Upper control arm bushing replacement

[wex65]

Trying to replace the upper control arm bushings on a '55 Thunderbird.

Is there some Jedi mind trick to getting the old inner bushings out with the arm shaft in place? Cant get my head around how to remove them with it in there?

 

[Hot Rod Reverend]

Look here...
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145936

maybe it can help.

 

[wex65]

Look here...
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145936

maybe it can help.

Many thanks, his sole reference was that he didn't have an issue and had to use heat once but no description as to what he did.

I will break out the big hammer and heat and see how I get on. Just thought there might be some method I wasn't privy to.

 

[Hot Rod Reverend]

Try this link over on webrodder.com

http://webrodder.com/article/rebuilding-the-1954-59-ford-ifs-part-1

lots of good information there too.

 

[Blackpearleb434]

Heat and a hammer... When installing you press the first bush in then push the shaft through and then install the second bush, so removal is reversed however you will find when you heat it the rubber will burn this removes the bond of the inner part on the bush so that allows the shaft the fall through then you press out the outer part, when pressing the outer part deform it by crushing the outer part of the bush in a vice then it comes out a lot easier

Hope this helps

 

[Blackpearleb434]

Or if you don't have oxy you can drill the rubber part of the bush out the do the rest.

 

[wex65]

Thanks guys, yes that's pretty much how I did it.

Heat and a hammer did the trick.

Used heat to remove the rubber and then a hammer/chisel to drive out the bearing. Not asn easy job but they came out. Hoping installation is easier...!

 

[paul2748]

Get a press to install the new ones. Maybe a local parts store can help you.

 

[Blackpearleb434]

Installation is much easier, if you have a vice you can use that with piece of pipe that fit over small part of the bushes an press them into the pipe, remember that the shaft has to be in place before you press the second one in, cut the piece of pipe so it fits over the shaft then use the vice to press the second one in, remember when you install the arm to do the nuts up when the can is on the ground and at normal ride height

 

[wex65]

Installation is much easier, if you have a vice you can use that with piece of pipe that fit over small part of the bushes an press them into the pipe, remember that the shaft has to be in place before you press the second one in, cut the piece of pipe so it fits over the shaft then use the vice to press the second one in, remember when you install the arm to do the nuts up when the can is on the ground and at normal ride height

Thanks, I picked up a cheap press this morning as I need it for other jobs anyway.

I will throw some gloss black on the arms and frame this week and try to get them back on next week once it arrives.