Rear Suspension Bushings

DSPTurtle · 05-05-2002, 02:00 PM

I have discovered an alternative (read chaep way to do this) to removing the rear suspension bushings. The picture pretty much speaks for itself but that is a FLAPS gearpuller ($10) and a socket. The socket slips over the threaded stud and the gearpuller centers itself on the socket back. Ultimately you may have to add a second socket on top of the one to get the shaft pushed all the way through. This seemed like a much better way to do this compared with burning the bushings out or even buying some expensive tools.
Good luck.

DDS · 05-06-2002, 08:59 AM

Good one. I futzed around with woodworking clamps and sockets and achieved the same results with a lot more hassle.

Zeke · 05-06-2002, 09:36 AM

Re: Heating. I found out that you don't need much heat to remove the bushings. I was anticipating practiacally burning the bushing out when it just slipped out. I was using an oxy/acet torch but a propane one would be plenty.

maf 914 · 05-06-2002, 01:32 PM

JB,

Bushings are something we all have to think about, since our cars are at least 27 years old! Are you going with plastic bushings? If so what type? Do you intend to groove the bushing and install grease fittings? Maybe you could post some more photos as your project progresses.

Thanks,
Mike

DSPTurtle · 05-06-2002, 01:43 PM

To be honest...I got my "race" hardness Weltmeister bushings from Perf Prod (it was before Wayne was matching prices and the guys at Pelican said they only had "street").
I am not planning on putting zerk fittings in right now. If there was a good tech article I probably would but I did my front bushings six months ago and have had no problems with my Mobil 1 grease. I also used a grinder to "fit" those bushing instead of just brute forcing them in. They fit in and out hand tight so maybe that is helping or maybe I was lucky or maybe not enough time has elapsed. Either way the truth is I just don't know how to add the Zerk's or else I probably would!!!
I will post photos as long as you guys are interested...

DDS · 05-06-2002, 04:12 PM

Done that.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3286

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53728&highlight=zerks

tahoward · 05-06-2002, 05:05 PM

Thanks for the great idea and photo! This is the next project on my list and all the tips are much appreciated. Good luck on yours.

74914 · 05-14-2002, 09:06 AM

I also used the puller method...worked great on one arm, but kept slipping off the other one. I finally used some scrap metal to weld the puller arms together, then broke them off when I was done.