Click
here for an overview of the Energy Suspension Hyperflex Kit.
Performing this mod makes the most sense if you are replacing other parts of the front steering, suspension and/or brakes. In my case, I replaced pretty much everything in these categories. Because it is part of the control arm, there is information on Ball Joints in this article. This is not an exact step by step article, but will assist in the more difficult parts of the install.
***Note: The control arm bracket (c shaped) that holds the back part of the control arm to the subframe and wraps around the bigger of the two bushings does not have a replacement bushing included in this kit. DO NOT REMOVE the rubber bushing in this bracket or you will have to replace the whole bracket.
Tools Needed:
Hayne's manual
Basic ratchet set
3-Jaw Puller (for Ball Joint)
Dremel (optional)
Hammer
Here are the new Energy Suspension Front Control Arm Bushings out of the box. There is a front bushing that includes an inner metal sleeve, a smaller bushing and ring. There is also a bigger bushing that sits to the rear of the Front Control Arm that is about the size of one of those short soda cans.
Here are the old bushings off of the vehicle.
Here is the new Ball Joint from McQuay-Norris.
Here is the old Ball Joint removed from the vehicle.
Part 1:
Remove the Front Control Arm following the instructions in the Hayne's manual, which refers to it as just a control arm. Remove the ball joint (optional), by first pulling the snap ring off and then using a 3 jaw puller (or shop press if available). Remove the smaller bushing on the front using a hammer to push it out. Remove the bigger bushing on the back by pulling it off by hand. The front control arm, bushings and ball joint on the driver's side should look like the photo below.
Part 2:
Use a dremel to smooth out the bushing hole on the front control arm. Use the prelube to lube up any bushing surface that will make contact with metal. The front bushing and bushing hole look like photo below.
Part 3:
Install the ball joint by using the 3 jaw puller (or shop press if available) and install the snap ring. Tap the smaller front bushing into place and then hammer in the inner metal sleeve. Push the bigger back bushing on by hand. Once all of this is installed it should look like the photo below.
Part 4:
Now that the control arm is complete, follow the Hayne's manual instructions for installation. I found it easier to make sure the bolt is through on the front of the control arm and then work with the back. It may be necessary to remove the bushing on the back of the control arm while aligning the bolt holes. The control arm installed is pictured below.
Here is a close up of the front of the control arm.
Here is a close up of the back of the control arm including the control arm bracket.
The install is complete. Contact me with any questions.
