I am installing a new PST suspension kit and working installing the bushing in the lower control arm. I had a small piece of steel in the channel so that it would not collapse but as I was tightening the ball joint press to insert the bushing, the piece of steel popped out at the channel collapsed some. I would say by at least 1/4".

Am I sunk? Can I repair?

Thanks,
Rich

Pictures would help us answer that question!
The arm is just steel, so, do you think you could bend it back?

Here are two pics. One is the bent one and the other is the one I have not pushed the bushing into yet. Looking at the bent one, I can definitely tell that the bushing is no longer straight across the channel.

Bent One
http://picasaweb.google.com/rich.ingle/Chevelle#5434008871366299410
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/A_8yI-dVj9lPnWAdwxzJ7A?feat=directlink (http://picasaweb.google.com/rich.ingle/Chevelle#5434008871366299410)http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fPFSsvBUpA/S2l6RyQcDxI/AAAAAAAAADE/zx3r-LiN7cU/s800/DSC02063.JPG

Non Bent One

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fPFSsvBUpA/S2l6biR_UsI/AAAAAAAAADM/nLiZQqA2vW4/s800/DSC02064.JPG
http://picasaweb.google.com/rich.ingle/Chevelle#5434009038876529346
http://picasaweb.google.com/rich.ingle/Chevelle#5434009038876529346

I think It can be saved by banding It back to where It was.

I am guessing my best bet is to take the bushing out, straighten the channel and then press the bushing back in.

Any suggestions on how I can avoid this again? Getting those bushing pressed in was really tough.

No need to remove the bushing.
A couple of blips with a blunt air chisel on the inside of the channel will bend it back in place. Rest the end with the flange on a flat surface.

Just beat it with a hammer to straighten it out. I bend them all the time and for lowers I only need a good hammer to install the bushing. To remove it I use an air chisel.

When I pressed mine out I put a socket in the channel to keep it from collapsing. Probably not the correct way, but it worked.

Here's how I do it. Cut a piece of exhaust tubing the correct length to fit snug in the control arm. Then cut a slit in it so you can slip it in and out easy. Put a hose clap around it while you are pressing in the bushing. Works great and no deformed arms.
27242

27243

I like that - my upper rears pressed in OK but the lowers are giving me fits.

yup- works the same for the rears

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Good news, I was able to save the control arm...I got it bent back into shape and the bushings installed.

MacToast...that is a great way to do it...wish I knew that last night :-)

Mactoast, very nice!

It took me a few months to learn to be patient but the information given on this websight is very quick, most of the time 24 hours. Now when I run into a problem I stop and ask and someone always will come to rescue me!!! :beers:

THANKS TO ALL

Nice save!!!

When I worked in the machine shop I had guys coming in asking me to install their bushings, plus I was doing my own. I made several different widths of C's out of out of some thick round bronze tubing to fit the opening. They were actually some old pin bushings. About 2" dia. Just slip it in there and press the bushing in. The bronze is soft enough that it won't damage the powdercoating or paint too badly.