Bushing removal, tips?

[Jon]

I'm right now in the process of my rear disc conversion, so while I'm at it I've decided to do some bushing replacing.

My question, is there any tips for removing or installing these babies? I'm doing my best to do this on the cheap so I'm trying really hard not to spend the $$$ to have someone press them out and install the new ones. Yes it would be really easy to do that, but I'd like to take a swing at this before forking over my cash.

So if anyone has any tips or tricks I'd really appreciate it.

[casterX]

tried every method posted in the DIY forums and just wished i had them pressed from the beginning.. lesson learned.. up to you now..

[rexload]

Replacing bushings is not hard,
I replaced every bushing on my Accord last summer,
All you need is:
1. New bushings (I got them from www.hondaautomotiveparts.com)
2. Rent a balljoint press kit at your local AdvanceAuto or AutoZone. It is a big C-clamp with many different extensions/spacers (it doesnt cost anything - they return your money when you return the tool)
3. It will help if you have or can borrow something like this http://www.menintools.com/mit1119.html
For some bushings you MAY need to improvise with different sockets, but the balljoint press kit should have everything you need.

The procedure itself is simple
1. Get to the bushing
2. Improvise with different extensions that come in your balljoint press kit and press the bushing out using the big C-clamp
3.Center new bushing in place and push it in with the C-clamp and an appropriate spacer (just improvise)

I would actually much rather do this job muself than pay someone else, it is fun plus you will know for sure that everything was done right.

[rexload]

Forgot to say!
Do NOT torque the bushings with the car on jack stands.
The car must be sitting on the ground when you are torquing them down, so if you have ramps it will help

[Jon]

I just got ahold of a couple of places and for them to do it the prices ranged from $200-$270 (of course the dealership was the most expensive...). Hell for that I could buy the damn ball joint c frame press (add to my collection of tools) and still come out ahead.

Thanks for the info guys I really appreciate it. I'll play around a bit and see what I come up with.

[casterX]

buy the bushings(i got the ES bushing kit, no need to press it on) and remove the necessary parts.. go to a machine shop and have the old ones pressed out.. it should cost you around $2-3/bushing..

[Jon]

Dude all of the places around here are wanting to charge me $200+ to do it. And it's not like they're having to remove anything off the car, I've already done that for them. I swear I felt like they were trying to milk me when I got those quotes.

[Jon]

Ok I've been playing around a bit.

On the lower control arms I was able to get the bushing out by using a 22mm impact socket, a 3lb sledge, and a bench vice. Opened the vice up large enough to allow the bushing to slide out, lined the socket up on the outside metal sleeve of the bushing, gave it a few good whacks and they popper right out.

The upper control arm bushing is a different story, still working on it.

A handful down, a few more to go.

[Jon]

Just wanted you all to know that the ball joint press does indeed work, and works AWESOMELY!

Right side control arms


Left side control arms


Upper control arms


I didn't get a picture of the strut bushings, but they got the same treatment.
So the rear disc conversion and bushings install is going perfectly.

Thanks for the suggestion rexload, really appreciate it!

[rexload]

Looks great, good work!

[wagonz]

i just bought my ball joint press off of ebay. now im waiting for this newengland weather to cooperate with me. happy 4th everyone

[Jon]

I will say that I did spend the good $$$ for the OTC Ball Joint Kit, didn't want to take the chance on a "Made In China" tool. Did that once and got hurt . Nonetheless I still have the front to do as well as another car so it will pay for itself real fast.

[Prez808]

Any other people used this technique with success?

[GT-101]

I did the bushings on my 240 and the best way was using an acetylene torch. I took it to a little mechanic shop and had him heat up the old bushings and then hit them with a hammer. Two hits tops and the old bushings were out. He didn't even charge me anything.

[19TcappaLX]

this is a good write up on bushing i need to do mines also.