Posted by Drew M. on Wednesday, July 02, 2003 at 1:39PM :
In Reply to: Cheap and Easy Removal of Front Axle Bushings posted by JSTM on Wednesday, July 02, 2003 at 12:51PM :
Get a threaded 1/2" rod at least 24" long. Next, weld or double nut one end so the nut(s)can't turn on shaft. Insert rod with nut(s) on end into axle tube through bronze bushing. Take your cheap Chinese 3/4" drive socket (must be 3/4" drive so 1/2" threaded rod will fit through rachet end) with a near 1.5" o.d. and slide it down the rod past the bushing to the nut. Have a 3/8" or thicker plate with a hole slightly larger than 1/2" for the rod to go through to lay against the steering knuckle with studs removed (I used a really big washer). Turn the wheel about 15 degrees - so the socket cannot side straight back out the bushing, and tighten the nut on the rod end while keeping the rod from turning thus pulling the bushing out of the housing. Luckily for me, the rod didn't spin with the nut as I tightened on either side. Should it spin, thread a die down the threads and put a vise-grip on the rod end to hold it still while tightening the nut. Afterwards, back the die over the possibly damaged threads from the pliers so you can remove the nut and support plate from the knuckle.
Worked well for me - hope it does the same for you. If local to Lancaster PA area - you can borrow my "tools" to change your bushings. I prefer Yingling lager as the rental fee:)
-Drew M.
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