I'm working on replacing my LCAs now... So I got the LCA out, how do I get the lateral link out of the front bushing? It's driving my nuts.

TIAA

 

I don't know what all you've tried, but I was completely unable to get mine out as well (both sides). I ended up purchasing new ones.

 

Hammer, ball joint separator tool, PB blaster... and now trying to find it on autozone or advance with no look. Argh, I really wanted to get this junk done today.

 

I could not get it out... tried any and everything... had to cut it out with a torch... mannnnnnnn

 

Plan A: Put lateral link in a vice, twist LCA and pull at the same time.

Plan B: Torch out the runner bushing holding the link in the arm. Then all that's left is the metal bushing on the link. Gently cut that off with a cut off wheel/grinder/sawz-all.

 

Burn it off, if you have a torch! If not hacksaw the bushing longitudally and split it open...

 

I punched it out with a hammer while having it in a vice.

 

Thanks for the advice guys.. I ended up torching the bushing out and then taking a die grinder to the sleeve. I nicked the link up a bit while cutting the sleeve, but I think it'll still hold fine. Talk about some rust after 160k miles though - no way that thing was coming out with a vice and hammer. The passenger side slid right out thanks to whatever fluid was leaking on it to prevent rust build-up and ultimately destroying the bushing. Hopefully it was either the camshaft sensor or oil pressure sending unit that was leaking as I fixed it, but now it seems like the power steering fluid might be seeping out slowly.

So 2 days later, and 2 new LCAs, sway bar links, KYB struts/shocks and it handles like new again!

BTW, noticed my inner tie rod boot was torn on the driver's side... do I need to worry about this? I really don't feel like messing with my car again anytime soon.

 

to check the inner and outer tie rods jack the car up, grab the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock position and see if there is any play...

 

Yeah did that while I was working on the LCAs, but there's no play. Just wondering If I need to worry about the crack in the driver's side inner tie-rod boot. I'm not sure what it's protecting, but I'm pretty sure it's not some sort of greased joint. I'm thinking it might just be like the piston for a strut/shock where the boot doesn't do too much (except break after 10k miles)..