Control arm install fun. F$%& mazda

BriceJohnson · **Joined:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 7:33 am **Posts:** 2230

So, I'm replacing the control arm on my mazda due to a clunking noise coming from the right side (torn control arm bushing; The ball joint grease boot happens to be torn too, so a new a control arm just makes sense at only $95 from mazdaspeed motorsports). It appears that the power steering pump was installed AFTER the right lower control arm. #$^# #$%#$^ #$^#$&$&. I cannot get the bolt out of the front control arm bushing, it hits the pump before it comes all the way out. Its SO close though.

I'm thinking that I can reinstall the new arm ok if I shave a little bit off of the head of the bolt on the lathe at work (I seriously need only like 1/8"), but I'm curious if anyone has any tips for nuking an old control arm bushing. Will a regular propane torch do it? If I melt the bushing, I can get it out, and then worry about getting the new one in.

Dustin Fredrickson · **Posted:** Wed Mar 17, 2010 12:30 am

If it's like my old Honda's bushings, you can set the rubber on fire with propane and slowly burn it out, but not really melt it. It'll stink and make lots of smoke obviously - I wouldn't even consider doing this in a garage. Oh, and since it's burning, you'll probably destroy any finishes, rubber, and wires in the near vicinity.

Personally, I wouldn't consider this an option while mounted on the car.

RichardNuss · **Posted:** Wed Mar 17, 2010 7:05 am

Can you pull the old bolt part way out, and then slice it with a grinder/cut-off wheel? (you can also use sawzall, but if the bolt is a good one, it can eat a couple blades in the process)

Then pull the rest of the bolt out (leave enough sticking out when you cut it to put vise grips in it if it's in there tight and you need to pull it out with something, or maybe you can drive it out from the other side)

Then see if you can get the new one in without removing the pump.

Jason Mauldin · **Posted:** Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:07 am

BriceJohnson wrote:

. Its SO close though.

Have you tried just loosening the pump so that it wiggles a little. If it's really that close you may only need a little wiggle room.

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:43 am

Dustin Fredrickson wrote:

If it's like my old Honda's bushings, you can set the rubber on fire with propane and slowly burn it out, but not really melt it. It'll stink and make lots of smoke obviously - I wouldn't even consider doing this in a garage. Oh, and since it's burning, you'll probably destroy any finishes, rubber, and wires in the near vicinity.

Personally, I wouldn't consider this an option while mounted on the car.

Fire (MAAP Gas) works great to remove old rubber bushings. I can't believe Ryan has missed the opportunity to recommend it.

Ryan Holton · **Posted:** Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:54 am

FIRE!!!

Its gonna stink some kinda bad but a MAAP gas torch (~$40 at Lowes) will burn it out of there. Propane will work too and is a little cheaper but MAAP burns hotter, hotter = better

BriceJohnson · **Joined:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 7:33 am **Posts:** 2230

got a great tip from a mazda3forums member I messaged. I can just unbolt the passenger side engine mount and lift the entire engine up slightly to gain the clearance I need. Thanks for the helpful tips though. As much as I WANTED to set my car on fire, it'll have to wait for another time.

BriceJohnson · **Joined:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 7:33 am **Posts:** 2230

Boo yah, just got it off tonight. Its too dark to put everything back together right now, but I feel like the end is in sight. Thanks internet!

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Control arm install fun. F$%& mazda

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