245 Rear Suspension Bushes

I have a 1991 245 GLT and need to change the 4 brake reaction rod bushes at the rear - has anyone completed this task at home ? and if so what was required to remove the bushes and press in the new ones ?

Many thanks

The Colonel

[Clifford Pope]

This is usually rated as a professional job, but it can be done at home if you have a good vice.
To get the old bushes out, cut the rubber with a hacksaw, and use a blowtorch gently if it is stubborn.
Then very carefully hacksaw the metal bush longitudinally, taking great care not to go too far. When you can, drive in something small and sharp, like an old small screwdriver blade, to prise the bush away from the housing, then press out the shell. You will need a collection of large sockets, or sawn off bits of gas pipe, c 2" diameter. Also something of a larger diameter than the bush, but that will bear against the housing.

When you have got the old bushes out, clean out the housing very carefully with emery paper, and file off any burrs.
Ditto the new bush, chamfering the edge a little to help it start.
Set up your jig of sockets/steel rings etc, and press the bush in. You must press against the steel shell, NOT the rubber.
Keep it absolutely straight, use a few drops of oil.
Align with the solid bits of rubber webbing in line with the rod.
Hitting it is generally not a good thing, except possibly a tap on one side to correct any tendency to wander.

I have done it several times. Extracting the rusted old bushes without damaging the rod is the trickiest bit.

Good luck