Suspension disaster

msassoon · Post by **msassoon** » Sun 30 Oct, 2011 11:59

Well, set out to replace the ARB bushes, drop links, trailing arm and subframe bushes on the back, and only got half the job done! Replaced one subframe bush, but it took me 3 hours to get the blasted thing out! got the bolts out of two trailing arm bushes, but one on each arm

The others were seized into the bush inserts. Any ideas how to get them out? Guess cutting them off is the only alternative.

Vic-Z3 · Post by **Vic-Z3** » Sun 30 Oct, 2011 16:02

Could try dousing them with penertrating fluid over night.....

Frank.A · Post by **Frank.A** » Sun 30 Oct, 2011 19:37

If there is enough room you may be able to press them out using a large socket over the bolt head and a large 'G' clamp.Leave the nut on after undoing a few threads to avoid damaging the bolt threads.

msassoon · Post by **msassoon** » Sun 30 Oct, 2011 20:18

Tried the penetrating fluid, but they are seized in the barrel. I tried to get a device in, but no luck. One end moves, the other does not.

Mac The Tank · Post by **Mac The Tank** » Sun 30 Oct, 2011 21:28

re: Penetrating fluid - I would use plus gas if you can get it, much better at penetrating than WD40 in my opinion...

You can get it at the usual motor trade outlets, or at RS components (they have got trade counters about too)

Plus gas (overnight) + big hammer =

Can you get a ball joint splitter in there? or even an impact wrench??
(Sorry not done this job yet, don't know how much space you've got !)

Mac

pingu · Post by **pingu** » Sun 30 Oct, 2011 22:47

Can you burn the bush out, then cut the bolt?

I use air powered impact tools, but not everybody has them.

A good alternative is to borrow/hire a battery powered impact wrench. (approx £30/day or £200 to buy)

msassoon · Post by **msassoon** » Mon 31 Oct, 2011 07:49

Again, tried both. I have a 2HP compressor, and the bolt would not turn at 8 bar. I haven't got a ball joint splitter, but that would only unseize the ends, not remove the problem in the tube.
As for plus gas, I will have to check that out, but burning some of the bush and cutting is the most likely one.

markrnorton · Post by **markrnorton** » Mon 31 Oct, 2011 13:04

Blow torch, get them hot, then let them cool off. or just burn the bush out

exdos · Post by **exdos** » Tue 01 Nov, 2011 19:09

I made a simple tool to do this job, as below.

It's simply a piece of stout tube about the same diameter and length as the trailing arm bush housing with a piece of metal with a hole in it welded on one end. There's then a long bolt which passes through the trailing arm bush sleeve and as you tigthen a nut on the other end, it pulls the bush through the housing. It can also be used to insert the new bushes.