Radius arms and bushes

[masterb]

Whilst doing some work on the car, cutting out radius arm mounting points, jacking points etc. quite worryingly i managed to make some very large holes, on what on first inspection is a very solid clean car.
Be warned! dont root just leave well alone.
Any way i've done the main cutting and welding, but whilst i have been doing this i have had the radius arms off (whose idea at jag was it to have that bolt holding them in place with the stupidly shaped head )

What I want to know is how exactly does a home mechanic/bodger like me get the old bushes(rusted in nicely) out? and then how do i get the new ones back in?

Or do i just cheat and buy new arms with the bushes already fitted.

Anyone done/dealt with this prob already?

[Telsmoneypit]

Are the radius arms still serviceable? They tend to rust from inside out so a few clouts from a small hammer may produce tell tale flakes of rust and/or holes.
If they pass this test and you consider they are worth re-bushing, removal of the old bushes is relatively easy.....

Chain drill the rubber as close to the outer edge as you dare and remove rubber core. Pick up 'Johnny Hacksaw' and cut through the remaining ring of metal. One cut should do enough to release the remnants of the bush.

Replacement is definitely NOT reverse of removal in this case. If you have a big enough vice you MAY be able to press the new bushes in using that method but tbh you're better off finding someone with a big press who'll fit them for you.
They have to go in dead square, so the usual method of refitting: alternate clouts from a big hammer will result in frustration and tears....

Tel

[ptjs1]

mrb39,

As Tel says, I would very carefully check the arms themselves. If you don't think that you'll get a good few years left out of them, then I would suggest that it's much more cost-effective to buy new bushed arms. You can get them for about £80, so with all the hassle of removing and getting new bushes pressed in, it's probably false economy to refit an old arm.

Good luck

Paul

[masterb]

Thanks for the posts guys.
I was thinking about what you suggested Tel, i was hoping there may have been an easier solution.
Rubber is out on one of the large bushes, its a shame i cant get my angle grinder in there.

I am wondering if when i refit the bushes if i heat the arms up to a nice glow with my blow torch then they will expand.
Then drop in new bushes and cool to a nice tight shrunken fit?

Fortunately the arms are in good nick and not like a swiss cheese, so they will be being recycled.
In one respect thats unfortunate as it meens more hard work, cuts bruises and blue air to come.
I wish i was rich and could have a mechanic do these things

[Mr.Ian]

I wish i was rich and could have a mechanic do these things



Ah yes but just imagine how much fun you'd miss out on eh???? ha ha

I just cut the outer rim of the bush as mentioned above and they came out easy, pressed the new ones in with a vice at work.
Oh and which way will you put the new bushes in eh? Jaguar recomended way or 90deg out to stiffen 'em up?