Thread: Changing Bushes - D3 tools and tips needed

There’s plenty of videos on YouTube you should check out ranging from front driveway to workshop efforts.

Typically it’s easier to replace the whole arm including bushes and ball joints if things are need a big refresh. To do this you need to undo the driveshaft nut so will need a big socket 32mm???? and breaker bar or rattle gun. That’s your first headache.

All nuts and bolts should be replaced with new. Everything is tight and needs good tools to get the leverage needed.

If you’re planning on pressing the bushes in/ out you can do the lowers without removing the arms but you’re going to need a really good press tool and some skill or luck to move them.

Plenty of tricks and traps including marking the alignment points so you can reassemble it enough for it to drive straight to the wheel alignment shop.

I've recently done them all.

First of, definately do the sway bar rubbers whole you're there.

I have all the tools, plus a press etc.

Front lowers, I made a tutorial on here years ago.. You should be able to find it.
The difference is. Back then I used to burn the bush out. Now I just drill it out.

I heavily recommend a die grinder, the electric ones are cheap and easy I use that to cut the case in the bush. Or if your handy with a recip saw use that, with either tool. Make sure you only cut the bush not the arm. Take your time. Once the cut is in they fall out.

The wheel alignment will be affected. To make it less of a job for your guy. Mark the eccentric bolts before removal, this applies front and rear.

Take photos and measurements of the bush locations. The bushes are longer the bore holes in the arm. They also need to be aligned. Plenty of reference photos and marks on the arms will help get it right.

I coat the bushes and arms in never seize to make the job easier next time. I've never replaced bolts. I have had a couple crack tested at work. They were fine.

One of the rear bushes required me to modify my press bed as the radius was to close to the bush, I just cut the original bed and put it in the Center of the press instead of it over hanging both sides. I can take a picture to clear that up.

You'll need to get press plates made up you don't want to push on the Center of Bush. A peice of plate with a hole in the centre etc works well. I don't use sockets they are thin around the edge and cut into the bush. But they can be used if you want.

Yes it is a big job. I like to do match pairs. Both rear uppers together so I can reference off them. Then both lowers....

Some places you won't get a torque wrench in.. When doing the bolts up. You want the hub at ride height. Then give em all you got.

The top Bush on the rear is eccentric for camber, make sure it's marked. Otherwise the aligner will need to take the wheel off to make the adjustment.

Have fun!

And find an aligner who knows what they are doing. I had a long discussion with one who claimed all would be good and ended up giving up and telling me the Disco was irretrievably broken. Quick trip to an aligner who knew his stuff and who had worked on them before and all was good.

Regards,
Tote

Originally Posted by Tote

And find an aligner who knows what they are doing. I had a long discussion with one who claimed all would be good and ended up giving up and telling me the Disco was irretrievably broken. Quick trip to an aligner who knew his stuff and who had worked on them before and all was good.

Regards,
Tote

For some reason. They always play with the back of mine and then it won't allow to front to ever be right. It's happened 2 times now. I had to do it myself in there shop once.

Originally Posted by josh.huber

I've recently done them all.

First of, definately do the sway bar rubbers whole you're there.

I have all the tools, plus a press etc.

Hey mate would I be able to be a pest and get a list of the tools you use/think are necessary? Appreciate all the information. I've been watching some videos and reading guides but it'll be easier to understand when I have the parts off and in my hand.