replacing upper control arm shaft p30 chassis tips
 

We need to replace the upper control arm shafts and bushings on our tow vehicle. It is a motorhome with the GM P30 chassis. Before tearing into the belly of the beast I was just wondering if anyone here has done this and can share any tips. It appears common in principal to passenger car stuff only bigger but I don't like surprises. Thanks Doug

Re: replacing upper control arm shaft p30 chassis tips
 

Most of the GM 30 series chassis used control arm bushings that screwed in to the A-arm rather than pressed in, you need a large heavy table with a good vice, and the right socket, with a ratchet or pull handle big enough to turn it.

Re: replacing upper control arm shaft p30 chassis tips
 

Ok, My son got the drivers side done now and it wasn't all that bad. Hopefully the passenger side will go the same. Perhaps all that greasy mess around it kept them from seizing in. Now my question is how do you determine when they need to be replaced. This motorhome has been imported from US to Canada and must go through a federal safety inspection and this was listed on the inspection sheet as a must replace due to wear. We compared the old part to the new part and there appears to be absolutely no differance between new and old. Yes, the shop likely tried to get some sort of work out of this but are we missing something here on inspecting the parts? The coach only has 30,000 miles on it and every front suspension piece feels tight with the exception of minimal movement in the bellcrank. Funny thing is they never noticed all the missing cotter pins! Doug

Re: replacing upper control arm shaft p30 chassis tips
 

Doug,
My P 30 chassis has over 100,000 miles. I grease everything a couple times a years.
Nothing has ever been replaced ,except for the shocks.

Re: replacing upper control arm shaft p30 chassis tips
 

Doug you just have to fix what the inspector tells you :rolleyes:. Make sure you recheck the torque on the adjustment bolts after you have driven it a bit. Like Mark said they will last forever if greased properly. Thanx Trevor

Re: replacing upper control arm shaft p30 chassis tips
 

Yes, we are replacing parts as instructed by the superior being ( certified gov't. inspector ) and I do routine maintenance and service on ALL of my stuff and do expect to get good service because of this. But, they insisted the shafts and bushings on both sides were worn out and didn't need to show me how they determined this, just fix it! End of discussion. My question is again. Am I missing something on checking this stuff for wear? I really don't think I am but would like to know how they may have come to this. With ball joint undone and control arm free there was no noticable play just a smooth up and down. No wear on control arm where bushing goes in and bushing threads smoothly and firmly onto shaft with no slop at all. I am taking replaced parts with me for the final inspection and will see if they can show me the problem. Frustrated! Doug

Re: replacing upper control arm shaft p30 chassis tips
 

Nope. It's just them exercising control over you. That stuff normally goes 200K +.

Re: replacing upper control arm shaft p30 chassis tips
 

Doug Where did you take the vehicle for federal inspection ? Was it Canadian Tire ? Mike

Re: replacing upper control arm shaft p30 chassis tips
 

Mike,
It wasn't Canadian Tire. They don't do Heavy Chassis inspections here. It was one of our (approved) local large truck shops.

Re: replacing upper control arm shaft p30 chassis tips
 

Doug , Make sure you put the parts back together with some heavy duty wheel bearing grease.You know, the gold looking stuff you can cut with a knife.
Ask him to show you the wear or play .Then take a picture of his expression and post it here....
You've been "hosed" !