Strut Rod Bushings?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Strut Rod Bushings?
How hard are these to replace? My Haynes manual says that the old bushings have to be pressed out, but I don't see why they couldn't be drilled out. Also would new poly bushings need to be pressed in, or do only the old rubber bushings need a press?
thanks in advance!
thanks in advance!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Houston Tx
Re: Strut Rod Bushings? (wcsinx)
I am about to do this very thing on my 77 as soon as the back-ordered Energy suspension poly bushings come in. The easiest way to remove the old bushings is to use a torch and burn them out!!! Heat up both sides until they catch fire and let them burn a little bit. Then, use a screw driver and push the rubber bushings out.
Installing the poly bushings is as easy as lubing both halves of the bushing, installing one of the halfs, inserting the metal insert, then installing the other half of the bushing. Nothing to it.
Hope that helps.
Russ
Installing the poly bushings is as easy as lubing both halves of the bushing, installing one of the halfs, inserting the metal insert, then installing the other half of the bushing. Nothing to it.
Hope that helps.
Russ
Racer
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Cortland, NY, USA
Re: Strut Rod Bushings? (wcsinx)
One other thing to keep in mind. If the struts were replaced with the GM replacement, the bushing size will be different than the originals. I got into this with my 79. I ordered bushings for the 79 and later realized (after someone else installed them and I put them back in the car) the struts had been replaced and the bushings were too small.
I can't remember what model year they changed the size, but all of the GM replacements come with the bushings already installed.
Good luck,
LMJ
('vette-less)
I can't remember what model year they changed the size, but all of the GM replacements come with the bushings already installed.
Good luck,
LMJ
('vette-less)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,833
Likes: 15
From: Southeast La
Re: Strut Rod Bushings? (wcsinx)
I just replaced mine...(although my body is off the frame :D )
I beat, and I mean beat the hell out of mine..put it in a vice, put a socket around the metal jacket part and started to crank. I did get the BFH and soaked 'em in PB Blaster. Install is opposite of removal. Lubed it up real good, put it in a vice and squeezed.
If you burn them out :nono: , tell your neighbors within a mile radius of our home to watch out for smoke warnings, b/c the rubber will do it like crazy. I can also warp the rod itself. Good luck.
I beat, and I mean beat the hell out of mine..put it in a vice, put a socket around the metal jacket part and started to crank. I did get the BFH and soaked 'em in PB Blaster. Install is opposite of removal. Lubed it up real good, put it in a vice and squeezed.
If you burn them out :nono: , tell your neighbors within a mile radius of our home to watch out for smoke warnings, b/c the rubber will do it like crazy. I can also warp the rod itself. Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane, Australia 1985 Coupe
Re: Strut Rod Bushings? (topless68)
..put it in a vice, put a socket around the metal jacket part and started to crank.....
I don't see why you would have to burn them out. :confused: :nono:
:cheers:
