W126 LCA Bushing Replacement
 

There are already a number of posts on doing this job. I do appreciate the community discussions -- it has saved me tons of frustration in the five years I have worked on my car. So, I need to give back to the forum.

This variation on the job uses the KTC-A1023 kit for the REAR lower control arms. But I found that it is perfect for pressing the new bushings in.

Tools:
Floor Jack and jack stands
Spring Compressor, Klann KL-0025-1K
3-Jaw Puller, Posi Lock POS 108
Lower Control Arm Bushing Press Tool Set KTC-A1023
Ball joint extractor, Klann KL-0320
Pneumatic impact wrench, 1/2"
Torque wrench, 1/2"
Milwaukee Super Sawzall with 6-Inch, 18 Teeth per Inch, blades (Torch)
Blade: 48-00-5784
Bench vise

Special job notes:
1. DO mark the orientation of the eccentric bold, or it will cost you a wheel alignment.
2. Take the LCA off the car. It makes the job so much easier.
3. When reassembling, this is a good time to install A 123 330 14 75 REPAIR KIT BRAKE BRACING TO CONTROL ARM. I got mine from the dealership, and they are not cheap.

I have uploaded pictures to an album, but this is the first time to post them. Bear with me.

First Set of pictures
 

Following are the first five pictures

2nd set of pictures
 

Showing 3-jaw puller and bushing being pushed out after cutting ends off with Sawzall

3rd Picture set
 

After pushing out the bushing, I cleaned the LCA with a brake hone / drill motor and brake cleaning fluid. Polished up nicely. When pressing back in, I used liberal quantities of Astro-glide.

I'd like to see pics of the installed bushings from the side and top. I'm not sure how good a job the incorrect tool does on the rubber.
Also, a portaband saw makes quick work of the old bushings!

"Wrong Tool"
 

Pictures show the parts of KTC kit used for the bushing install. As it turns out, the inner dimensions of the two cups matches the outer bushings so that an even force is applied, particularly around the metal rims.

Cup inner dimensions: 58.8mm inner diameter x 17.5mm deep. The fit it so good that the inside needs to be lubed so they pop off easily. The diameter of the tool bolt is 16mm -- very near the eccentric bolt so everything stays lined up during the press. I do not have a picture of the LCA prior to re-installing, but it slid right in with a mm to spare.

One other thing I did not know until reading the shop manual. Tighten the eccentric bolt with the weight of the car on the wheels.

How much were the tools?
Are you renting them out?

My custom tool will be picked up tomorrow! I can finally finish the lca job!