5 replies to this topic

[Guess-Works.com]

When changing the bottom arm bushes, be aware that the sleeves which are part of the original production items have a tendancy to rust themselves to the pin. The symptom is that the new bush's internal diameter seems too small to fit onto the pin..

Std bushes with metal sleeve



What to do...

If you have a vice, workmate or such like then grip the end of the pin ( the round bit with the flat that sits in the subframe ) in that with the end of the pin acessable. Using a blow torch or other heating device ( oxy :cheese: ) heat the area where the bushes rest. The sleeves will heat first and show red first. Once red, grasp the sleeve with a pair of mole grips ( not too tight ) and begin to wobble left and right, it will slowly free as it cools. A quick application of 3in1 also helps but creates a lot of smoke on hot iron !. if it does not free, repeat the procedure. It'll come off eventually. do same for second sleeve...

Here's a picture of one such pin, with the sleeves attached, and also you can see by the arrows, the line between the two sleeves ( Thanks to Flappy' for the photo )

Edited by GuessWorks, 09 June 2005 - 09:42 AM.

[Jackman]

Another great FAQ by Guessworks. Thats really helpfull.

[miniman5]

i did mine about 3 minets ago
! after nakering 2 polly bushes

[wolfie]

an easier way for the home user without oxy is to fit a flapwheel type grinding disk to a angle grinder and CAREFULLY grind away a flat in the sleeve not quite going though to the pin, while its red hot give it a couple of taps with a hammer and cold chisel and it will pop off clean up the rust pin with emery cloth and very lightly copperslip the pin

i did MiniMadJonesys like this and it works a treat with no damage to the pin

NOTE
Its always best to tighten the bottom pin up while the car is down on its wheels using ramps or suchlike as tightening while jacked up can damage rubbers when the cars dropped to the ground and then normal travel over bumps is experienced

[rob mini]

mine came off no hassle

[Madmax]

grinding 2 flats one on each side and then applying heat works, didnt need much more than a camping stove to heat it up last time