I bought a 1990 245 with a fried motor for 350 dollars.
It has been an adventure. I guess I am winning though, cause it has been my daily driver for a year.
It has always had an annoying front end clunk, despite new struts, ball joints, inner and outer tie rod ends.
I am writing a book on stupid things I have done during auto repair but every time I think I am finished, I start a new repair which requires a new chapter.
My latest adventure was replacing the bushings on my right front control arm.
Removing the old bushings required;
Two borrowed removal kits from Auto Zone
Air impact.
Torch
Sawzall with a hacksaw blade
20 ton press
appx. eight hours labor.
None of the auto zone kits had a cylinder suitable for removing the rear bushing. Had to torch the rubber, then sawzall the outer piece of the bushing. Had to use the press to install the new bushing.
Someone on the BB said this job could be accomplished in an hour and a half.
I would like to see that.
Would like to hear how others removed and reinstalled these bushings.
P.S. Its quiet now, and I am happy.

89-245, 90-240 5-speed, 90-245, 90-240, 92-240,92-245, 93-245classic. Yeah, I got a real problem with hoarding 240s.

I'll try to answer this question. First off, yes, the front control arm bushings are VERY difficult and it would be normal to have to take extreme measures. The good part is--they almost never have to be replaced (in 35 years of 240/260 repair and ownership I've yet to have to replace one--that covers many dozens if not hundreds of 240's). The rear control arm bushings do take a beating and fail - and can almost always be changed with a hammer, vice and pry bar. They can be difficult if the inner sleeve is frozen to the control arm. The estimate of 1.5 hours is pretty average for the job. -- Dave

Well, the front bushing was the easier of the two for me, though as you say, it probably didnt need it. I did not attempt to remove the rear with a hammer, had to torch and saw it. Had to use a press to install the new one. The Auto Zone press kits were only 50% helpful.

Would really like to see it done in 1.5 hours. Took me that long to get it off and on the car.

Who said it could be done in 90 minutes? Citation please!









Agree with Dave on the bushing in the front of the front control arm. Never found one in need of pressing out. But, if the arm is rusted, you might have to press one in.


--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

To me "drink responsibly" means don't spill it.

Volvo from Heck says he can do it in 1.5 hours.
I believe him.
My initiative is above average, but my intelligence and mechanical skills are below average.
I like your use of plumbing parts to remove the rear bushing. I did not consider that.
How did you figure that out, did you take a caliper to the plumbing store?

I'm sure this would all go more quickly and smoothly the second time for anyone. And for those who grew up "in the business" a lift would speed things along.

Funny about the caliper. I do feel about average and normal-looking browsing the Home Depot wearing a ball cap with a tape measure clipped on my belt.

How many of those $350 bricks are still on the road? I haven't bought a car of any kind since '06, and that one, a 244 Ti was a mistake.
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

"The things we learn from our children and retain longer than they do. Example: lighting a match to let the sulphur cover and de-personalize the odor of poop."

"I do feel about average and normal-looking browsing the Home Depot wearing a ball cap with a tape measure clipped on my belt." You may look average while browsing at Home Depot, but there is nothing average about you. Clean flametrap is not an average web site.
I never see bricks on the road anymore, but plenty in my driveway. You rarely see one on craigslist either, from the Gulf to Louisville Ky. There is some outfit called "Rolling Motors" in Austin that is buying them up, cleaning them up and selling them at a steep price. Thanks for what you do.