Control Arm Removal Process

This may seem like a stupid question, but can you just pull A-arms, or do you have to take off the shocks, rotor, or half-shafts, etc.?

More importantly, IF you have to remove the peripherals, in what order?

My control arms need new bushings and powdercoating, and I remember reading that you can damage the CV boot flanges if the axle just droops down unsupported, so I want to make sure I dismantle properly. Thanks.

 

yes you need to remove everything, shocks, sway bar, hub, brakes, etc. don't forget to take note of the spacers, not only the ones for the ball joints on the front end but the lower control arms hangars have spacers as well. the order can be a little different for whomever is removing the parts but usually
rear - rotors, brakes, backing plates,half shafts, hubs, sway bars, lower arms, upper arms

front - rotors, brakes, backing plates, tie rods,ball joints, shocks, lower arms, upper arms.

and the bushings all have a spot weld on them to secure to the control arms,

when reassembling do not lockdown the arms, set the car on it wheels and let sit for a few days then lock them down or your ride height will be off.

we just finished the suspension on a 76 GTB if you would like some pics of the process send me your email


Wade

 

Very important. Shims and spacers everywhere. Not to scare you...just take note of where they are so it goes back together as it came off.

Once you start the disassembly process, it becomes obvious what needs to come off first, then second, etc.

 

Dammit, messing with the brakes is the LAST thing I wanted to work on. My arms need restoration and bushings, but really I just wanted to pull them to get the fuel tanks and maybe front header out. I'm working on the fuel system and exhaust rebuild at the moment, and wanted to repaint the tanks and ceramic coat the headers. Only way I could think of for getting reasonable access without pulling the motor.

How do the hub and rotor come out? Isn't there another specialized ring nut in there somewhere?

 

The brake caliper spacers are probably the most important of the bunch to make sure they are replaced correctly. They are not all the same thickness so make sure of which ones are place where or you will have issue with caliper alignment with the rotor.

 

There's some good diy threads under 'suspension and brakes' in the 'interesting 3x8 diy article' sticky at the top.

some pics from my thread.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=475497&referrerid=97519

 

I think technically you don't have to remove much, everything is pretty simple like a normal car. the only tedious part is just keeping track of the spacers between the caliper and hub.

 

I did it this way

Christian
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Not that I want to argue, but I just pulled mine to replace the front shock bushings on both sides.
I did disconnect the caliper, but I probably didn't have to.
rotor & such all stayed together.