I have purchased two new shocks and a bushing kit for my 98. I bought the bushing kit to avoid paying $250 each for the entire shock mount.

The instructions say to use a 12mm bolt inserted into the top side of the bushing to press the old bushings out. I get that. The part I don't get is how or what tools are best used to do the pressing? I have been led to believe that it can be accomplished with regular shop tools.

Before I yank the stuff apart I was wondering if anyone has completed this job and if so, what tools they used to press the old bushings out and then the new back in.

I am not an experienced mechanic but I can do basic work and given some time I can usually figure things out. That being said, pressing out a bushing is new to me and I would rather not tear things apart only to learn I need to buy a fancy piece of equipment that I will probably only use once.

Thanks in advance.

Joe

 

I have not replaced those bushings but Ii have used a vice or a heavy C clamp to push out, and press in, other types of bushings

 

I was thinking the same thing but I have not found any C clamps that are deep enough to get to the busihing collar around the shock mount.

I saw a 6 ton hydraulic press at Harbor Freight that sells for $89. I did not want to buy another piece of equipment for just this job but thinking about it more and reading other posts here about failed bushings.....I may be able to use it again. Even with the added cost of the press, I will still be way ahead when compared to buying two new shock mounts ($250 each at Motorcars).

I will let you know how it works.

 

I went out and bought a hydraulic press from Harbor Freight. Worked great and was not too expensive. Installed new shocks (KYB) and the bushing kit from Motorcarsltd.com. It is like a new car. All is quiet and the car handles great again.

Joe
98 VDP

 

And you are still money ahead and have the tool for other things!

 

Yes! I am sure I will find more things to do with it.

Joe

 

I just did this repair yesterday. Pretty easy if you have or have access to a press. I ended up buying one from Harbor Freight for $130. $75 for the bushings. Still money ahead of the game and I have a new 12 ton shop press in the garage. :-)