Need help--how to remove old bushings in calmini idler arm-also wobble issue

[CISO1969]

Ok today I had to abort the April fool's Run at RC. There was a wobble and a popping in my right front wheel when flexed or moving about on rocks

Getting back to parking lot I lifted the truck, removed the wheel and saw I had very little side to side movement but only going one way--toward front of truck as there was play in the idler arm area where bushings are (the part bolt goes through) that allowed it to flex a bit upward and toward the wheel well and of course all the steering and tie rods flexed up too.

Someone mentioned though there should be no play in the knuckle at all? Would there be no play if the idler arm wasn't loose? or are you saying no play no matter what's attached or not? I don't have much experience with wheel bearing issues or what is normal play for an idler arm. is it a truism that regardless of idler arm and the tie rods attached etc, knuckle shouldn't move?

The reason I am asking is I am not unsure if it's a wheel bearing issue and the idler arm isn't too loose, or it's the bushings in the idler arm?

I can do both jobs, but the part I have heard is a bear and I have never done before so am asking advice (i'll do so at Club x too) is how to 1) remove the old bushings from the Calmini idler arm, 2) is that steel inner sleeve reused? 3) best way to install the bandit 4x4 bushings and once again would I reuse that steel inner sleeve as the set doesn't come with a steel inner tube.

I need to try to attack and knock this out tomorrow as this is my daily driver. Don't want to spend hours doing wheel bearings if the issue is purely the idler arm and if I do the idler arm I need some guidance and or tips on how to remove old bushings and install new.

All and any help appreciated. If you are local and free tomorrow and think you can help me out as you have done this before, or have a press etc etc, that would be awesome too

Thanks guys

Lee

 

[CISO1969]

Guys, anyone? No one knows what is normal for an idler arm? Wheel? bearings? or has any experience with Calmini idler arm bushings or the install for bandit 4x4 bushings?

 

[CISO1969]

OK I am convinced its the bushing, possibly missing the steel insert. I had it up on a lift, kept tires in place.

The when I apply pressure to the tire at 3 o'clock and 9 'o clock it moves the idler arm up and at a slight angle so tie rode moves and steering rod moves all in unison with tire and idler arm---I can get the other side to do the same--basically the steering has no resistance and moves a bit because the idler arm has play-not firmly in place has some wobble.

OK I tried to hammer it out and also used a c clamp--cant get that inner sleeve out of my spare i9dler arm so I can get old bushings out and insert new. If you have done this, what did you use? Do I need a huge press or would a small arbor press do it?

I don't want this to impact my suspension or tires and any guideline appreciated. if you are local in PA and have access to a press please let me know!

Thanks,

Lee

 

[CISO1969]

OK tried to use a huge C clamp and some sockets to push out the steel sleeve, no dice the cheap harbor freight c clamp was bending--but even a good old US Steel one probably would too. This Summer Beach in their tight!

I may have to buy a press at Harbor freight, something I don't need often and really don't have room for GRRRRR

 

[metzican]

I would help you but I have no idea about any of this. Would there be a special tool to push out the sleeve if so does any of the auto parts have it for rent around you? would not hurt to call and find out. Do you have a copy of the FSM.

 

[CISO1969]

This is an aftermarket Idler arm. Most use some sockets and a press to remove. Thanks for the kind offer. It seems the bushings wear fast on these so I may need the press as a "keeper" after all.

I wonder what the smallest press is I canget away with. I doubt I need a 12 or a 20 ton press.

Lee

 

[CISO1969]

OK I picked up a cheap 6 ton press at Harbor Freight. I am sure I'll need it again with the Calmini Idler arm. I'll build it tonight and have the Idler arms swapped shortly.

Has anyone converted the Calmini to a heim joint or used the bearings similar to grass roots centerlink upgrade?

I shouldnt have to keep dealing with this BS

 

[xterror04]

Have you tried heat? The bushings shouldn't be that hard to press out...

There are two bushings, you will need to take a small punch, screw driver, pry bar etc.. And put it down in between the two bushings on the lip of the bushing, then start hammering it downward... Don't just tap in one spot move the punch around the entire bushing

A grassroots centerlink would not work with calmini parts... The calmini link is shorter then the grass roots

 

[CISO1969]

yes got it all apart. I think I also need a new pin (The center steel bushing that goes in middle of the bandit 4x4 bushings. It all mic's out about the same but visually looks out of round. I may go with a spherical bearing mod soon --It seems to be the best solution if I keep this steering set