I am thinking of buying a small press (20-ton) for doing stuff like this myself, but I didn't know how hard this is to do...

Are there any places that sell pieces/kits of the various "adapters" used with a press (what are they called, arbors?), as I think the one I am looking at is just the press with just two flat pieces with half circles cut out...

I didn't know how much I will use this, but figured it would probably pay for itself pretty quickly...

Any thoughts?

Hey Tony,

I think Harbor Freight has a little kit (from what Ron was telling me) that has a bunch of pieces of metal (flat and circular) that can be used to press parts out/in. Might want to check there. A 20-ton press doesn't cost a whole lot of $$ so it'll pay for itself quick if you do all the bushings and the ball joints on your vehicles.

Thanks Alan...

I am actually thinking about getting the press from Harbor Freight... Its on sale for something like $120... Figured I probably couldn't go too wrong with that...

Okay, I checked the Harbor Freight website... Nothing listed for the pieces...

I goofed. The press I was looking at was a 12-ton press... One on sale for $125 and another listed (A-frame style, also 12-ton) for $80...

Plus the store is close enough that I can pick it up (no extra shipping charges)...

I would think 12-ton press would be enough for most automotive work, sound right?

Here ya go.... FO_FDYFO gave me this link. I just ordered a kit for myself. I'm doing the same thing you are. :D

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=38335

Will that press work on the bushings in the rear end?

I have the Harbor Frieght set of ball joint removal set.

It works, but needs 3 hands when popping the ball joints. It's heavy too, so if you drop it wear boots. Ask me how I know. :eek:

You can sorta use it on the rear end. But I made a press tool using 3/4" all-thread and flat steel 1/4" thick and a couple nuts. ;)

I think the 20 Ton press is overkill for this job. Auto Zone rents out the same tool. I have used mine 3 times, and have yet to do my own ball joints that I bought it for! :rolleyes:

I made a press tool using 3/4" all-thread and flat steel 1/4" thick and a couple nuts

That is a great idea. simply sandwich the bushing and workpiece between the two plates and tighten the nuts, pressing the bushing in... graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I'm going to fab one this weekend :D

Originally posted by cmt454:
Will that press work on the bushings in the rear end? yes, i had to use a couple big washers with it, but it worked. you definitely dont want to be hammering on the cast rearend bushing ears :eek: i have seen those break off :eek:

Will a 12-ton press be adequate for most auto stuff (control arm bushings, ball joints, etc)?

could that ball-joint kit be used to replace the upper and lower control arm bushings (front uppers esspecially)? Any "tricks" for these (removing Trying to justify even spending the $99 on the press, if I am going to buy that Ball-joint tool anyway (and the press will take up some valuable space).

In rechecking, that 12-ton is on sale (local ad) at Harbor freight for $99... Their website lists the same at $125 sale price...

I thought of that ball-joint kit (on sale for $30 locally/$40 internet). I wonder if the pieces could also be used with the large press?

I am pretty sure I will get these... Last guy charged me $60 to press (R&R) 2 control arm bushing (into the upper arms). I would have shopped around, but he was the only place open and I needed them ASAP...