Rear Crossmember
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 69
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From: Plainfield IL
Rear Crossmember
I searched many posts on rebuilding the rear crossmember. Many opinions on replacing the bushings. Since I am rebuilding the back end I figured why cheap out on $100 bushings when going this far. I also added the VBP crossmember reinforcement kit (about $45) which basically is two washers and special hardware. If it helps the car handle a little better its worth it, and since its already apart now is the time.
Removing the bushings was not easy. Some suggest Penetrating Lubricant and a mallet. I soaked the CM for a week and used a 2lb mallet without any luck. I used a friends 12ton press and pushed the bushings out in minutes. Definitely the way to go, and IMHO worth buying a press if you dont have access to one. Coating the bushings with anti-seize lubricant I used the press to push them back in.
When searching I did not find many pics on the process so below are ones I took.
Hopefully this helps reduce some research time, and effort for other members. Feel free to contact me with questions.
Removing the bushings was not easy. Some suggest Penetrating Lubricant and a mallet. I soaked the CM for a week and used a 2lb mallet without any luck. I used a friends 12ton press and pushed the bushings out in minutes. Definitely the way to go, and IMHO worth buying a press if you dont have access to one. Coating the bushings with anti-seize lubricant I used the press to push them back in.
When searching I did not find many pics on the process so below are ones I took.
Hopefully this helps reduce some research time, and effort for other members. Feel free to contact me with questions.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Good job on the bushings and that is exactly how we get them out. We don't put any lubricant on them, the press will either push the entire thing out or it will push the rubber loose from the outer steel sleeve. If the later happens, once the rubber is gone the sleeve will chisel out easily. When going back together we put soap on the outer edge of the new bushing and on the clean steel receiving portion of the cross-member and then press the new bushings in.
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Jun 19, 2012 at 09:53 PM.
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 69
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From: Plainfield IL
I also had to chisel out parts of the original bushing outer sleeve. Then it was a dremel tool to clean up the rust so I could press in the new bushings without damage.
~ I cleaned the outer crossmember with a paint removal disc on a angle grinder, then a wire brush attached to my drill driver.
~ I cleaned the outer crossmember with a paint removal disc on a angle grinder, then a wire brush attached to my drill driver.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Great... I've heard people have nightmares from trying to remove these bushings. The press is the key... you can sledge hammer till your are green but the press will knock them out in a flash.
thanks for the order too!
thanks for the order too!
