flat tire CHEVROLET CAMARO 1967 1.G Chassis Workshop Manual

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-3

by means of a lower control arm inner pivot cam; on the

Chevelle, Camaro and Corvette by means of upper control

arm inner support shaft shims.

Caster angle is adjusted, on the Chevrolet and Chevy n

by means of a strut rod which runs from the lower con-

trol arm forward to a frame brace; on the Chevelle,
Camaro and Corvette by means of upper control arm

inner support shaft shims.

A stabilizer bar is used on all Chevelle and Corvette

models. Chevrolet Impalas, station wagons and V-8

engine equipped models are fitted with the stabilizer bar.

UPPER CONTROL ARM

STABILIZER

SPRING
LOWER CONTROL ARM

STEERING KNUCKLE

Fig.
3 - Front Suspension - Corvette

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS

Maintenance intervals recommended for lubrication of

front suspension components have been fully covered in

Section 0 of this manual. Only actual adjustment proce-

dures will be covered here.

NOTE:
Unless otherwise indicated all proce-

dures will apply to all five vehicles covered in

this manual.

FRONT WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT

Proper front wheel bearing adjustment has a definite

bearing on the safe operation of a vehicle. Improperly

adjusted front wheel bearings will result in a lack of

steering stability causing wheel wander, shimmy and ex-

cessive tire wear. Very accurate adjustment is possible

because the spindles are drilled both vertically and hori-

zontally and the adjusting nuts are slotted in all six sides.

NOTE:
Wheel bearings should not
be.
repacked

or adjusted as a part of "New Car Conditioning".
1.
With wheel raised, remove hub cap and dust cap and

then remove the cotter pin from the end of the

spindle.

2.
While rotating wheel, tighten spindle nut to 12 lbs. ft

torque.

3.
Back off adjusting nut one flat and insert cotter pin.

If slot and pin hole do not line up, back off the adjust-

ing nut an additional 1/2 flat or less as required to

insert cotter pin.

4.
Spin the wheel to check that it rolls freely and then

lock the cotter pin by spreading the end and bending

it around.

NOTE:
Bearings should have zero preload and

.001"
to .008" end movement when properly ad-

justed on Chevrolet, Chevelle, Camaro and Cor-

vette; .000" to .004" on Chevy H.

5.
Install dust cap, hub cap or wheel disc and lower

wheel.

6. Perform the same operation on each front wheel.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-5

FRONT END ALIGNMENT

Front end alignment, that is alignment of the inter-

related steering components of the front suspension sys-

tem, must be correctly maintained to assure ease and

stability of steering and satisfactory tire life.

Alignment Preliminary Steps

Several different types of machines are available for

checking all the factors of front end alignment. The in-

structions furnished with each particular machine should

be followed. In all cases, however, checks should be

made with the vehicle level and at curb weight.

Since steering complaints are not always the result of

improper alignment a check should be made to see if any

of the following conditions exist. Any such conditions

should be corrected before proceeding further.

1.
Steering gear loose or improperly adjusted.

2.
Steering gear housing loose at frame.

3.
Excessive wear or play in spherical joints or steer-

ing shaft coupling.

4.
Tie rod or steering connections loose.

5.
Improper front spring heights.

6. Unbalanced or underinflated tires.

7.
Improperly adjusted wheel bearings.

8. Shock absorbers not operating properly.

Wheel alignment should always be made with the vehi-

cle rolled forward taking out any slack in the same man-

ner as when the vehicle is traveling forward.

Caster and Camber Adjustment

NOTE: Before adjusting caster and camber

angles, the front bumper should be raised and

quickly released to allow car to return to its

normal height.

Chevelle, Camaro and Corvette

Caster and camber adjustments are made by means of

shims inserted between the upper control arm inner sup-

port shaft and the support bracket attached to the frame

(fig. 6). Shims may be added, subtracted or transferred

to change the readings as follows:
Fig.
6 - Caster and Camber Adjustment - Chevelle

Typical of Corvette and Camaro

Caster - change shims at either the front or rear of

the shaft.

The addition of shims at the front bolt or removal

of shims at the rear bolt will decrease positive

caster. One shim (1/3 2") will change caster (ap-

prox.) 1/4°.

Camber - change shims at both the front and rear of

the shaft.

Adding an equal number of shims at both front and

rear of the support shaft will decrease positive cam-

ber. One shim (1/32") at each location will move

camber (approx.) 1/5° (Chevelle and Camaro); 1/6°

(Corvette).

TIGHTEN TO LOCK

ADJUSTMENT

Fig.
7 - Caster and Camber Adjustment Points - Chevrolet

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-7

CAMARO
CHEVROLET
AND

CORVETTE

LOWER

CONTROL
ARM

CHEVELLE
CHEVY
II

Fig.
9- Checking Riding Height

not the vehicle riding height is correct.

1.
Place the vehicle on a smooth, level floor and bounce

and rock the front end several times. Raise vehicle,

then allow it to settle to a normal height.

2.
Measure the following two distances (fig. 9):

a. From the floor to the center of the inner pivot of

the lower control arm. (On the Chevrolet and

Camaro, this measurement must be made at the

rear end of the pivot.)

b.
Chevrolet--Measure the distance from the floor

to the lower face of the lower steering knuckle

boss for the spherical joint on the same side of

the vehicle.

Chevelle—From the floor to the outer pivot

which is located 1/8" (.12) inboard from the ball

stud boss at the lower surface of the arm.

Chevy II--Measure the distance from the floor

to the lower ball joint seat.
Corvette—Measure the distance from the floor

to the lower face of the lower steering knuckle

boss for the spherical joint on the same side of

the vehicle.

Camaro—From the floor to the lower inboard

edge of ball seat.

3.
The difference between these two measurements

should be as outlined in the Specifications given at

the end of the book with the vehicle at curb weight

(full tank of gas, spare tire and jack in trunk, no

passengers).

4.
Measure the opposite side of the vehicle in the same

manner. The measurements for both sides should

differ no more than 1/2".

5. To correct the height, springs must be replaced.

These springs do not have flat ends and shims should

not be used.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-8

REPAIR PROCEDURES

Unless otherwise indicated all repair procedures will

apply to all five vehicles covered in this manual.

CAUTION: During any operations which in-

clude breaking the ball stud loose from the

knuckle boss extreme care must be used to as-

sure that the ball stud seal is not damaged or

cut. A recommended way to loosen the stud is to

place a flat bar stock against the knuckle boss

and strike the bar rather than the knuckle.

FRONT BRAKE DRUM-CHEVROLET, CAMARO,

CHEVELLE, CHEVY It

Removal

1.
Remove hub caps, partially loosen wheel nuts and

raise vehicle from floor. Remove wheel nuts and

wheel.

2.
Remove brake drum. In some cases it may be nec-

essary to back off brake adjustment because of

scored drum or unevenly worn brake linings.

3.
Check brake drum for concentricity, damaged pilot

diameter or scored braking surface. Lightly sand

braking surface and wipe clean.

Installation

1.
Install drum over hub bolts making sure alignment

dowel on drum web indexes with hole in wheel hub.

This will assure proper drum alignment with hub

bolts and hub pilot diameter.

2.
Install wheel and partially tighten wheel nuts.

3.
Re-adjust brake shoes to original setting. It may be

necessary to re-adjust brake shoes on both front

and/or rear wheels to assure balanced brake adjust-

ment. See Section 5 for brake adjustment procedure.

4.
Lower vehicle to floor, tighten hub wheel nuts and in-

stall hub cap.

FRONT WHEEL HUB

Replacement

1.
Remove hub caps, break loose the wheel stud nuts
VM" DIA. PIPE OR ARBOR

>l

INNER CUP

OUTER CUP
JL
RADIUS

e^

Fig.
10 - Pressing Front Hub Bolts (Typical)
Fig.
11 - Front Wheel Bearing Cop Removers

and raise vehicle. Remove wheel nuts, wheel and

tire and brake drum or (on Corvette) brake caliper

and brake disc.

NOTE:
On the Corvette, the hub and brake disc

are serviced as a complete assembly.

2.
Pry out hub grease cap, cotter pin, spindle nut and

washer,
and
remove hub. Do not drop wheel bearings.

3.
Reverse this procedure to install.

Replacement of Wheel Hub Bolts

It may be necessary to replace damaged wheel hub

bolts.
In this case, service the hub in the following

manner.

1.
Remove the hub bolts with a press or hammer.

These bolts are not peened into the hub. Do not

damage wheel mounting surface on hub flange.

2.
Install new serrated bolt into hole in
hub.
Tap lightly

with a hammer to start bolt serrations in hole, mak-

ing sure that bolt is square with hub flange.

3.
Press bolt into flange until head is fully seated

against hub flange (fig. 10).

FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS

Removal '

1.
Remove wheel hub as described above.

NOTE: Discard cotter pin. Install new cotter

pin when assembling.

2.
Remove outer roller bearing assembly from hub with

fingers. The inner bearing assembly will remain in

the hub and may be removed after prying out the

inner bearing lip seal assembly. Discard seal.

3.
Wash all parts thoroughly in cleaning solvent and

blow dry.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-15

4.
Insert Spring Compressor J-
6874-
4-
5 with Adapters

J-6874-8-9 into upp^r spring tower so that lower

MU"
bolt fits into shock absorber mounting holes in

spring seat (fig. 23). Secure the two lower studs to

the spring seat with nuts.

5.
Fit the tool upper pilot to top of spring and compress

spring by tightening upper nut (fig. 24). Compress

spring until screw is bottomed out.

6. Remove lower spring seat retaining nuts, lift spring

and seat assembly from control arm and guide it

down and out through fender skirt (fig. 25).

Spring Seat Replacement (Fig. 26)

1.
Release spring tension and disconnect spring com-

pressor from spring seat.

2.
Install new spring seat to spring compressor.

Installation

1.
If spring is to be replaced, install new spring into

tool and compress spring until screw is bottomed

out.

NOTE: Spring coil ends must be against spring

stops in upper and lower seats.

2.
Lift spring and tool assembly into place and position

so that the upper spring stop is inboard.

NOTE: Locating tab on upper spring seat may

be flattened before reinstalling spring.

3.
Install lower spring seat to control arm and torque

nuts as shown in the Specifications.

4.
Loosen spring compressor until spring is properly

seated in upper spring tower and remove.

5.
Install shock abosrber as outlined under Shock Ab-

sorber—Installation in this section.

Corvette

Removal

1.
With car on suitable hoist or jack, (support vehicle

by frame so control arms may swing free) remove

wheel and tire assembly, stabilizer bar and shock

absorber. Loosen the lower ball joint to steering

knuckle nut, and the' two lower control arm cross

shaft bushing bolts.

2.
Place Tool J-6874-1 across top of sixth coil (ap-

prox.),
then loosely secure Tool J-6874-2 to the up-

per shoe, with attaching capscrews and lock washers.

The upper shoe "V" notch and lower shoe raised land

should contact spring.

3.
Insert Tool J-6874 up through center of spring and

attach to upper and lower shoe assembly.

4.
Position spacers under shock absorber mounting hole

and against bottom of lower control arm. Install

special bearing washer and Tool J-6874-5. Locate

bearing against spacer and large washer against

bearing. Feed screw up through large washer bear-

ing and spacer and thread into Tool J-6874 and

tighten snugly (fig. 22).

5.
Center shoe assembly on spring and tighten screw

until a very slight compression is placed on spring

(fig. '22). Then firmly tighten down the two cap-

screws securing the upper and lower shoes to lock

these shoes to spring.

6. Turn head of screw until spring is compressed just

enough to clear the spring tower, then remove the

lower ball joint to steering knuckle nut (fig. 22).
NOTE: It may be necessary to assist the

spring out of the spring tower with a pry bar or

a similar tool.

7.
Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering

knuckle and lower the control arm with the com-

pressed spring. Immediately release compression

on spring by backing off long screw. Release spring

and tool and withdraw spring.

CAUTION: The spring force under compres-

sion is very large. Exercise every safety pre-

caution when performing this operation to see

that individuals and materials subject to damage

are removed from the path of the spring when

the control arm is being lowered. Also, the

compressed spring
be relaxed immedi-

ately after lowering the control arm to reduce

the time of exposure to the large compressive

force.

Installation

1.
Position spring with closely coiled end up. Place

Tool J-6874-1 across the top of the sixth coil (ap-

prox.) then loosely secure Tool J-6874-2 to the

upper shoe with attaching capscrews and lock wash-

ers.
The upper shoe MV" notch and lower shoe

raised land should contact spring.

2.
Insert Tool J-6874 up through center of spring and

attach to upper and lower shoe assembly with bolt

and nut.

3.
Set spring in its seat on the lower control arm.

4.
Position spacers centrally under shock absorber

mounting hole and against bottom of lower control

arm. Install bearing, large washer and Tool

J-6874-5.
Locate bearing against spacer and large

washer against bearing. Feed the screw up through

large washer, bearing and spacer and thread into

yoke rod. Tighten snugly, but do not start to draw

down yet

5.
Center the shoe assembly on the spring and tighten

the lag screw until a very slight compression is

placed on spring, then firmly tighten down the two

capscrews securing the upper and lower shoes. This

will lock the shoes to the coil spring.

6. Turn head of screw until spring is compressed just

enough to clear the spring tower.

NOTE: It may be necessary to assist the

spring into the spring tower with a pry bar or

similar tool.

7.
Immediately install the lower ball joint into steering

knuckle and secure in place with attaching nut.

8. Release compression on spring and at the same time

use a drift to guide the coil spring into its proper

seat. End of coils must be 3/8" from coil stops in

spring seat.

9. Tighten the lower ball joint to steering knuckle nut

and lock with cotter key.

10.
Install shock absorber and stabilizer bar.

11.
Install wheel, tire and drum assembly.

12.
Remove car from hoist or jack stands.

13.
Tighten the two lower control cross shaft bushing

bolts to 45-55 lbs. ft. torque.

NOTE: If a suitable adjustable jack-stand is

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-6

Fig.
10—Toe-in Adjusting Shim Location (Corvette)

Toe-in

Wheel toe-in is adjusted by inserting shims of varying

thickness inside the frame side member on both sides

of the torque arm pivot bushing (fig. 10). Shims are

available in thicknesses of
1/64",
1/32",
1/8" and 1/4".

To adjust toe-in, remove torque arm pivot bolt; then

position torque arm to obtain specified toe-in. Shim gap

toward vehicle centerline between torque arm bushing

and frame side inner wall.

NOTE: Do not use thicker shim than necessary,

and do not use undue force when shimming inner

side of torque arm - to do so may cause toe

setting to change.

Shim outboard gap as necessary to obtain solid stack-

up between torque arm bushing and inner wall of frame

side member. After correct shim stack has been se-

lected, install pivot bolt and hardened washers (fig. 10) -
making sure that all shims are retained - torque nut to

specifications and install cotter pin. If specified torque

does not permit cotter pin insertion, tighten nut to next

flat.

WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT (CORVETTE)

inspection

The tapered-roller spindle bearings should have end

play of .001" to
.008".
During inspection, check end

play and, when necessary, adjust as outlined in this

section.

1.
Raise rear of vehicle until wheels clear ground.

2.
Disengage bolt lock tabs and disconnect outboard end

of axle drive shaft from wheel spindle flange.

3.
Mark camber cam in relation to bracket. Loosen and

turn camber bolt until strut rod forces control arm

outward. Position loose end of axle drive shaft to

one side for access to spindle.

4.
Remove wheel and tire assembly. Mount dial in-

dicator (Tool J-8001) on torque arm or adjacent

surface and rest pointer on flange or spindle end

(fig. H).

5.
Grasp brake disc and move axially (in and out) while

reading movement on dial indicator. If end movement

is within the .001" to .008" limit, bearings do not

require adjustment. If not within .001" to .008"

limit, record reading for future reference and adjust

bearings as outlined below.

Adjustment

1.
Apply parking brake to prevent spindle from turning

and remove cotter pin and nut from spindle.

2.
Release parking brake and remove drive spindle

flange from splined end of spindle.

3.
Remove brake caliper and brake disc as outlined in

Section 5.

4.
Install Thread Protector J-21859-2 over spindle

threads; then remove drive spindle from spindle

support, using Tool J-22602 as shown in Figure 12.

CAUTION: When using Tool J-22601 to remove

drive spindle, make sure puller plate is posi-

Fig.
11—Checking Wheel Bearing Adjustment (Corvette)
Fig. 12—Removing Drive Spindle from Support (Corvette)

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-7

tioned vertically in the torque arm before ap-

plying pressure to the puller screw.

5.
Remove shim and bearing spacer from spindle

support.

6. Note size of shim used. If dial indicator reading

was more than
.008",
select a shim thinner by the

amount needed to bring end play within limits. If

dial indicator reading was less than
.001",
select a

shim thicker by the amount needed to bring end play

within limits.

NOTE: Shims are available in thicknesses from

.097"
to .148" in increments of
.003".

EXAMPLE: Bearing end play reading obtained

on dial indicator was
.011",
.003" over limit.

Bearing shim removed from spindle measures

.145".
New shim installed measures .139", .006"

smaller. End play is now decreased by .006" and

is
.005",
which is within the .001" to .008" limit.

7.
After determining shim thickness, install bearing

spacer and shim on spindle. Position spindle in

spindle support.

8. Press inner bearing race and roller assembly on

spindle as follows.

a. Position Tool J-4731 over spindle and against

bearing inner race.

b.
Position washer and spindle nut on spindle and

proceed to tighten nut until bearing is forced on

spindle sufficiently to allow spindle drive flange

to be installed (fig. 13). Remove spindle nut,

washer and Tool
J-4731.
Discard nut and use a

new one for final assembly.

9. Position drive flange over spindle, making sure

flange is aligned with spindle splines. Install washer
Fig.
13—Installing Drive Spindle to Support (Corvette)

and nut on spindle then tighten nut to specifications

and install cotter pin. If specified torque does not

permit cotter pin insertion, tighten nut to next flat.

10.
Seat spindle support outer seal in bore by using

screw driver, or other suitable tool, to press against

metal portion of seal.

11.
Install brake disc and caliper. Refer to Section 5

for details of brake disc and caliper installation.

12.
Install axle drive shaft, wheel and tire assembly,

adjust camber cam to original position and torque

all components to specifications.

COMPONENT PARTS REPLACEMENT

(Chevrolet, Chevelle, Chevy II and Camaro)

COIL SPRING

Chevrolet

Removal

To remove either or both rear coil springs proceed

as follows.

1.
Raise rear of vehicle and place jack stands under

frame. Support vehicle weight at rear, using either

a jack or post of twin-post hoist under axle.

2.
Remove both rear wheels from vehicle.

3.
With the car supported as in Step 1, so that the rear

springs are compressed by weight of vehicle; per-

form the following:

a. Disconnect both rear shock absorbers from the

anchor pin lower attachment.

b.
Loosen the upper control arm(s) rear pivot bolt

(do not remove the nut).

C. Loosen both the left and the right lower control

arm rear attachment (do not disconnect from axle

brackets).

d. Remove the rear suspension tie rod from the

stud on the axle tube.

4.
At the lower seat of both rear coil springs, slightly

loosen the nut on the bolt that retains the spring and

seat to the control arm. When the nut has been

backed off the maximum permissible, all threads of
the nut should still be engaged on the bolt.

CAUTION: Under ,no condition should the nut,

at this time, be removed from the bolt in the

seat of either spring.

5.
Slowly lower the support (jack or hoist post) that has

been in place under the rear axle, thereby allowing

the axle to swing down, carrying the springs out of

their upper seat and providing access for spring

removal.

6. Remove the lower seat attaching parts from each

spring, then remove the springs from the vehicle

(fig. 14).

Installation

1.
Position the springs in their upper seat so that end

of top coil is 3/8" ± 1/8" from end of stop. Install

the lower seat parts on the control arm, with the nut

finger tight on the spring retainer bolt.

NOTE: Omit the lock washer under the special

high carbon bolt, so that sufficient bolt thread

will be available to start the nut. The lock

washers will be installed later (in Step 4).

2.
By alternately raising the axle slightly and then

re-snugging the nut on each spring lower seat bolt,

move the axle upward until vehicle weight is fully

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-21

Fig.
54—Marking Camber Cam and Bracket (Corvette)

bracket, so they may be reassembled in same loca-

tion (fig. 54).

5.
Loosen camber bolt and nut. Remove four bolts se-

curing strut rod bracket to carrier and lower

bracket.

6. Remove cam bolt nut and cam and bolt assembly.

Pull strut down out of bracket and remove bushing

caps.

7.
Inspect strut rod bushings for wear and replace

where necessary. Replace strut rod if it is bent or

damaged in any way.

Repairs

1.
With strut rod bushing centered over Tool J-7877-2

and with strut rod supported horizontally, press or

drive bushing from rod, using Tools J-7877-i and

J-7079-2 as shown in Figure 55.

2.
With strut rod end centered over Tool J-7877-2 and

rod supported horizontally, press or drive bushing

into arm using Tools J-7877-3 and J-7079-2 as

shown in Figure 55. Tool J-7877-3 should bottom

on strut rod when bushing is fully installed.

Installation

1.
Place bushing caps over inboard bushing and slide

rod into bracket. Install cam and bolt assembly and

adjust cam to line up with mark on bracket. Tighten

nut but do not torque at this point.
SPRING
LINK BOLT

SPRING
CUSHION

SPRING

CUSHION
CENTER

CLAMP

PLATE

J-7877-3

J-7877-1

STRUT ROD 11 s* ^#3 STRUT ROD

BUSHING
Fig.
56—Spring Mounting (Corvette)

2.
Raise bracket and assemble to carrier lower mount-

ing surface. Torque bolts to specifications.

3.
Raise outboard end of strut rod into spindle support

fork and insert strut rod shaft into fork so that flat

on shaft lines up with corresponding flat in spindle

fork. Install retaining nut, but do not torque.

4.
Place shock absorber lower eye and bushing over

strut shaft, install washer and nut and torque to

specifications.

5.
Lower vehicle to floor and torque camber cam nut

and strut rod shaft nut to specifications. Then in-

stall cotter pin through rod bolt.

6. Check rear wheel camber and adjust where

necessary.

SPRING (Fig. 56)

Removal

1.
Raise rear of vehicle and support on frame slightly

forward of torque control arm pivot points. Remove

wheels and tires.

Fig.
55—Strut Rod Bushing Replacement
Fig.
57—Chain Installation (Corvette)

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-23

Fig.
62—Torque Control Arm (Corvette)

2.
Place center clamp plate in position and install four

bolts and washers. Tighten bolts and torque to

specifications.

3.
Raise spring outer end with floor jack until spring

is nearly flat and secure with chain as in Step 3-

Removal.

.4.
Lower jack, align torque control arm with spring

end and insert link bolt, rubber cushions and re-

tainers. Install castellated nut on link bolt and

tighten until cotter pin hole in bolt is visible. In-

sert new cotter pin and bend ends around.

5. Raise spring end with jack under link bolt, and re-

move chain and C clamp when loose.

6. Carefully lower jack, making sure rubber cushions

remain indexed in retainers.

7. Remove jack and repeat on opposite side. Install

wheels and tires, remove frame supports and lower

vehicle to floor.

TORQUE CONTROL ARM (Fig. 62)

Removal

1.
Disconnect spring on side torque arm is to be re-

moved. Follow Steps 1-6, Spring-Removal.

NOTE:
If vehicle is so equipped, disconnect

stabilizer rod from torque arm - refer to

"Stabilizer Rod Replacement".

2.
Remove shock absorber lower eye from strut rod

shaft.

3.
Disconnect and remove strut rod shaft and swing

strut rod down.

4.
Remove four bolts securing axle drive shaft to

spindle flange and disconnect drive shaft.

NOTE:
It may be necessary to force torque

arm outboard to provide clearance to drop drive

shaft.

5. Disconnect brake line at wheel cylinder inlet or

caliper and from torque arm. Disconnect parking

brake cable.

6. Remove torque arm pivot bolt and toe-in shims and

pull torque arm out of frame. Tape shims together

and identify for correct reinstallation.
RETAINER

RETAINER

PLATE

BUSHING

CONTROL ARM

Fig.
63—Torque Control Arm Bushing Cross-Sect ion (Corvette)

NOTE:
For service operations pertaining to

the spindle support assembly, refer to service

operations under Wheel Spindle and Support

earlier in this section.

Repairs (Fig. 63)

1.
Using 11/16" drill, drill out flared end of bushing

retainer (fig. 64).

2.
Remove special retainer plate and tap retainer out

of bushing.

3.
Remove bushings by spreading them apart with a

chisel and tap out of arm (fig. 65).

NOTE:
If bushing diameters are severely

rusted in torque arm, and arm tends to spread

during removal, clamp arm in a C-clamp to

prevent spreading.

Fig.
64—Drilling Out Retainer Flare (Corvette)

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-24

4

i*
5

Fig.
65—Removing Bushings (Corvette)

4.
Lightly oil new bushing diameters (not rubber por-

tion) and start bushings squarely in arm.

5. Install Tool J-7055-1 as shown in Figure 66 and

press bushings into place.

6. When bushings are fully installed, place special

plate over flared portion of new bushing retainer

and insert retainer into bushing.

7. Out of 5/8" thick steel plate 1-1/2" wide make flar-

ing tool support to the dimensions shown in Figure

67 and drill clearance holes as shown for 2
—
1/2"

bolts.

8. Place fabricated back-up plate on flared end of bush-

ing retainer and assembly Tool J-8111-23 to plate

with 2-1/2" bolts 5" long. Make sure threaded hole

in J-8111-23 is centered over unflared end of bushing

retainer and that chambered retainer plate is cen-

tered over retainer tube.

9. Lightly oil pointed end of J-8880-5 screw and thread

into J-
8111-23
until pointed "end contacts bushing

retainer. Continue threading J-8111-23 until retainer

is flared (fig. 68).

Installation

1.
Place torque arm in frame opening.

2.
Place toe-in shims in original position on both sides

of torque arm, install pivot bolt and tighten but do

not torque at this point.
Fig.
67—Flaring Tool Back-Up Plate (Corvette)

3.
Raise axle drive shaft into position and install to

drive flange. Torque bolts to specifications.

4.
Raise strut rod into position and insert strut rod

shaft so that flat lines up with flat in spindle sup-

port fork. Install nut and torque to specifications.

5. Install shock absorber lower eye and tighten nut

to specifications.

6. Connect spring end as outlined under Spring-

Bistallation, Steps 3-6'.

NOTE:
If vehicle is so equipped, connect sta-

bilizer shaft to torque arm - refer to "Sta-

bilizer Shaft Replacement".

7. Install brake disc and caliper, wheel and tire and

lower vehicle. Tighten torque arm pivot bolt. Bleed

brakes as outlined in Section 5-Brakes.

SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER

Removal

1.
Disconnect and remove spring as outlined under

Spring-Removal.

2.
Remove differential carrier assembly as outlined

under Differential Carrier-Removal in this section.

3.
Support crossmember, remove bolts securing

crossmember isolation mounts to frame and lower

crossmember (fig. 69).

Fig.
66—Installing Bushings (Corvette)
Fig.
68—Flaring Retainer (Corvette)

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL