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need help changing bushes

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 2:50 pm
by gumtree
why does everything i try not work?

i tried 2 change my rear bushes in the shackle end only and i couldn't manage to do it. seems simple enough to do.

i jacked the car up to take the weight off the spring but not too high to put presure on the spring. then i undid the not and tried bashing out the bolt with a hammer but it wouldnt move. i tried it and different tensions on the spring adjusting the jack acordinly but still couldnt move the bolt.

am i doing it right or do i just need to hit the bolt harder. this is my 1st time undoing a spring.

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 2:55 pm
by Dee
the shackle bolts are both fixed to one plate of the shackle.

you have to do both upper and lower to get the shackle off. Otherwise, if you unbolt the spring from the diff (u bolts) you can lever the spring off the bolt.. (more work though)

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 4:23 pm
by gumtree
ok tried that still cant get the shackle off. arrrrrgh. if i hit it with a hammer how easily should they come off coz i gave it a few good whacks?

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 4:37 pm
by mrRocky
the shackle flexes as you hit it. clamp it together so it cant wander when you hit it then spay it with crc, and whack away

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 8:12 pm
by 11_evl
big lever or screwdriver is what i use.
either that or an oxy :D

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 8:40 pm
by ScrawnC
If at first it doesn't work then try a bigger hammer!! I hate doing shackle bushes

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 8:57 pm
by foolsp33d
also try adjusting the height you are jacking the veichle up.. to high will be putting the diff weight onto the springs, thus making it a difficult task.. to low.. and the same thing just reversed...obviously...:D

might want to spray the OLD WORN bushings with wd40 or a silicon spray for some lube.


Persistance will pay off ;)

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 10:28 pm
by gumtree
hmmm yes, will wak the fark out of it 2moro :D

so do the new bushes go in easier?

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 10:42 pm
by just cruizin'
once you jack the vehicle up get a bottle jack and slowly jack up the diff untill there is no weight on the shackle at all, then the only prob will be the rubber friction. Should be able to lever it out pretty easy. I've never had too much of an issue mind you plenty practised now.