Shackle Bush Removal Help

[Range Blitzer]

I have started replacing the shackle bushes in my 2a and am stumped on the second one I have tried. I have managed to get the front chassis ones out but now can't easily remove the spring eye ones. What methods does anyone suggest? I have a press but don't want to go to the trouble of removing the whole spring from the vehicle just to push out a couple of bushes. Must be a simple method out there I'm sure.

Robert....

[JDNSW]

I did several of mine last week. I have a puller that I made to do it, you are likely to be able to make up one with a few suitable diameter sockets, heavy washers and a HT 1/2" bolt (I used a length of threaded rod and was able to use 9/16 because I was not using sockets, but turned bits of steel) and a bit of pipe the bush will fit freely into.

If it will not move with this a good soak in penetrating oil helps, as does a good solid belt with a hammer on the appropriate end of the setup. It also helps if you assembled it with antiseize last time! My experience is that the spring eye ones are fairly easy, since the spring eye will actually expand - it is not a rigid loop.

John

[Blknight.aus]

I drill out the guts of the rubber and then use an air chisel on the remnants of the metal bush.

if you place it just right at the joint of the spring eye it gets it every time,

[Psimpson7]

I did sort of what John said and got a bit of threaded rod, some nuts and 2 sockets. One fractionally under the O/D of the bush and one larger and use the threaded rod to pull the bush into the larger socket.

[foz.in.oz]

Another method that works sometimes is to use an air chisel and a socket. Get a point chisel that the socket will slide onto upto the flange of the chisel. The socket needs to be just smaller than the outside diameter of the bush. Place the socket against the bush with the chisel point acting as a guide in the bush centre and pull the trigger.

If you are lucky the bush will be driven out. If not then I follow Daves route.

[Range Blitzer]

Thanks guys, I have a home made puller as is described above, but I just keep stripping the thread. I think its only mild steel threaded rod though.
Robert.

[JDNSW]

Thanks guys, I have a home made puller as is described above, but I just keep stripping the thread. I think its only mild steel threaded rod though.
Robert.

Yes, it will do that - advantage of being able to use something with a hole bigger than 1/2"! Get hold of a suitable 1/2"HT bolt, or make a thick washer that is just smaller than the bush, filing it to size if necessary, and with a hole that will take a 9/16 bolt.

John

[numpty]

Have had stuck bushes and even siezed bolts in the past which require cutting with hacksaw.

Your problem I usually solve by burning out the rubber which allows the centre bush to slip out. Then either cut through the outer bush or as suggested, use an air chisel to remove it. Reassemble all with anti sieze.

[JDNSW]

Have had stuck bushes and even seized bolts in the past which require cutting with hacksaw.

Your problem I usually solve by burning out the rubber which allows the centre bush to slip out. Then either cut through the outer bush or as suggested, use an air chisel to remove it. Reassemble all with anti seize.

This is the secret to avoiding the problem next time - I have the advantage that I have had my 2a for seventeen years!

John

[Range Blitzer]

Yes I agree with the anti sieze, but unfortunatly the vehicle is new to me and from the look of the bushes I reckon they are the originals. I am replacing with poly type so should be easy next time.
Robert.

[numpty]

Yes I agree with the anti sieze, but unfortunatly the vehicle is new to me and from the look of the bushes I reckon they are the originals. I am replacing with poly type so should be easy next time.
Robert.

I've used poly bushes before, but went back to originals as I think the ride is better. And contrary to varied opinions, I've found the rubber ones last longer.

[JDNSW]

I am trying polybushes in the rear eye of the front springs at the moment, have not really had them long enough to comment on them, - no noticeable difference, but we will see how they go long term.

John

[AKW]

I have just replaced the rear bushes frounts to go.
I used a 10t hyd puller to push the inner steel & rubber out then cut the outter one.
Not sure how i'm going to do the frount one through the chassis
yet.

Andrew

'93 tdi200 disco
'65 88" s2a

[isuzurover]

I switched to poly bushes over 10 years ago on the IIA. No difference in ride/flex that I could notice. The bushes I got were reasonably soft. Only reason I switched was ease of removal/refit.

I think I have replaced 2 poly bushes in that time.

[wozapinin]

If you've got a mig and all you have left of the bush is the outer metal piece. Run a weld (or three) on the remaining metal piece and it will loosen it. Your old fashioned suspension spring compresors make a good puller.:D

[lewy]

cut a groove in the outer with a hacksaw with the blade upside down this will loosen enougt to belt it with a hammer and suitable size punch.i used and old socket