Control Arm Install Question.

mk3_7m

Member
Jul 21, 2007
536
0
16
melbourne
I am planning to remove and replace the arms. with new ES bushing. The control arm bolts must be torqued down with the car's weight on the ground which TSRM advise as well as IJ somewhere :p
The problem is when you have the car sitting completely on the ground how are you suppose to torque down the control arm bolts. I just dont see how to properly tighten these bolts up to avoid destroying the bushings.

Can someone please show pictures or something where you meant to preload the springs.

Thanks in advance
 

Bmettie

Member
Apr 27, 2010
188
0
16
Florida
Raise the spindle/knuckle with a floor jack until the car is sitting on the suspension then torque the bolts. But it isn't a big deal with a sleeved bushing like ES because you'll be torquing the sleeve to the body and the bushing will still rotate around it, but your chances of it squeaking are much less if you raise the spindle/knuckle with a floor jack, then torque.

PS disconnect your sway bar links for an easier time.