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On my Alfetta Sedan I had noticed that the car had started wandering a bit at higher speeds. I took a look at the suspension and saw that the upper control arm bushes were in pretty sad shape. I decided that I would get the Powerflex bushings that International sells.
At around 5:00 after I got done working on crappy Volvos all day I would "pop" the new bushings in. I had soaked the nuts and bolts down with PB Blaster the day before. I started on the drivers side and within about 45 min I had that side done! Whoopie
Now goes the passenger side....
After finally getting the upper ball joint to separate, (20 min) I undid the shock and let the tension off the suspension. I went to loosen the bolt holding the bushing in. Got the nut off. and discovered that the bolt was seized in the sleeve of the bushing
. The only way to get in and cut the bushing is with a hack saw blade in a pair of vice grips. I sawed for almost 2 hours straight. I was about ready to start the funeral pire for the 'Fetta! Finally got it out , installed the new bushing and after searching the shop for half an hour for the perfect replacement bolt (I'm a pack rat) I drove the car.
WOW
what a difference!
It sounds better (No rattle/clunk)
It feels better (smoother)
It handles better (Steering is more responsive)
Good investment in my opinion
A quick tech note.. I have found that most Alfetta/GTV-6/Milano bushings have a plastic outer coating where they are pressed in. If you take a torch and heat the metal on the outside the bushing will literally fall out. If you then use the torch after to burn the excess plastic from the part the only thing you have to do is wipe the ashes out with a rag and install the new bush. No presses or any of that crap. The poly bushings are usually two piece and are pretty easy to get in using the pressure of a vice to help start the insertion.
I'll keep y'all posted as to how long they seem to last and any funky noises.
Paul
At around 5:00 after I got done working on crappy Volvos all day I would "pop" the new bushings in. I had soaked the nuts and bolts down with PB Blaster the day before. I started on the drivers side and within about 45 min I had that side done! Whoopie
Now goes the passenger side....
After finally getting the upper ball joint to separate, (20 min) I undid the shock and let the tension off the suspension. I went to loosen the bolt holding the bushing in. Got the nut off. and discovered that the bolt was seized in the sleeve of the bushing
WOW
It sounds better (No rattle/clunk)
It feels better (smoother)
It handles better (Steering is more responsive)
Good investment in my opinion
A quick tech note.. I have found that most Alfetta/GTV-6/Milano bushings have a plastic outer coating where they are pressed in. If you take a torch and heat the metal on the outside the bushing will literally fall out. If you then use the torch after to burn the excess plastic from the part the only thing you have to do is wipe the ashes out with a rag and install the new bush. No presses or any of that crap. The poly bushings are usually two piece and are pretty easy to get in using the pressure of a vice to help start the insertion.
I'll keep y'all posted as to how long they seem to last and any funky noises.
Paul