HELP ! Front susp. bushing removal question
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 78
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HELP ! Front susp. bushing removal question
I plan to powder coat all the aluminum pieces of my front suspension. Everything has been disassembled including all ball joints and all bushings EXCEPT the bushings on the shaft of the upper control arms.
I know they need to be press out, but what is the procedure for safely removing / re-installing those bushings without damaging the control arms?
Thanks in advance
I know they need to be press out, but what is the procedure for safely removing / re-installing those bushings without damaging the control arms?
Thanks in advance
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 196
From: folsom california
Haven't done the front bushings yet, but have replaced every other bushing on the car. I heat 'em gently with a propane torch; once the rubber begins to soften they just pop (or pull) off.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 30
From: Los Angeles CA
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 417
Likes: 2
From: Blacksburg Virginia
wish I thought of using the rack and pinion bushing sleeve to press out my bushings.
My suggestions are the following: 1. go slow
2. prepare to be frustrated.
3. be VERY CAREFULL about the threads on the upper control arm spindle....they strip very easily, then its a trip to a junk yard for a new one.....don't ask how I know..
4. use something when pressing on the control arm to keep it from deflecting too much. I had a hardened wrench that I was able to wedge between the ends of the "Y" to keep them from pressing together.
good luck
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 78
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Slickfx3 and Plastic Lizard
Thank you for the info, guys, I appreciate it.
I actually have new poly bushings on now, and I want to remove them to powder coat the arms, but it looks like I may have to cut them off and buy new bushings.
I actually have new poly bushings on now, and I want to remove them to powder coat the arms, but it looks like I may have to cut them off and buy new bushings.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 417
Likes: 2
From: Blacksburg Virginia
I will say I am not a powder coat expert...but, I thought that the powder will only stick to the metal and not the poly? Will the temperature of the curing melt the bushings? don't know, but if the oven temp is not that high, you may be ok to just leave them in place.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 341
From: Adelaide South Australia
this same subject is being covered in Agent86's thread, I posted this picture of how to stop the a-arm from flexing in a press. If you have a press or can rig up something similiar you can use this method to press out or in.
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