how remove old rubber from LCA

[robvanderveer]

I've removed the LCA's today. I need to replace the lower ball joints and frame bushings.

I've got the bushings out, using a table vice and some old sockets.

Now the old rubber is firmly stuck to the control arm. What is the best way to get them out (i don't have a press).

[DMC5180]

You mean you pushed the Inner sleeve out of the rubber. The best way that I know of to remove the whole bushing is a sleeve or socket slightly smaller than the I.D. of the LCA. (The rubber is bonded to a sleeve and you have to push on that sleeve) Then Hydraulic press to push them out. I'd take them to a shop and have them press out the old bushing and install the New ones. Can't imagine they would charge you much to do that. 10-20 Euro maybe.

An alternate way might be to cut a V notch in the rubber with a Hack Saw blade. Or, stick the blade through the hole and reattach it to the handle for easier cutting down to the Inner sleeve. then cut the sleeve or at least close to through all the way. Then try your vise again. Caution: you need try and not into the LCA

[DMCMW Dave]

You need a press. You need to get the outer ring out of the L.C.A. No other way other than a torch to slit the ring. High damage risk.

Sent from my Droid

[robvanderveer]

Thanks everybody, I understand now.

I did not know there was an outer metal sleeve. I guess theres not left but the get them to a shop twice (once to get em out, then clean/powercoat, then again to press the new ones in).

The new PU ones from Ed don't come with an outer sleeve.

[DMCMW Dave]

Ed's do not have the sleeve but you need to remove the old one for them to fit

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[robvanderveer]

Thanks Dave

[David T]

It is possible to cut the outer sleeve in two places and peel it out but it takes a steady, experienced hand or you can damage the LCA. Pressing is the preferred method, besides, you do have to press the new one in! Most often the new one is used to press the old one out in one operation. You can make up a tool out of pipe, washers, nuts, and threaded rod but it may not be powerful enough.
David Teitelbaum

[dmc6960]

I had a thread on old .com about all my bushing replacements. I managed to use a rented ball joint press clamped to my large bench vise to press the old bushings out of all my suspension components. I found a 30mm socket from O'reilley that was the perfect size to push with. It was a bear, but it worked.

[DMC5180]

Most often the new one is used to press the old one out in one operation.
David Teitelbaum

That would work if it was an OEM replacement. In this case, he is installing DMCEU Poly Bushings with NO outer sleeve too push against the old bushing sleeve.

[robvanderveer]

Thanks to everybody for their kind words and suggestions.

With so many shops around there has to be someone that has a suitable press in my neighbourhood.

I will first clean up the LCA with a bit of paint (they're not bad). I will have to go with a spray-paint as I don't have access to a powder coater. If all goes well it can reinstall them next weekend, in time for the last event of the year.

[Kenny_Z]

When I did the suspension on my Nova I didn't use a press, I sliced out the metal sleeves with a saber saw and then punched them out with a air hammer. I do not recommend that, it was a PITA. I was lucky I didn't damage the control arms.

Pay someone to press them out, your hands, arms, and frustration level will thank you.