Not many people can use a hydraulic press to remove control arm bushings. So, what are your options for eliminating suspension bushings? The often-mentioned method is to use fire, but many people do it wrong. This article will detail how to remove the OE suspension bushing without a press properly.
The Wrong Way: Melting the bushing
A warning! Our reader comments once got burned while removing bushings.
So we suggest that it may make sense to use a drill to cut a hole in the control arm bushings before attempting to use the heat of a torch. These instructions apply to solid rubber bushings.
It is messy, dangerous, and inefficient to burn rubber bushings. It's not heating rubber, and you are trying to heat the rubber and consume it with a flame. This is as smart as removing a tire by lighting it on fire. Although it will work, it is not very efficient. Burning rubber can also "pop" and "spill" small pieces of rubber "lava." You may recall the painful sensation if you have ever been hit with it.
The Right Way: Heat up the housing
We will provide a clean and straightforward way to remove control arm bushings.
It would be best to place the lower control arm in the vise when burning the bushing, don't try to hold it in your hand. Metal heats quickly and takes a while to heal. Once the rubber has softened and the fire starts to burn, you can simply hammer out the middle of the bushing.
Remove bushing without press
This works well for rubber suspension bushings. Slowly heating the rubber suspension bushing from the outside is the best way to remove it. The rubber will boil when heated with a torch. This will cause it to separate from the outer metal shell. The rubber's melting point is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the surface and transfer 350degF onto the liner to bring it to boiling. It will take several minutes for this process to be complete. Keep the torch in place on the casing until it boils. Apply a torch to all sides to heat the bushing. You can keep the rubber from catching fire by heating the casing. It doesn't matter if the crust cherry red gets too hot. You can still boil the rubber by heating it. Wear long sleeves, gloves, and goggles when burning rubber.
To heat the bushing casing with the rubber, use a torch. This causes it to boil and breaks its chemical bond with the metal casing.
Use a metal tool to push the bushing out.
You can push the rubber out of the bushing while it is still hot by using a metal tool to press on the bushing. When removing the sleeves, be careful. It was extremely hot (it boiled). It shouldn't fall on your arm, leg, or dog. When pushing the hot rubber bushing out, be sure to take precautions.
You can easily push out most bushings by pressing on the control arm bushings with a metal tool.
Remove excess rubber
You can use a torch to burn any rubber remaining and then remove it with a wire brush.
The above is the correct way to remove control arm bushings without a press. YITAMOTOR is an online supplier focusing on auto parts. Please visit our control arm kit if you have control arm replacement needs.
