[Predator4]

OK hi all...I have pulled the front springs and have taken the upper control arm off to replace the ball joint and I also need to replace the bushings
Mmmm but how? How do I get the old bushing out? I have attached a image to the post.

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

Two ways. 1= Take them to machine shop. Where they will be removed.

2= Use a torch to set the rubber bushings on fire. Let them burn out. Then split and press the metal bushings out. Chances are that is what the machine shop will do. Thats what I've done for over 40 years.

[Predator4]

Thanks for the reply I will go for the cheaper option...Cheers

[kso]

They come out pretty easy with an air chisel, working on the small end of the bushing to push it out the other side. You might find a piece of pipe or something that you can place the a-arm in to support it in that area. New ones go in with the same support, and the bushing steel has to be supported evenly with, again, a piece of pipe or something...then hammer away.

[Predator4]

Thank you I appreciate the help...Cheers

[Too Many Projects]

If you don't have a shop press or air chisel, taking them to a machine shop is the best option. BEFORE you do anything with them, measure the distance between the arms and write it down. Those arms will bend very easily from force applied to remove the bushings. The PROPER way to remove them is with a shop press. Look at the shaft between the bushing and bolt hole. There are 2 flat areas. I made a thick, U shaped washer to fit those flats. Holding the arm verticle in a press, you push on the shaft and the washer will push the bushing out. You MUST have a piece of pipe under the arm large enough for the bushing to pass thru and long enough for the shaft and bushing to travel far enough for the bushing to release. You can see the diameter of the bushing reduces just inside the arm and once it is pushed to the point, the bushing will fall out. Without proper support below, the arm will flex and bend instead of the bushing moving. Some lubricant will help the bushing "pop", which is how it will most likely move instead of smoothly.

If you want to do this at home, drill out the rubber first with a bit smaller than the thickness of the rubber. This is accomplished by walking the bit around the full diameter and it will eventually grab what's left o and pull it out. Then you can use a punch to tap the outer shell of the bushing out of the arm. I never burn the rubber as I am averse to the black soot floating everywhere and the stink lasts a long time....

[Predator4]

Thank you for your in depth reply. This is the first time I have worked on suspension so every bit of advice from those with know how is much appreciated. Thanks again for your time.

[aosborn]

Burn em' out, then you won't distort the arms for sure. Once the rubber is gone the sleeves will come out easily.

[Predator4]

Thanks for your reply. I now have them out and yes I did burn them out. Worked perfectly.