bushing replacement?

[concretejungle]

I am very sure that i have a few bushings in control arms that are toast. One is making a crazy popping/metal on metal sound with normal driving around. So, i'm thinking about replacing the bushings on most of the truck. Question deals with getting old one's out and new one's in. I'm sure i'll need a press, but for the front control arms, slee sends a press tool with the offset bushings to help get the old one's out and the new ones in. Are the other control arm bushings the same diameter? If so i guess i could use the press tool, but if not, what's the best way to get new one's in without tearing them up?

 

[Tools R Us]

I am very sure that i have a few bushings in control arms that are toast. One is making a crazy popping/metal on metal sound with normal driving around. So, i'm thinking about replacing the bushings on most of the truck. Question deals with getting old one's out and new one's in. I'm sure i'll need a press, but for the front control arms, slee sends a press tool with the offset bushings to help get the old one's out and the new ones in. Are the other control arm bushings the same diameter? If so i guess i could use the press tool, but if not, what's the best way to get new one's in without tearing them up?

A metal lathe makes custom press tools easily, I make them from whatever scrap metal that's around. Without a lathe pieces of pipe, sockets, etc make usable tools. For a receiver tool for the arm bushings I use 2.5" schedule 40 steel pipe ~2.25" long. The bushing tool in the pix is for the rear bushing, it's an old scrap chisel holder turned down to fit. The rear bushings are smaller than the fronts.

 

[-Spike-]

The rear bushings are smaller than the fronts.

And the fronts are 2 different sizes, IIRC.

-Spike

 

[Tools R Us]

And the fronts are 2 different sizes, IIRC.

-Spike

The frame side bushings in the front arms are ~2.115" OD. The 4 axle mount bushings are ~2.345" OD.

 

[GeoRoss]

When I put in the OME caster bushings, I was lucky to be doing it in a shop with a lathe. One of the coolest machines out there and made it go pretty easy.

Ross

ps, thanks again Kevin

 

[fernandol]

When I installed my OME bushings I used a grinded down 11/16 socket as a press tool.

 

[fernandol]

ok, sorry for the mistake, it was a 1 11/16" socket

 

[concretejungle]

So, i'm guessing i should try to go to a shop with a lathe that can make press tools? I'm not replacing the OME CC bushings, i'm replacing the rear control arm bushings, upper and lower, and the rear bushings in the front control arms. The one's on the front axle are brand new.

I'll try to see if i can find some big sockets too.

 

[Ivan80]

So, stupid question...

If you are making your own bushing pressing tools,

1. Can you hammer them out/in yourself?
2. Can you use a large vise (6" Wilton)?
3. Or do you still need access to a press?

 

[-Spike-]

You can burn out the old bushings if they can't be hammered out, then use a sawsall or hacksaw blade to cut the sleeve that will be left behind. The new ones probably can be beat in with a hammer- you won't have the rusted sleeve to deal with, and you can use grease to make it easier. A press makes the whole job a lot easier, but it can be done without. There's no reason to go have custom press tools made if you don't happen to have a lathe handy- Tools R Us just happens to have one so he makes use of it. There is always a socket that will fit, or a plumbing fitting, or whatever. The vise as a press has limited value- it might work for pressing the new ones in, but probably not for taking them out. You will bend vise parts- I've seen it. Never use a cheater bar on a vise handle for more leverage.

The bushings I have replaced took a bunch of pressure to remove, but not much to install.

-Spike

 

[Ivan80]

Thanks Spike,

I've been planning on replacing my lower rear control arm and front-frame mount bushings when I have the arms off for the OME bushings.

That info helps a lot.

 

[Dusty]

i recently used a small press in my dads shop to remove and replace caqstor bushings. A 6 ton jack barely got it done. good luck using a hammer. a vice wont do it. get to a press. i used the aluminum ome press tool. it is aluminum and not very durable

 

[GXO]

I think the answer Alex really needs is:

The bushings are worn out...you should immediately purchase Slee control arms all around.

Alternatively, there should be enough people that have done this that could loan a tool?

 

[concretejungle]

reviving an old thread..... i have the bushings in. I let a local mech. press them in. He said he machined a jig, i don't know, but they are in and it was $40. I did take the arms to him though.