Places to get bushings pressed in

I have the Group N control arm bushings for the front control arms and a spare set of control arms. The rear bushings are just a bolt on affair but the fronts are... a bitch, to put it politely.

The stock bushings have a nice steel case around them. I got the core out of one with my cruddy bushing press but the sleeve isn't coming. Putting in the new bushings doesn't look to be any easier since the Group N bushings have a thicker steel sleeve and harder rubber. I'm pretty sure I can get the rest of my set in with my tools but these two bushings are not going to go in at my house.

I've already got a recommendation for Courtney Truck Service but I'm wondering if anyone on here has some recommendations. The bushings are about 25mm in diameter with 1/16" thick steel sleeves. They are about 1 1/2" inches long and have a steel core.

Thanks,
-Greg

 

I used a 10 ton press at my work to do my rear lat link bushings with a proper sized socket. If you cant find a press to use i would try a bench vice and socket. Lubing them up good with some poly-grease will also help. Good Luck!

 

^ I tried the socket and vise on my control arm bushings... i broke the vise.

I am not sure if its still there but there used to be a machine shop attached to the NAPA in St. Louis Park. they charged like $10 to push the bushing on their press, it took them like 5 minutes. (way cheaper than replacing a vise)

 

Jeff the Alignment Guy will be doing mine in a couple of weeks. Take them to him so he can get some practice Yes, he has a press.

Stuart.

 

hell, i think most of the Napas actually have presses in the back for hosing.

 

Haha yeah... i broke mine trying to use it as a press to remove the rear lat-link bolts in my knuckles. Something about using a hammer to turn it 3 turns past hand tight it didnt like... :ugh: http://oksubaru.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=205
It dominated the old bushings though. New ones were poly and installed by hand.

When i was searching for a place to press my rear bearings (about a year ago) both EP and SLP(warehouse) NAPAs said they no longer had presses. I ended up taking mine to D&G motors.

 

The rear ones don't have the metal sleeve, do they? I should go grab them and check.

If they're all sleeved I'm going to spend one entire weekend taking every suspension piece of my car and bring them in to Napa on a Monday.

I'll head on over to SLP tomorrow with my parts and see what they say. edit: or not. Perhaps I'll give JTAG a call.

Thanks.

 

Uh the inside of the bushings all had metal sleeves. You can reference my rear bearing/rear bushing pics here:

http://oksubaru.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=203&g2_page=1

FYI: If your doing rear lat links you will need new bolts, nuts, and washers for the knuckle sides. And be ready to swear a lot.

 

Thanks. I know that the interiors all have sleeves. Only a couple of the bushings that I took a good look at had EXTERIOR sleeves like the FCA bushings.

I should take some pics. These things are BEEFY.

 

This is what I'm up to.

Threshld1, since you have experience in doing this I'm going to cordially invite you to help me. I will offer an exterior detailing of your car and beer for your help.

 

I would call napa before you head over there. I heard a rumor that they shut down the machine shop.

 

I didnt know it was possible to detail rust You have PM

 

Been there....done that. Enjoy! AAARRRGGGGHHH

(I hope you have a 'fund' set aside for the replacement bolts you are about to buy)

 

Proven Force will do **** that others refuse.

 

Bolts on order. You weren't kidding about the 'fund'.

Proven Force? Link, phone number, address?