Proper tool for bushing removal
- Thread starter Monte
- Start date
caper
Well-known member
Smoke wrench,vise,proper size socket and a BFH.
Chev. P.U. Guy.
Active member
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2008
- Messages
- 28
i tried this, but some bushings seem to be too rusted so the trailing arm will be pinched.
That looks good to install/remove the bushings on the rear axle itself !
Lump
Well-known member
Kent Moore made a special tool for factory dealership mechanics, with threaded rods, spacers, large washers, etc. I used to have one for a long time, but it's gone now.
Lots of guys really do use a torch to burn out the rubber, and then they cut out the steel bushings when the rubber is out of the way. It's dangerous, toxic, and generally nasty, but it works.
Machine shops simply press out the old bushings USING A SPACER between the two walls of the control arm so they won't crush together.
In my opinion, this is a difficult job with hand tools, but a simple job with a press and a skilled operator.
Lots of guys really do use a torch to burn out the rubber, and then they cut out the steel bushings when the rubber is out of the way. It's dangerous, toxic, and generally nasty, but it works.
Machine shops simply press out the old bushings USING A SPACER between the two walls of the control arm so they won't crush together.
In my opinion, this is a difficult job with hand tools, but a simple job with a press and a skilled operator.
That's why you need a spacer. Cut something to fill the space inside the arm or it will be smashed.
Made this, from junk on hand, for removing/installing those oval shaped rear spring bushings on Dodge trucks. Something similar made up with a length of pipe that just sits outside your bushing diameter should do the trick. In my case 1/2-20 threaded rod was enough to do all the pulling required.
Romanova
Well-known member
I just went through this misery on my Galant as I replaced all the bushings with poly urethane upgrades. The rear trailing arms were the worst. I ended up using a propane torch to melt the bushings at which point the metal inner sleeve fell out. Then I used a hacksaw to cut the outer metal sleeve and once the pressure was relieved, it fell out. I then sanded it with a Dremmel and used my POS HF 12 ton press to press the new ones in.
For some of the other bushings, I would heat them up just a bit with the torch, then use a socket and the press to push them out...
For some of the other bushings, I would heat them up just a bit with the torch, then use a socket and the press to push them out...
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
Use a hole saw to cut the rubber out, then cut the outer sleeve out.
Charles
Charles
nismomans13
Well-known member
o/a torch, i use it to remove all rubber bushings i encounter.
Scout Driver
Well-known member
Just replaced suspension bushings in one of my Scouts. Made a bushing remover out of a piece of threaded rod, a few nuts, some washers, and two sockets. Basically I used an oversize socket to "recieve" the old bushing and another socket to push the bushing through. Stole the idea from one of the good people on the BinderPlanet.
http://www.binderplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92151&highlight=bushing+removal
Scott
http://www.binderplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92151&highlight=bushing+removal
Scott
rayzor32
Well-known member
a press will just bend things. I take an air chisel and push the bushings inward and drive them out. To install I find a giant socket that fits it perfect. I tap the bushing to get it started (patience is required here it must be started perfect straight) then I put the socket it over it and drive it in with 4lb crosspeen.
nate379
Banned
That is what I do but I use a hammer and punch instead. Most of the ones I have done I have to tack weld it in place for it to stay. (On Jeeps and Dodge trucks) I don't think they are really meant for replacement, but rather just replace the whole control arm.
What is that one anyhow. Never heard it called a trailing arm other than when it's on a snowmobile.
What is that one anyhow. Never heard it called a trailing arm other than when it's on a snowmobile.
rsanter
Well-known member
I take and run a drill bit into the rubber several times and the press the rubber out of the sleve
then install new poly bushings that go into the exsisting sleve
bob
then install new poly bushings that go into the exsisting sleve
bob
I did the bushings on my control arms recently. I used the Kent Moore tools (bought them on ebay) and used a spacer made from some 2" pipe cut in half when installing. However, it appears from the picture that both sides of the bushing are flared. I had that issue and I cut the bushing in half about 2/3 of the way with a sawzall and cut the rest of the bushing in half with a chisel, a little PB and popped the bushing halves out. K-M makes a bushing flare tool and it worked pretty good for me when I installed the new bushing.
caper
Well-known member
Why the hell would you want to remove a bushing undamaged?If they're out replace them with new ones,they're not expensive.Trying to save money by reusing old bushings is not worth the aggravation.
scott37300
Well-known member
I have never thought about saving a bushing, don't think it's possible from my experience but it may be.
Powder coat you will need to remove them and either try pressing them out with some sockets and a c clamp without damaging them or just cut your losses and rip them out and plan better next time.
If you are just going to paint them then just tape over them and paint them.
Powder coat you will need to remove them and either try pressing them out with some sockets and a c clamp without damaging them or just cut your losses and rip them out and plan better next time.
If you are just going to paint them then just tape over them and paint them.
Theloniousmonk
Well-known member
Monte, what is that off of? looks like the trailing are of an old Volvo... we call those bushings "mushrooms" - you cant, afaik, remove them without damaging them... lot's of collar/press/puller combos available, but removal w/o some sort of tearing or damage, in my experience, is impossible even w/ the "proper tool"... just my 2 cents. new bushings are cheap compared to the carnage of reinstalling damaged bushings.
@Theloniousmonk
They´re from a Chevy Monte Carlo
I tried to build a tool (see pic) out of a ball joint tool to remove the bushings (A-Arm bushing in this case) Unfortunately the arm will distort. There is a piece of 1/2 cut pipe between both metal parts of the arm where the bushing is. I think i´ll look for a thicker piece of pipe or something else i can stick inside the arm so it will not distort
<img src="http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3735/hjzzu17.jpg" alt="Image
They´re from a Chevy Monte Carlo
I tried to build a tool (see pic) out of a ball joint tool to remove the bushings (A-Arm bushing in this case) Unfortunately the arm will distort. There is a piece of 1/2 cut pipe between both metal parts of the arm where the bushing is. I think i´ll look for a thicker piece of pipe or something else i can stick inside the arm so it will not distort
<img src="http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3735/hjzzu17.jpg" alt="Image
that's right; the blue wrench is your best friend in this situation.
Just light'er off and be done with it.
Then enjoy a cold beer...
chevelle67
Well-known member
I replaced the bushings in my Chevelle (same thing) but I replaced the arms with Hotchkis suspension components. Leave the bushings in the old arms, install Hotchkis arms with poly's in em, take for a drive and wonder why you put up with OEM for so long
71Datsun510Wagon
Well-known member
I just went through this misery on my Galant as I replaced all the bushings with poly urethane upgrades. The rear trailing arms were the worst. I ended up using a propane torch to melt the bushings at which point the metal inner sleeve fell out. Then I used a hacksaw to cut the outer metal sleeve and once the pressure was relieved, it fell out. I then sanded it with a Dremmel and used my POS HF 12 ton press to press the new ones in.
For some of the other bushings, I would heat them up just a bit with the torch, then use a socket and the press to push them out...
The picture was highly amusing!
