Suspension: How to replace front wishbone bushes

[Mike_Brace]

Thought this guide to replacing wishbone bushes might be helpful.

I will make the assumption that you know how to remove the wishbones. Removal of the bushes is possible without a hydraulic press if you have a large strong vice.

Rear bush - this is held onto the wishbone by a 19mm nut which once undone allows the housing to be pulled off.
This can then be placed in a vice to start pushing it out using a couple of sockets as spacers to allow the bush to move - see phote:



Once it has moved so the bush is partly out a further large socket (smaller than the bush) is used to drift it fully out:



If the outer casing of the bush seperates from the rubber and gets left in it is necessary to find a socket that has exactly the right exterior diameter to be able to push it out - some WD40 mto lubricate can help.

Clean the housing ready for the new bush. These bushes are handed so make sure you know which bush is which - the difference is the hardness of the rubber. Support the housing over the vice so that the bush can be placed on top of the hole. It can then be gently tapped into place making sure it goes down squarely. Normally it can be tapped in all the way - it is important to ensure squareness at all times.




Front bush - looking at the bush will show which wa it has to be pressed out. Again 3 sockets can be used to start pressing it out:



This will not get it completely out but it is easy to drift out with a suitable drift:



If the casing is left again this can be pressed out with the right sized socket:



Again clean up the housing and start tapping the bush in making sure you are putting it in from the correct side. Once started it is easier to press in using the vice:



This will push it partly in, two sockets as spacers are needed to complete the installation.

Hope this is useful.

Mike