[Whittaker]

I was wondering if it is possible to press the two suspension busings into the axel housing at home. I have thought about pressing them in by using a bolt and a socket larger than the bushing with a plate on the back side. Has anyone used a method similar to this? It is for my 66 Malibu 10 bolt rear. Or can anyone tell me a different way to do it?

Thanks Whittaker

------------------

 

[Buck Mustard]

This same topic is in a different thread somewhere... I forget where, though - I just saw it yesterday.

Anyway, I did mine on my '70 12 bolt by using a bearing driver (which could also be a board, or a socket) and a BFH. I greased my bushings but others have mentioned freezing them which is a very good idea. Line the bushing up, position your driver, and... WHAM! A couple good hits and it should go in no problem.

Try to find the other post. This technique was recommended and Didge (I think) described a home-built press that would also do the job.

Good Luck!

 

[Strohm]

Whittaker,

The BFH method didn't work for me. It might be because I coudln't get any force behind the hammer while laying on my back and wrapping my arm around the rear end.

What I did is this: Make sure the inside of the bushing "ear" is completely clean. A small bit of dirt or sand will make this nearly impossible. Take an old 1/2" bolt and drill a small dimple in the head end. Place some large washers (large enough to completly cover the large end of the bushing) on the bolt. I used a combination of several 1/2" fender washers and something called a malleable washer. Grease the bushing and freeze it overnight. Put the bolt and washers through the large end of new bushing and place it in the ear on the diff. housing. Now take a 2 jaw gear puller and hook the jaws on the sides of the ear and put the screw end in the dimple in the bolt. Being very careful, hold the jaws on the ear and slowly tighten the puller bolt to press the bushing in. Each time you turn the bolt, you should see the bushing slide in a little bit. Mine took some pressure, but this pressed the bushing in just fine.

Good luck!!!

Strohm