I am trying to remove the rear a frame to change the bushes.

I have removed all the bolts holding the rear a frame in place, but it will not budge.

It seems that the inner core of the bush has "welded" itself to the main body, and will not break free.

Anybody come across this before, or have any ideas on how to separate the two without causing major damage ?

 

Hi puddled,

Is only one bush stuck to the body or both of them? If your X308 is similar to our XJ40, there is a tapered alignment "cone" on the body that fits into the bushing. Water collects and corrodes the cone to the center of the bush. You might try squirting some penetrating oil around the tops of the bushes and letting it sit for a while, then trying a combination of rapping with a hammer and prying with a lever to get them to separate. Worst case, you might need to carefully apply a little heat to the metal core of the bushing to increase its diameter.

The second photo in the album below shows the tapered cone and how I applied copper grease on reassembly to prevent corrosion:

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Cheers,

Don

 

Thanks Don,

Unfortunately it is both sides, and there does not appear to be much rubber left holding the inner to the outer.

Was a little worried about applying heat as there brake and fuel lines run a bit close for my liking.

Will give the penetrating fluid a try, and see how it goes.

 

some thoughts:

a) seal bottom of bush and flood bush interior with penetrating fluid

b) a plate type bearing separator installed at the bush to body interface might work

c) hacksaw blades jam less in rubber when kept lubricated