Re-use CAB's?

[Jbpka06]

My ball joints are worn out and need replacing. I replaced the control arm bushings about 5000 miles ago with M3 CABs. They have no wear. Is it possible to reuse them by putting them on my new control arms?

[nando]

unfortunately, no.

[erik325i]

unfortunately, no.

Why not? I've successfully removed CABs from the control arm before without damaging the bushing. I don't see why you wouldn't be able to reuse the bushing after that.

-Erik

[Simon S]

I've successfully removed CABs from the control arm before without damaging the bushing.

that would be the trick.
you just pull it off w/ a 3-jaw puller?

.

[Mike325]

You can reuse them no prob.

[Jbpka06]

What is the best way to get them off?

[Mike325]

What is the best way to get them off?

Take some silicone spray and spray around where the cab is on the control arm. You may need a puller. I got mine off by hand, but they only has 200 miles on them.

[Brew]

If they are fairly new you should be able to pull them off of the control arms with your bare hands. A little bit of penetrating oil work wonders.

[Jbpka06]

Well they have about 5k on them.

[erik325i]

What is the best way to get them off?

I just used a ball joint press tool. Came off no problem.

-Erik

[kishg]

does re-using a CAB have any adverse effects on how well the arm is held in the CAB? doesnt the arm set in the CAB when you first install it? im replacing my control arms and i know the PO installed M3 CABs less than 5k miles ago. should i reuse them?

[2002maniac]

I have found that simple green is the best lubricant for rubber bushings. It makes them totally slimy.

[StereoInstaller1]

May I suggest just buying ball joints instead of replacing the entire arm? You can usually find them for about $20 each. If you take them to a local machine shop, you should be able to get all 4 pressed in and out for about $20.

At least that has been my experience.

Luke

[Jbpka06]

sometimes old control arms are bent depending on how many potholes you hit

does re-using a CAB have any adverse effects on how well the arm is held in the CAB? doesnt the arm set in the CAB when you first install it? im replacing my control arms and i know the PO installed M3 CABs less than 5k miles ago. should i reuse them?

I re-used my CABs with about 5000 on them and it was fine.

[kishg]

sometimes old control arms are bent depending on how many potholes you hit



I re-used my CABs with about 5000 on them and it was fine.

any tips on how you got them off the control arm?