Been working up refreshing the front end on my 68 144. I have all the new ball joints and control arm bushings pressed in. I used a ball joint press with good success.

Having problem with the second upper bushing after I inserted the wish bone shaft. I can't use the press on that one. I cleaned up the new bushing real good and the hole. I used a socket and tapped the bushing in so far and it will not go any further. Spent an hour on one side and gave up till I regroup with another plan. Going to try and tap the bushing back out and inspect things again. I done want to clean it up to much for fear of making the bushing loose.

Is there a special tool that could be used to ease this process or a different approach?

Craig

I cut a slot through the end of the ball joint press, just large enough to slip the shaft through. Hacksaw and a patient half hour did it.

Don't hammer on or bend the arm.
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MPergiel, Elmhurst, IL

A slot in the ball joint press is what I viewed as a solution except it isn't my press. If need be I might have to buy one and cut it. I assume there is/was a special tool for this purpose? My lower bushing were the bad ones. The tops ones looked ok but I thought I would change them out. Had I known I might have left them be for now. I don't see how one would do it even with a shop press unless you spanned the A arm to keep from bending it.

Craig

Correct. The FSM for any Volvo of that year has pics of the special Volvo tool.

You can get a balljoint press from harborfreight for $35 and cut the slot.

Even spanning the arm is NOT ALLOWED. The individual ears must be each supported when removing/replacing that bushing.


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MPergiel, Elmhurst, IL

I think I will pick up a ball joint press and do that. Do you slot one of the rings as well to have something to press into? Might need to slot a washer as well to have something to put at bottom of press and that ring?

Craig

I think the only mod I made was cut a .6"-.7"slot through the outside end of the clamp.
Yes, you need a slotted washer to remove the bushing, but I think the bushing fit through the hole end of the clamp when installing.
Been a while. Can't really remember. I know I did both upper sides.
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MPergiel, Elmhurst, IL