Front suspenion A-arm refurm, Step-by-step Options

[racunniff]

My car had the most annoying popping / grinding sound coming from the passenger's side front A-arm. It got to the point that I almost did not want to drive the car any more. So, I decided to do something about it. Once I had diagnosed that it was the A-arm bearings causing the sound, I went to the Pelican and ordered this part (part number 99-3014-340-M230):



You'll need the following tools:

1. Sockets - 11mm, 13mm, 17mm, 19mm
2. Allen wrench - 8mm
3. A BFH - "Big Friendly Hammer"
4. Rubber mallet
5. Breaker bar, pry bars, chisels, heat source, etc.
6. Some grease (I used some white lithium grease)

I jacked the car up, and removed the wheel, so I could access the suspension:



Here is what the A-arm looked like at the begnining of this whole process:



First step in removing the A-arm is to remove the torsion bar adjusting screw (using an 11mm socket) and then pry the adjusting arm off the torsion bar (I used an Allen wrench as a lever to push it from behind):



Next is to remove the tapered pin from the ball joint. You back the nut off so it's clear of the threads (using a 13mm socket) and then you *carefully* strike it with a hammer - here is my BFH about to strike the nut (which has been soaking for a bit in penetrating oil). You have to hit it pretty hard to loosen it, but eventually, it will pop forward:



Once you get the initial "pop" you'll need to remove the nut and then use another bolt or something as a drift to push the pin far enough out so you can get at it with vice grips or something.

Coming soon, Part II