|
By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago
|
|
I wanted to replace the Rubber Bushings in the Shackle End of the Leaf Springs. .There's Bushings in the Frame Bracket and Bushings in the Eye of the Spring. According to Parts Catalog these Bushings are (4) 1/2's to be inserted from each Side. I got these same Bushings from Rock Auto. What is actually in Mine is a Bushing similar to the One in the front Eye of the Spring. A Rubber Insert inside a Metal surround with a Metal Tube inside the rubber Bushing for the Bolt to go through. I got One replaced in the Frame Bracket by cutting the Inset apart and removing it in Pieces. The replacement Bushings then fit. Has anyone run into this Different type Spring Bushing and how do I get it apart without cutting it to Pieces? I assume they are pressed into Place in One Piece but they are not the same as shown in the Parts Catalog or the Ones in the last Leaf Springs I replaced..
|
|
By KULTULZ - 5 Years Ago
|
It may be the assembly springs had a one piece bushing while service parts used a split design for easier replacement.
... or ...
The springs are not factory assembly and/or were reworked by a spring shop.
|
|
By miker - 5 Years Ago
|
|
Mark, I’m having a hard time visualizing what you’ve got. Try posting some pictures, maybe someone can help more.
|
|
By KULTULZ - 5 Years Ago
|
|
|
By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago
|
That's what is supposed to be the Bushing arrangement. Last Time I replaced Bushings on my previous Car it was as shown. What is on mine is a Bushing similar to the One in the Front Spring Eye. Metal Shell with Rubber Insert and Metal Tube that the Bolt goes through. Pressed into the Spring Eye and the Frame Bracket. Also Shop Manual shows the Frame Bracket as bolted to Frame. Mine is riveted to Frame. Makes it very difficult to replace Bushings. Obviously the Bushings have to be pressed out and replaced with the Bushings shown in Parts Catalog. Also the Shackle Bolts are separate from the Bracket and are too short to use with replacement Bushings. I had to cut the Heads off the Bushings to use existing Bracket Bolts. I just wondered if mine is an Oddball or were these Springs assembled at the Assembly Plants with two different arrangements?
|
|
By KULTULZ - 5 Years Ago
|
Mark, watch this. It will give you an idea of how to make a cheap press.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZueMg_FpqM
|
|
By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago
|
Looks like something that would work on mine.
|
|
By Andy - 5 Years Ago
|
|
It’s not a bad job, front spring bushings are pressed in . Any shop with a press if you don’t have one can do that pretty easy. The rear is simple just get a bushing kit and a new shackle, no press is needed. I got my parts from MACs seemed to be good quality.
|
|
By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago
|
Andy (9/9/2019)
It’s not a bad job, front spring bushings are pressed in . Any shop with a press if you don’t have one can do that pretty easy. The rear is simple just get a bushing kit and a new shackle, no press is needed. I got my parts from MACs seemed to be good quality.
The Problem I am having is that the rear Bushings Top and Bottom are pressed in like the Front One. I need to get those out of the way so I can use the replacements like the Ones U got. I have those but until I get the Old Ones out I can't install the new Ones. If I took the Springs out it would be easy to get them Pressed out. Problem also is that the Top Frame Brackets are riveted to Frame. Not bolted on as Shop Manual Shows. Cut the Rivets and replace with Bolts. Trying to avoid doing that also,Maybe your's were done previously or are replacement Spring Sets.
|
|
By MoonShadow - 5 Years Ago
|
|
Get your drill out and start boring holes in the rubber eventually they will let go and come out. The threaded rod method will also work for both pressing them out and putting in the new ones.
|
|
By oldcarmark - 5 Years Ago
|
MoonShadow (9/11/2019)
Get your drill out and start boring holes in the rubber eventually they will let go and come out. The threaded rod method will also work for both pressing them out and putting in the new ones.
Its not the Rubber that's the Problem. The Rubber is bonded to an outer Steel Shell that's pressed into the Eye of the Spring as part of the Bushing. I have purchased a Sawsall to cut 2 Grooves in the Shell and take a small Section out. Should allow the rest of outer Shell to be knocked out with a Punch. The replacement Bushings won't fit with the Shell still in Place. Fairly thick.
|
|
By MoonShadow - 5 Years Ago
|
|
Actually the cutting method is about it then. Unless you have an air chisel available. I thought you were still fighting the rubber too.
|
|
By mjs - 5 Years Ago
|
I just did a set of springs like this. They were out of the car so it was simple. I had a socket that was just a tad smaller in diameter than the spring. That along with a good hammer drove them right out. Put a little grease around the new bushings and reverse to process to put the new ones in.
I also have one of these which has come in extremely handy of the years. I've used it for items such as this, u-joints, ball joints, just about anything.
https://www.amazon.com/OTC-7249-U-Joint-Anchor-Service/dp/B0002SRGXY?ref_=ast_sto_dp
|