Remove and Replace Rear A Arm Bushes

Without the proper tools, the job of removing the inner and outer A arm bushes can be a challenge.

Because the original metalastic bushes are pressed into the wishbone eyes or ferules, they will eventually become rusted in.

Yes, the bush housing could be heated and quenched to break the rust bond.

The old rubber could also be burnt out with an Oxy Acet torch, but I wouldn’t recommend burning them out because of the very offensive toxic fumes and smoke that will result, and even if you do that, the outer metalstic metal tube will still be firmly lodged within the A arm bush housing.

The simplest and easiest method to carry out this job, is with a garage press, (Ten or twelve tonne is all that is required) and some simple press tools and mandrels, with these tools at your disposal the bushes can be easily pressed out with a just a few minutes work.

To help you to understand the press procedure, we made a video during the job so that you will be able to do something similar, a garage press really takes the hard work out of this job.

Watch the video below to better understand how to remove the old suspension bushes without damaging the A arms or the housings. The replacement of new bushes (If you want to replace with metalstic) is just as easy as the removal of the old.

But the best modern day suspension bush material by far is Poly Urethane, which does not require a garage press for installation.

The press mandrels used in the video were machined from scrap bits of metal found around the workshop. Yes, a lathe is required to machine the parts, and you may not own a lathe, but I bet that you know someone who has, don’t be afraid ask them for help to make the parts required.

There are so many DIY jobs that can be done for very little cost if you are prepared to learn the “How To” and apply it to the particular job that you are working on. Become more involved in your car, and save a lot of money in the process.