[GregP]

The upper control arm shaft (drivers side/ 69 GTO) broke at the front threads where the bushing and nut go on. It is still in place and if I hadn't noticed the bushing in the driveway I may have kept driving it. I purchased a replacement shaft with washers, nuts and bushings. Do I have to remove the whole upper control arm to get the shaft in or can it be done while still in place? Will the bushings slide in or do they have to be pressed in?
Not much room to work with, I assume I need to move the steering?
Thanks,
Greg

[nodwyer]

The bushings are pressed in, pretty sure that has to come apart.

[steve v]

Replacing the shaft is the same procedure as bushing replacement. Since the shaft is broken & part of the bushing (the rubber part I'm guessing) has come out you should inspect the control arm closely for damage also. Many times the hole in the control arm where the bushing is pressed into gets egg-shaped/worn.

No need to remove the steering shaft, it's easier to remove the studs that go thru the shaft/frame where your alignment shims go. They are pressed into the frame & have a knurled shoulder similar to a wheel stud on them. I use a C clamp & a 3/4" or 13/16" socket over the hex end of the stud to remove them.