Help with removing read craddle bushings - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Lio Martinez · 05-25-2014, 08:56 PM

Ok so I started the suspension upgrade yesterday. My friend who also happends to be my mechanic helped me installed the following front suspension items

1. Pfadt Front ZLSpec sway bar
2. Pfadt front Endlink
3. Pfadt Featherlight Front coilovers
4.Pdaft 2.5 Camber plates
5. Spherical control Arm bushing
6. Trailing arm bushing

So the hard part was taking the damn bushings of of the trailing arms. So I had to take them to a machine shop and ended up paying for having them take off and press the new ones in . I'm afraid to try to take off the rear craddle to install the Pfadt solid rear mounts. Because I don't only how hard will they be to take off and install new ones.

Anyone got any experience with taking off the rear craddle completely off and the stock bushings !!?

Medi0cr3 · 05-25-2014, 10:20 PM

You will definately need a sawzaw

2012LS3VERT · 05-25-2014, 10:35 PM

Did mine yesterday. Took about 4 hours in and out. Used a sawzall from the inside out, like in the Pfadt instructions, and a hammer.

JusticePete · 05-25-2014, 10:37 PM

All you need is heat.

Lower the sub-frame enough to get a socket on top of the sub-ferule. Use a jack to put pressure on the sub-frame. Use a propane torch and hear the sub-frame. The FRP sub-frame jacket and blue adhesive will soften and the bushing will fall out.

Retro69 · 05-25-2014, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JusticePete

All you need is heat.

Lower the sub-frame enough to get a socket on top of the sub-ferule. Use a jack to put pressure on the sub-frame. Use a propane torch and hear the sub-frame. The FRP sub-frame jacket and blue adhesive will soften and the bushing will fall out.

Does this damage the paint on the sub frame?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

JusticePete · 05-25-2014, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retro69

Does this damage the paint on the sub frame?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Yep.

Lio Martinez · 05-26-2014, 12:20 AM

Anyone has any pictures or videos of the process.?

I just don't wants take out the rear cradle and not be able to take the bushings out or the new ones in. So no need for a press machine !??

How do do the new Pfadt ones get attached ?

Sorry I'm new to all this suspension stuff

Medi0cr3 · 05-26-2014, 12:51 AM

The assy is in the instructions. Its fairly simple. I had no idea what I was doing either. I guess you can use heat, much easier on the hadns than a sawzaw. fml..

Lio Martinez · 05-26-2014, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medi0cr3

The assy is in the instructions. Its fairly simple. I had no idea what I was doing either. I guess you can use heat, much easier on the hadns than a sawzaw. fml..

What other measures do u recommend ?

durbojones · 05-26-2014, 03:49 AM

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265589

Medi0cr3 · 05-26-2014, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lio Martinez

What other measures do u recommend ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by durbojones

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265589

^^^^^
Way easier than a sawzaw. Trust me

Lio Martinez · 05-26-2014, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by durbojones

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265589

Thanks so I don't really need to drop the whole thing?

How heavy is it ? My original idea was to complete drop it as it seemed that I would be easier that way to replace sway bar , trailing arms and tie rods

2012LS3VERT · 05-26-2014, 02:36 PM

No, you don't have to drop the whole thing if you don't want. I find it easier myself, as I have a lift. If you are going to do the rear UCA bushings and all the other stuff, I personally would drop the whole thing, but only if it's on a lift. Otherwise, I would do it the other way suggested with heat. The new subfra me bushings just tap in.

con10der · 05-26-2014, 10:14 PM

I just completed my total front and rear BMR Bushing/Hardware upgrade. I dropped complete cradle without a lift, just 4 jack stands and a floor jack. Honestly it was quite simple. The bushing are a bitch, but nothing some heat, 12 pack and a 8lb sledge hammer couldn't handle. Just use a good solid impact item to place on top on subframe bushings and slam away, (heat first, nothing crazy...just a 30-45 seconds of heat) after 3-4 good slams..POP! I have pics and more detailed information if you desire. I too was a little hesitant, but as an engineer I have to give kudos to GM...it was rather simple. Hardest part, removing/replacing exhaust...note: I did complete job solo...no assistance.

05-25-2014, 08:56 PM	#1
Lio Martinez Account Suspended Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS RS 1LE IMO Turbo Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Oxnard. CA Posts: 1,747 View My Garage	Help with removing read craddle bushings Ok so I started the suspension upgrade yesterday. My friend who also happends to be my mechanic helped me installed the following front suspension items 1. Pfadt Front ZLSpec sway bar 2. Pfadt front Endlink 3. Pfadt Featherlight Front coilovers 4.Pdaft 2.5 Camber plates 5. Spherical control Arm bushing 6. Trailing arm bushing So the hard part was taking the damn bushings of of the trailing arms. So I had to take them to a machine shop and ended up paying for having them take off and press the new ones in . I'm afraid to try to take off the rear craddle to install the Pfadt solid rear mounts. Because I don't only how hard will they be to take off and install new ones. Anyone got any experience with taking off the rear craddle completely off and the stock bushings !!?

05-25-2014, 10:20 PM	#2
Medi0cr3 Untamed Performance EPT Drives: 2011 2SS Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: El Paso Posts: 372	You will definately need a sawzaw __________________ Night Fury Cam Borla LT Headers and Borla Cat Back ATAK 9in. diff with 4.11's, DSS Axles, and Alum Shaft Hurst Short-Shifter; Ideal Garage Master Cylinder H-E Street Slayer Twin Billet Clutch BMR: Adjustable; Trailing Arms, Toe Rods, Extreme Sway Bar. BMR Subframe Bushings. Strange Rear Coilovers and mounts Tuned by Rhino79

05-26-2014, 12:51 AM	#8
Medi0cr3 Untamed Performance EPT Drives: 2011 2SS Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: El Paso Posts: 372	The assy is in the instructions. Its fairly simple. I had no idea what I was doing either. I guess you can use heat, much easier on the hadns than a sawzaw. fml.. __________________ Night Fury Cam Borla LT Headers and Borla Cat Back ATAK 9in. diff with 4.11's, DSS Axles, and Alum Shaft Hurst Short-Shifter; Ideal Garage Master Cylinder H-E Street Slayer Twin Billet Clutch BMR: Adjustable; Trailing Arms, Toe Rods, Extreme Sway Bar. BMR Subframe Bushings. Strange Rear Coilovers and mounts Tuned by Rhino79

05-26-2014, 03:49 AM	#10
durbojones Drives: 2012 1SS Camaro, M6, AGM Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 170	http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265589 __________________ 2012 1SS, M6, AGM TSP Headers, Halltech CAI, XA Supercar Coilovers, Sway bars, Forgeline GA1R 19x10s, so much more left to do..... 1972 Chevrolet K20, 350/NV4500, 4" lift

05-26-2014, 10:14 PM	#14
con10der Con10der Drives: 2010 2SS/RS M6 IOM Rally Stripes Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Carlsbad, New Mexico Posts: 97 View My Garage	I just completed my total front and rear BMR Bushing/Hardware upgrade. I dropped complete cradle without a lift, just 4 jack stands and a floor jack. Honestly it was quite simple. The bushing are a bitch, but nothing some heat, 12 pack and a 8lb sledge hammer couldn't handle. Just use a good solid impact item to place on top on subframe bushings and slam away, (heat first, nothing crazy...just a 30-45 seconds of heat) after 3-4 good slams..POP! I have pics and more detailed information if you desire. I too was a little hesitant, but as an engineer I have to give kudos to GM...it was rather simple. Hardest part, removing/replacing exhaust...note: I did complete job solo...no assistance. __________________ 2010 2SS/RS M6 IOM w/Rally Stripes. BLK CAI w/ADM,WW Relo,2" Kooks,3" Cats-Mids,Vmax Ported TB,Muff Del,Janetty SCT Tuned,Drill/Slot BLK Hawk rotors,Red Grani Brake Lines,Motul 600,IDEAL Master w/res,Moroso CC,Accel Silver Tips w/TVolt 10.4mm,MGW shift w/Retro hand/ball,ABL Kit,Billet/IOM pedals, ZL1 split,Lloyds SS mats,PC Droid4/MAXX docking,HW Solo2. Pend Install: Launch/Shift Light,BMR Susp/1" Drop/Sways/Track Pack,GM 3.9. Future: Janetty Pumpkin w/PosiTrac,1400HP axl,CF DS,Tick Stage 2 Trans,3 Disc Clutch,4"quad tip,center exit AB w/diff...

05-25-2014, 10:35 PM	#3
2012LS3VERT Drives: 2012 2SSRS Vert, Black w/M6 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 1,265	Did mine yesterday. Took about 4 hours in and out. Used a sawzall from the inside out, like in the Pfadt instructions, and a hammer.

05-25-2014, 10:37 PM	#4
JusticePete Drives: Camaro Justice Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 20,174	All you need is heat. Lower the sub-frame enough to get a socket on top of the sub-ferule. Use a jack to put pressure on the sub-frame. Use a propane torch and hear the sub-frame. The FRP sub-frame jacket and blue adhesive will soften and the bushing will fall out.

05-26-2014, 12:20 AM	#7
Lio Martinez Account Suspended Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS RS 1LE IMO Turbo Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Oxnard. CA Posts: 1,747 View My Garage	Anyone has any pictures or videos of the process.? I just don't wants take out the rear cradle and not be able to take the bushings out or the new ones in. So no need for a press machine !?? How do do the new Pfadt ones get attached ? Sorry I'm new to all this suspension stuff

05-26-2014, 02:36 PM	#13
2012LS3VERT Drives: 2012 2SSRS Vert, Black w/M6 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 1,265	No, you don't have to drop the whole thing if you don't want. I find it easier myself, as I have a lift. If you are going to do the rear UCA bushings and all the other stuff, I personally would drop the whole thing, but only if it's on a lift. Otherwise, I would do it the other way suggested with heat. The new subfra me bushings just tap in.