Changing coupler bushing...

[x911x]

How do I take out the pin in the middle of the coupler? Does it needs to be pressed out? Use a pin and hammer? Or just buy a new one.

[efhughes3]

If you search, you'll see that people have had varying degrees of success. You have to be careful doing it as the coupler can break fairly easily as testified by many here. Many people go ahead and buy the new coupler to not have to deal with it.

[tony77targa]

I used the vice and socket method with very good results a couple of times...

[craigster59]

I set mine on top of the slightly parted jaws of my bench vise and knocked it out with a ball pean hammer and punch.

[tonythetarga]

Craigster59 has got the method that works. doesn't hurt to squirt a bit of "loose juice" in there to help things to move.

[x911x]

Thanks guys, I was using the hammer and punch method without success. I'll try a little bit harder later. I was afraid to break the darn thing, I'll just buy a new one if all else fails.

[Early_S_Man]

Dave,

NO, don't hammer on it ... or you WILL very likely break the housing!!! That has happene to severaL Pelicans

Use a large vise and two deep sockets as arbors ... one slightly smaller than the O.D. of the cross pin, and another socket slightly larger. If your vise is only a meium -sized one you can start with standard-depth sockets, and shift to deep sockets after the pin is out an inch or so ...

[blue82coupe]

If you don't have a vice, a 6" c-clamp with the socket method also works. It worked for me before I got a 6" vice. Dan

[x911x]

Thanks for all the input! I used a little "Loose Juice" and a little effort was needed to punch that thing off. The only problem was when installing, I forgot to replace the boot! I had to do it all over again. No wonder it came back easy. Oh well, lesson learned.

[jjone20]

I used heat and cold on mine - it worked really well. Put the coupler in the freezer for an hour or so (the Mrs. really loved that!) then the steel part in the vise. A little propane torch warmth on the steel and the pin eased right out with a few taps of the socket and small hammer. Vice versa (ha!) on the way back in. I did not tap, clamp, or otherwise look cross-eyed at the aluminum casting.

[GIBSON]

Just saw this post- did mine earlier today with good results.
Used a large bench vise, a piece of aluminum with a hole that allowed the pin to go into, and an aluminum piece that matched the size of the pin. Set it up in the press, no heat or lubrication, closed the jaws of the press and the pin slid into the aluminum.
Very easy, putting it back together was easier. You can do it at home, the socket method would work just as well.