[1971GTO]

Here's a close up of one of the last two rear control arm bushings needing replaced; The uppers at the differential "ears". The car has been a driver, and is all together, so I have to replace them in the driveway.

So, I'm making a press-in tool out of 7/16" threaded rod+nuts, 2" i.d. metal pipe and some scrap steel plate. I won't cut the rod to length yet, until I answer this question:

Looking at the picture, it appears to me that the only significant part of the press-in that's going to be most difficult is the widened "shoulder" on these bushings? Essentially the last 1-1/2" of travel into the "ear".

Got all weekend to ponder and make this tool. Am I screwed up in my thinking?

Thanks!

[RicksGTO]

your right, the press fit part is the last 3/4" just under the collar of the bushing.

[1971GTO]

Good deal! Makes install alot less anxious, can fer-sure up my tool as well.

[rontiac]

I just made the same tool at home using 1/2 long bolts and such! It worked well removing the old bushings. Looks like I have the same type of bushings going in as you do.

I have a question though, where does the extra rubber sleeve go when assembling the bushings? It's next to the bushing in your picture. Does it get installed on the bushing before pressing on the rear axle housing, so it acts like a spacer?

Thanks!
Ron M.

[FatfreeGTO]

The last part of the collar that is raised up does not get pressed into the ear on the diff. It just butts up against it. The other collar is used as a spacer between the inside edge of the diff ear and the control arm side itself. Its used to prevent deflection/twisting.

[rontiac]

Now I get it! That makes sense. Thanks for the pix and the explanation FatfreeGTO!

[FatfreeGTO]

No problem glad to help when I can!

[1971GTO]

Well, another year later and Summer's almost here; time right now to ponder more jobs to address on the GTO.

Last year I replaced all the rear suspension bushings while on the car, except the uppers at the diff. This year I'm gonna' do that myself in the D/W.

This is the tool I developed at the end of last summer, so had a long time to ponder if it'll really work to press them in or out. FatfreeGTO's picture was very helpfull although my room is more confined. Realisticly, I think that getting the old bushings out come's down to drilling out the rubber and chisel/crush out the sleeve; this tool may be too cumbersome for that aspect when all that's required is elbow grease and a BFH. I'll try out this tool first for sure anyhow.

When installing, I think that if I take alot of extra care to cold hard-freeze/grease the new bushings REAL good & clean up the old ears/and heat them well enuf just before, It'll work fine. It still could take a few taps to get in the ears all the way I suppose.

This tool="waste of time" and around $8..............we'll see. I was pondering having a local jobber put these bushings in for me, could be $250 there!

Any other comments of this tool creation, or success stories of folks accomplishing this work while on the car?

Later,
Mike

[67drake]

I use my torches to burn the rubber out,or most of it,then collapse the old bushing with an air chisel. Might not want to go this route if the rear end is still on the car,and should be done outside.
For installing the new one,I used a ball joint press,rented free from the auto parts store. Clearance was a little tight between the press and the rear,but after it went in the first 1/2" or so,it pretty much slid right in. I also slathered some grease around the outside of the bushing before installing,and put the bushings in the freezer for an hour or so before I start to shrink them a little.

[FatfreeGTO]

This video is helpful for getting the bushings out. I basically did the same thing to remove mine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPXf1OR9Lnk

And for install I did exactly this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPMd2x_DYxc

Again my rear end was out of the car but i would think its possible to do if the diff is still in the car.

Good luck!!

[67drake]

That 1st video where he pulls the rubber out with the drill bit was nice. I'll have to try that.

[grandville455]

I did that on my front bushings in the A Arm used a drill to drill out the rubber then it pretty much comes right out

[02Hawk]

These guys make a decent one...I bought it several years ago and have used it many times

http://www.hrpartsandstuff.com/priceorder.htm

[russosborne]

From their description it sounds like that is only for the 2 upper bushings on the axle housing. Have you tried using it on the other bushings?
Thanks,
Russ

[Tim66]

I just finished taking my bushings out and I didn't drill out the rubbers, I just hit them with a hammer until flush with housing and then using a dull chisel I tapped around the flared end of the bushing until it was out, on the control arms themselves they practically flew out with just the 5lb sledge.Good luck,Tim.

[Tim66]

Oh yeah, I sprayed them the day before with PB blaster.

[SRR]

Originally Posted by Tim66

Oh yeah, I sprayed them the day before with PB blaster.