Should I replace rear spring plate bushings myself?
 

Hi guys,

I brought my 1987 911 targa in to Custom Alignment in Mountain View, and unfortunately they just called me and told me that my left rear spring plate bushing is basically shot.

Their estimate is ~$500 labor + ~$100 parts. This sounded like a reasonable estimate to me, but I am starting to do some work on the car myself, and i'd like your advice on whether I should try to do the repair on my own... it probably won't save me that much cash since i assume i'll need to buy some tools, and i might spend more than 100 if i choose to go with the elephant racing bushings (hey, might as well upgrade if i do it myself).

So my question is - if i'm a newbie without many tools, am I going to even be able to perform this replacement? How long will it be likely to take, and how much do you think it might cost me in tools? Oh, also, I don't have any garage really, just a carport, and it would suck to leave my car's rear end up on jackstands over a whole weekend...

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

-Gordon

Gordon,

I did this very thing after my alignment with Custom Alignment :)

They showed them to me, driver's side was shot. I did the Elephant replacement and did a write up on this forum with plenty of pics etc. You really don't need any special tools, but it does take a while to do. I would estimate 4-6 hours for the first side and 2-4 hours for the second, providing you are like me and just bang your head through the first time for any job :)

The Bentley manual is a good help, as is Wayne's 101 project book, and especially the archives in this forum.

Lastly, you have a TON of Pelicans in your area so you will have guidance and possibly some helpers if you post about it, ask for help etc.


Bottom line, VERY doable and well worth the upgrade to Elephant.


-Chris

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the response! I was able to find your post, and saw that you mentioned a few things that gave me pause - what did you use to grind down the body a bit for the inner bushing install? Also, I don't have any torch or anything like that to rip off the old bushings. Is there another option for getting it off, like hand sanding/etc?

Thanks again!

-Gordon

You can cut them off with a knife but it takes awhile - ask me how I know... Then I read the archives and went D'oh! You can go to home depot and get a propane torch for cheap. Good investment for these old cars. Helps to get stuck nuts off too... well that and a good PB Blaster soak.

Yep, what Greg said. Some guys have had luck with razor blades etc. but a torch is only $20ish. You'll use it for more than this project too :)

For the body grinding, I used a small electric grinder from Sears. By small I mean two hands sized, about like an elongated drill. I am in Sunnyvale at least once a month and would loan it to you or you may find someone local who is willing to help out.

Just be patient, take your time and you will be fine. As with most projects, it's the fear of the unknown that gets in my head. The actual job is often much easier than I make it out to be.

The only thing I would make sure about is your car area. It's not likely that you can whip out both sides in one day unless you start early and end late or have helpers, so you would have to determine if you could work that out or not.....



-Chris

If you're going to Home Depot to buy that propane torch (and you should they're useful for lots of things) buy a MAPP gas torch instead. They get hotter, quicker and are more useful.

The fear of the unknown has been in full effect today. :) Right now I am actually leaning towards doing the Elephant Racing bushings install myself. I can definitely pick up a torch, but as far as a grinder goes, i'm pretty far away from any electrical outlets, as i'm in a carport, so that does pose a problem if grinding is really necessary. Thanks for the offer though! I could potentially get a cordless dremel, would that do the job satisfactorily?

Also, does the ER set sold on Pelican handle both L and R sides?