When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Finally getting around to installing my new suspension bushings and having a problem removing the lower sway bar link bushings. I am trying to push the sleeve out the back and cant seem to get past the point shown in the photo. I started looking at it a bit more and it kinda looks like I should have pushed it out the front. The only thing at this point I can think of is try drilling it out. Anyone else have this problem? Tutorial?
yes, a big sharp f*ing chisel; cut, collapse whats already sticking out, then continue to drive out the remaining portion. And don't take no for an answer.
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Is this a full kit or just a few sway bar pivots?
Or the full monty? If this one is stumping you, you're in for a long haul...
Pressing out the metal sleeves and removing the rubbers is a chore.
I swapped out an entire C4 with a 6" bench vice and a bunch of sockets.
Some people drilled out the rubber to release the grip.
Others have used a torch and burned them out. (IMHO not a wise move)
I had a similar problem removing the rubber bushing around the metal sleeve when I was changing mine to poly. What I did was take a small drill bit and drilled the rubber out from around the metal sleeve. Took maybe 10 minutes to do both. Afterwards be sure to take a file or sandpaper and clean any rubber residual from within the metal sleeve as any left over rubber will interfere with installing the new bushing.
I have not had a need to do them, but maybe an idea. Is that a seam on the right side of the picture? If so, if you can't collapse it with a hammer and chisel, could you use a large pair of Vice Grips to collapse the sleeve?
If you can't do that, could you use a cutoff wheel and carefully shorten them up so you have more room to press it?
Finally got it, bought an 8" C-clamp and modified it. Put a lump of weld on it to hold a socket securely. I had two shoulder surgeries and hurt my other arm so I just don't have the brute strength I used to have, I imagine me getting older is part of the problem too. Thanks for the input guys. I used to do this stuff all the time but been a long time. I hope the injectors I ordered from FIC go better for me. LOL
I have not had a need to do them, but maybe an idea. Is that a seam on the right side of the picture? If so, if you can't collapse it with a hammer and chisel, could you use a large pair of Vice Grips to collapse the sleeve?
If you can't do that, could you use a cutoff wheel and carefully shorten them up so you have more room to press it?
Yes, its a seam. I found that using a C-clamp with the correct size socket works best, at least for me. Push the whole assembly toward the front of the car.
Is this a full kit or just a few sway bar pivots?
Or the full monty? If this one is stumping you, you're in for a long haul...
Pressing out the metal sleeves and removing the rubbers is a chore.
I swapped out an entire C4 with a 6" bench vice and a bunch of sockets.
Some people drilled out the rubber to release the grip.
Others have used a torch and burned them out. (IMHO not a wise move)
Just takes time and patience. Good Luck
Yeah, I have them all to replace. I thought about using acetylene torch but like you said, not a wise move with the aluminum.