03 XK8, replacing everything on the front suspension. Took my lower Control Arms to a machine shop to have the ball joints removed and pressed in, also wanted to replace the bushings. They got the bushings out on one arm, front and rear, but can't get the new ones back in. I did buy aftermarket parts and the shop claims they are to big.

I ordered new bushings, OEM, today but want to know if there is a trick to installing them before we try again. The shop completely destroyed one of the new ones, cut and extruded the rubber, trying to press it in. Might be because they were to big, I don't know but am looking for segestions before letting them have a go at it again.

Thanks,

 

I don't think there is anything special to the bushing install but I'm not sure. When I took the lower arm out, the bushings looked almost new. I ended up not replacing them and just doing the ball joints.

 

Wish I had done the same. Mine look OK also but as I bought the parts I figured why not use them. JITS says to just put a metal plate on top and press.

 

I pushed in these "Brit Parts" like this, but they were a very tight fit.

 

what do they say...freeze the arm before putting them together? shrinks the metal, gives a bit more 'opening'?

 

I think it's freeze the bushing and heat the arm.

 

Yes its freeze the bushing, heat the arm. Not a bad idea to use some sort of lubricant applied to both areas. Should be pressing on outer shell of bushing also.