Step by Step Spring Plate Bushing Removeal

[PorscheGuy79]

I was having trouble with these bushings and getting them off. This way seemed to work the best for me and my limited budget. I just thought I would pass on my learnings.

Items you will need:

- Vise Grips
- Propane Torch or other intense heat source
- A very sharp knife or razor blade
- Screwdriver
- Thick work gloves



Step 1: Here we have a stock rubber bushing on our springplate. These go bad in time and when they were down they create play in the suspension. Inorder to replace/upgrade them you have to remove the old bushings that are fused onto the shaft of the spring plate.



Step 2: To start the best way is to use the sharp knife to cut a slit through the bushing parrellel to the shaft. Create another slit at the opposite (180 degrees) side of the bushing. Be very carefull when you are cutting not to score or damage the surface under the rubber, it is important to keep that clean for reinstallation of the new bushings. (I use several increasingly deep cuts until I reach the metal)



Step 3: I find this step very important in making this whole process easier. Using the sharp knife again cut around the edge of the bushing closest to the spring plate. You dont have to cut all the way to the metal on this one, just as deep as you can. This will help the rubber separate in a more uniform pattern.



Step 4: Now using the torch heat the area where you made either of the slits. After a couple mintues of heating the bushing it should start to smoke and crackle from around where the bushing contacts the spring plate. Once it starts to do this quickly move onto step 5.



Step 5: I find this step to be optional. That said, it does help sometimes to use a screw driver to lift and separate the slit in the bushing.



Step 6: Using the vise grips grab a hold of as much rubber as you can and pull the rubber as if you are pealing it back off of the metal.



Step 7: Then put it back under the flame while applying pressure the vise grips. As the rubber warms up more the bushing should slowly start to peal off of the shaft. If it is not pealing or is coming off in small chunks you dont have it hot enough.



Step 8: This figure shows the half of the bushing that is still left on. I use two cuts myself because it makes it easier to work on section at a time and have a clean place to start with the next one. Trying it all at once makes it harder to heat everything consistantly, in my opinion.



Step 9: After you remove the rest of the bushing there is usually some junk left over on the spring plate which is easily dispatched by using the torch directly on it and literally letting it burn. It should then be easier to brush off or can be removed with a drill and a wire wheel.



Step 10: The final product, all bushings removed and the spring plates ready for polishing.

[Jeff Alton]

Good post, thanks.

Cheers

[DW SD]

Great thread! Final cleanup was great for me with a bench grinder and heavy wire wheel.

Doug

[PorscheGuy79]

Originally posted by DW SD
Great thread! Final cleanup was great for me with a bench grinder and heavy wire wheel.

Doug

Guess what im up to right now?

[ianc]

Great post! Thanks for the taking the time to document for us. If you're doing a Polybronze install (and have infinite patience), a part two would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again,

ianc