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Sway Bar Bushing

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Old Apr 22, 2016 | 10:35 PM
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Default Sway Bar Bushing

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?
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Old Apr 23, 2016 | 12:12 PM
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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.
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Old Apr 23, 2016 | 12:58 PM
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Remember, as you hack and whack, the arm is (soft) aluminum and the bushing is steel.

Do you have a punch to drive against the bushing? Penetrating oil for some soaking?
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Old Apr 23, 2016 | 01:05 PM
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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
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Old Apr 23, 2016 | 08:19 PM
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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.

Jim
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Old Apr 24, 2016 | 02:28 PM
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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?
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Old Apr 24, 2016 | 07:22 PM
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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
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Old Apr 24, 2016 | 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by hcbph
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.
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Old Apr 24, 2016 | 07:28 PM
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Originally Posted by JrRifleCoach
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.
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