C4AUSVETTE

Hi guys and girls,
I have an 86 coupe and it's time to change all the suspension bushes.
I am trying to remove the front upper control arm, however it appears the front bolt is too long and when I try to push it back to get the arm out it hits the belt tensioner on the engine.
Does anyone have any tips for removal?

C4AUSVETTE

C4AUSVETTE

gerardvg

Hi there

Looks like you will have to remove the belt tensioner, there is a half inch square slot that you can put a 1/2 inch socket ratchet to release the belt tension. I believe you will need a 15 mm ring/ open end spanner and remove the tensioner bolt and it comes out easily.

You may need to remove the a/c bracket as well if the bolt hits that, I believe there is a torx bolt there on the bracket below the compressor also. There may be enough gap in the frame bolt hole to angle the bolt out once the belt tensioner has been removed.

I had a look at my 85 but i have the 88-91 a/c and bracket on my 85 and there is more clearance to remove the upper control arm bolt.

You can remove the a/c compressor from the bracket and put it to one side without removing the gas.

Good luck

tunedport85inject

i just cecked my 85 and no room to remove the a arm w/o loosing the belt tensioner.