Bushings!

[Nick774]

So I am replacing all of the bushings on my suspension. I count ten in total. I've gotten two done so far on one of the rear upper links. I have a decent way of getting them in with my large vice but removing them is a b*tch. I have drilled, pried, and even torched them out but all are a hassle and then there is still the chore of removing the inner metal cylinder. I have seen and read many tutorials on pressing them out with large presses, vice and large sockets. I do not have a large press so a hacksaw and a pry tool is my way right now. This is incredibly time consuming and enraging. So basically does anybody have any neat tricks to remove the metal cylinder without the use of a large press or socket? :hmm:

[DMCMW Dave]

Not really, although we've made some custom tools to use with the press instead of just using huge sockets.

You can get the old ones out by drilling a bunch of holes in the rubber and removing the rubber, then hacksawing or torching out the outer steel sleeve (without damaging the arm - that's the trick to that method!). You still need to press the new ones in, if you just try pounding them in you'll probably bend up the new bushings and even the arms without proper pressing and supporting tools. This sounds like what you have been doing, sometimes there is really no substitute for the correct tools.

[ALEXAKOS]

Nick,. I have already gone up that one way road the wrong way. Burned out the rubber and hen realized there was the outer bushing metal ring still jamed in the arm.
Dave is Right. Get em over to a shop that has a hydrolic press and let them do it professionally.

[Mark D]

The best 125 dollars you will ever spend:

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-shop-press-33497.html

I think I got mine on sale for 89 dollars with one of those 20% off anything in the store coupons and used my insider track club discount.

Even at the normal price the cost is minimal and it opens up a world of new things you can do in your own garage. I don't know how I ever lived without one. Removing and reinstalling bushings becomes a million times easier when you have the right tool. This is the right tool.

[Nick774]

Well I've welded a sweet little press for myself with a big c- vise and some scrap steel and it makes pushing out the old ones a piece of cake, no drilling or melting required. However I still have to cut and pull out the sleeve, this tool is also used to press the new ones in so I'm on the right path here. I've got one arm fitted with new bushings already and the rest all have been pushed out. I think I pushed out 6 bushings within 30-40 minutes which is not to shabby compared to when I was melting and picking the first one out. It takes no effort really to push it out!

[David T]

Well I've welded a sweet little press for myself with a big c- vise and some scrap steel and it makes pushing out the old ones a piece of cake, no drilling or melting required. However I still have to cut and pull out the sleeve, this tool is also used to press the new ones in so I'm on the right path here. I've got one arm fitted with new bushings already and the rest all have been pushed out. I think I pushed out 6 bushings within 30-40 minutes which is not to shabby compared to when I was melting and picking the first one out. It takes no effort really to push it out!

You could try making up a contraption with threaded rod, nuts, washers, pieces of pipe and large sockets. Any good local shop will have a press and they usually do not charge a lot to do the work. Much safer and much less chance of damaging the parts.

[Ron]

I haven't changed out all of the bushings before, but if you go to one of the bigger auto parts and rent/borrow a ball joint replacement tool kit, I'd bet you could do most, if not all, of them with it and a little improvising....

[Nick774]

Thanks guys. As of now all sleeves are out and Im down to the last few bushings to press in. progress :)