I'm having the front control-arm bushings replaced with Energy Suspension urethane ones because the OEM rubber has begun to shred. I've taken it to my favorite mechanic because I don't have the tools necessary to press bushings and such.
However, he cannot get the second bushing into the top control arm. There's a long threaded rod that passes through both sides of the arm and through the bushings at those ends. The way the rod is designed, you can put one bushing in without the rod in place, but the second has to be slipped over the rod and then into the arm end.
The problem is that he cannot seem to compress the bushing far enough to slip into the arm end while that bolt is going through it. Does anyone have *any* suggestions for things we might try? He's heated the arm end, he's lubricated the bushing, and he's tried a press - but doesn't know how hard he can push on the bushing before it tears.
I've contacted Energy Suspension's tech support but haven't heard from them. Someone here has to have done this task before...
TIA.
[RICHR]
However, he cannot get the second bushing into the top control arm. There's a long threaded rod that passes through both sides of the arm and through the bushings at those ends. The way the rod is designed, you can put one bushing in without the rod in place, but the second has to be slipped over the rod and then into the arm end.
The problem is that he cannot seem to compress the bushing far enough to slip into the arm end while that bolt is going through it. Does anyone have *any* suggestions for things we might try? He's heated the arm end, he's lubricated the bushing, and he's tried a press - but doesn't know how hard he can push on the bushing before it tears.
I've contacted Energy Suspension's tech support but haven't heard from them. Someone here has to have done this task before...
TIA.
[RICHR]