When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have an issue with the coilover conversion. Specifically with the lower control arms. I can't seem to put the replacement one in or even the original. It's too tight it just won't go in. This is the hub side. I've tried and tried but I just can't do it. Is there a trick or should I put WD40 on it or....?
There is a metal bushing in the hub where the control arm fits. When the bolt was originally tightened, the bushing squeezes tightly against the control arm outboard end to prevent it from shifting about. You're going to have to figure out a way to move the bushing out a few thousandth's of an inch or, as I did, laboriously file a very small ramp onto the edge of the bushing so I could get the end of the lower control arm started into place.
If you zoom in on the photo and look at the lower side of the bushing you can see where it is sticking out of the hub. EDIT: in hindsight, one might be able to get a bushing press/pull tool in there. At the time I took the photo I did not have that tool so I used a very small file. Now, I would attempt to use the bushing press/pull tool. Perhaps a small socket plus bolt, nut, and washers?
Last edited by bbirdwell; Feb 17, 2020 at 10:33 AM.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
