PM

I've hit a snag trying to install poly bushings around my car and thought I'd turn to the experts here for any insight. Is there a trick to removing the forward lower control arms from the spindle on the front end of these cars? The rear lower control arms came out when I looked at them cross, but it feels like there's no force on this earth capable of moving the forward ones. I've tried a brass hammer numerous times to no avail.

Thank you all in advance for any help you can give!

kevint · 08-21-2023, 09:26 AM

Haven't done these yet myself but heating the area of the knuckle that the control arm connects to and hitting it with a big effing hammer seems to be the way to go. You'll likely have to use something bigger than the brass hammer you're currently using. You can also try putting a jack under the threaded end of the ball joint and applying a little upward pressure in addition to heating and hammering.

DavoinShowerHandel · 08-21-2023, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevint

Haven't done these yet myself but heating the area of the knuckle that the control arm connects to and hitting it with a big effing hammer seems to be the way to go. You'll likely have to use something bigger than the brass hammer you're currently using. You can also try putting a jack under the threaded end of the ball joint and applying a little upward pressure in addition to heating and hammering.

The jack idea had crossed my mind and is about the only thing I hadn't got around to trying yet. Heat & hammer alone didn't even make it flinch. I'm half-tempted to just buy a new spind and control arm and start from scratch if the jack doesn't want to make it work.

kevint · 08-21-2023, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavoinShowerHandel

The jack idea had crossed my mind and is about the only thing I hadn't got around to trying yet. Heat & hammer alone didn't even make it flinch. I'm half-tempted to just buy a new spind and control arm and start from scratch if the jack doesn't want to make it work.

If a new control arm is in the cards you might as well also get a pickle fork or some other ball joint removal tool and try that before buying a new knuckle (which might also mean a new hub and rear lower control arm).

DavoinShowerHandel · 08-21-2023, 12:50 PM

That's my worry, and what I'd love to avoid, is having to replace the entire knuckle. I wouldn't mind so much getting a new control arm if the doggone thing would just come out one way or another. Rear arm came out with the first tap, no issues there.

Leadsled · 09-07-2023, 03:44 AM

I used a 4lb brass hammer. Came out in one big swing.

08-20-2023, 10:08 PM	#1
DavoinShowerHandel Drives: 2011 Chevy Camaro 2SS/RS LS3 M6 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Ohio Posts: 49	Forward Lower Control Arm Removal I've hit a snag trying to install poly bushings around my car and thought I'd turn to the experts here for any insight. Is there a trick to removing the forward lower control arms from the spindle on the front end of these cars? The rear lower control arms came out when I looked at them cross, but it feels like there's no force on this earth capable of moving the forward ones. I've tried a brass hammer numerous times to no avail. Thank you all in advance for any help you can give! __________________ 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS LS3 Mods: Kooks 1 7/8" LT Headers, CAI Intake w/ APEX Race Scoop, Bo White Ported Throttle Body, MGW Short Throw Shifter, Powerbond 25% Underdrive Pulley, Borla ATAK Catback, Full DSE suspension, Bilstein B6 shocks/struts, Yukon 4.11 gears, 1.25" drop Dyno Tuned by Brian Turner of Dyno Tune Motorsports

08-21-2023, 12:50 PM	#5
DavoinShowerHandel Drives: 2011 Chevy Camaro 2SS/RS LS3 M6 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Ohio Posts: 49	That's my worry, and what I'd love to avoid, is having to replace the entire knuckle. I wouldn't mind so much getting a new control arm if the doggone thing would just come out one way or another. Rear arm came out with the first tap, no issues there. __________________ 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS LS3 Mods: Kooks 1 7/8" LT Headers, CAI Intake w/ APEX Race Scoop, Bo White Ported Throttle Body, MGW Short Throw Shifter, Powerbond 25% Underdrive Pulley, Borla ATAK Catback, Full DSE suspension, Bilstein B6 shocks/struts, Yukon 4.11 gears, 1.25" drop Dyno Tuned by Brian Turner of Dyno Tune Motorsports

09-07-2023, 03:44 AM	#6
Leadsled Drives: 2010 Camaro SS 6MT Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Columbia Posts: 215 View My Garage	I used a 4lb brass hammer. Came out in one big swing. __________________ TSP 229/244 .629"/615" CAM w/ a bunch of goodies 465whp/443tq tuned by MayhemMotorsports-NC

08-21-2023, 09:26 AM	#2
kevint Drives: 2013 1SS Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 716	Haven't done these yet myself but heating the area of the knuckle that the control arm connects to and hitting it with a big effing hammer seems to be the way to go. You'll likely have to use something bigger than the brass hammer you're currently using. You can also try putting a jack under the threaded end of the ball joint and applying a little upward pressure in addition to heating and hammering.