Is there a trick to installing the chassis mounted upper a-arm rubber bumpers?

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I'm starting the re-assembly of my upper a-arms detailed in another thread. One of the things that I have to replace is the rubber bumper that is mounted on the chassis through that single about 3/8" hole that limits travel of the upper a-arm. The one in place was broken when the a-arm dislocated. I can't seem to get the bumper mount through the hole. See attached pic. I've long since forgotten how I got the original bumper installed. Is there a secret to this?

Mike

upper a-arm bumper.jpg

[Mark E.]

Re: Is there a trick to installing the chassis mounted upper a-arm rubber bumpers?

I don't recall any tricks required to do this. If you haven't already, put a bit of grease on the bumper's tab. Maybe the new part is molded a bit too large, so plan B could be to trim the tab as needed to fit.

[Paul D.]

Re: Is there a trick to installing the chassis mounted upper a-arm rubber bumpers?

If I remember correctly, I used dish soap and a dead blow hammer. Chip.

[Gary B.]

Re: Is there a trick to installing the chassis mounted upper a-arm rubber bumpers?

Mike,

I recommend a bit of silicone grease (such as Syl-Glyde Silicone Lubricant), not petroleum-based grease, since petroleum products degrade rubber. Then use a screwing motion with downward pressure to get the conical tip to insert.

Gary

[Norm B.]

Re: Is there a trick to installing the chassis mounted upper a-arm rubber bumpers?

I did the same as Gary with the screwing motion and downward pressure. I used spray silicone as a lubricant and had no issues at all. As someone mentioned earlier maybe you got a bad one that is somewhat deformed.

[Joe L.]

Re: Is there a trick to installing the chassis mounted upper a-arm rubber bumpers?

Mike,

I recommend a bit of silicone grease (such as Syl-Glyde Silicone Lubricant), not petroleum-based grease, since petroleum products degrade rubber. Then use a screwing motion with downward pressure to get the conical tip to insert.

Gary

Gary-----

Exactly how it's done.

[Michael L.]

Re: Is there a trick to installing the chassis mounted upper a-arm rubber bumpers?

thanks guys I'll give that a try.

[Michael G.]

Re: Is there a trick to installing the chassis mounted upper a-arm rubber bumpers?

If you spray silicone grease, do it well away from your car, preferably outside.

[Duke W.]

Re: Is there a trick to installing the chassis mounted upper a-arm rubber bumpers?

It's been a long time since I did this, but recall applying silicon spray or even a thin film of silicone grease to the bottom tapered section that goes into the frame hole. Once it's lubed up, press down hard while rotating the bumper and it should seat in the frame.

Duke

[Matthew T.]

Re: Is there a trick to installing the chassis mounted upper a-arm rubber bumpers?

Worse case scenario super glue.

[Leif A.]

Re: Is there a trick to installing the chassis mounted upper a-arm rubber bumpers?

Worse case scenario super glue.

Totally unnecessary. The above comments about lubing and "screwing" into position work just fine. Super glue?? Really??

[Matthew T.]

Re: Is there a trick to installing the chassis mounted upper a-arm rubber bumpers?

Totally unnecessary. The above comments about lubing and "screwing" into position work just fine. Super glue?? Really??

The op was unable to get it in the hole. If the nipple breaks off then SG would be last chance to make it to the summit. Keep your insults to yourself.

[Leif A.]

Re: Is there a trick to installing the chassis mounted upper a-arm rubber bumpers?

The op was unable to get it in the hole. If the nipple breaks off then SG would be last chance to make it to the summit. Keep your insults to yourself.

OP was asking for advice as to how to insert the bumper in place. He was given the correct advice by more than one very knowledgeable member. I must ask for forgiveness, as I never knew that super glue was a lubricant and would help insert the rubber nipple into the hole. If you took my comment as an insult, then you have issues.