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Installing metalistic bushes
JekRankin - 6/8/19 at 12:04 PM

Any tips on fitting of removal/installation of metalistic bushes into wishbones?

I've seen a method suggested using a pair of sockets, on the dia of the wisbone housing and another the dia of the bush outer, with a length of studding through the middle, but it's really akward to perform.

I don’t have access to a hydraulic press. Is a sturdy vice and a suitably sized socket likely to be sufficient?

Jek

rusty nuts - 6/8/19 at 12:49 PM

I have successfully pressed in metallastic bushes using a vice with no problems BUT there again I have broken a vice using it as a press.

theconrodkid - 6/8/19 at 01:31 PM

you can use swarfega or a special lube, i got some with a BMW part number for installing bushes, worked a treat, have a punt round on fleabay

motorcycle_mayhem - 6/8/19 at 02:53 PM

Two sockets and studding is a good way to go. Fiddly, but effective.
It's really not terribly difficult to get them out, or in, given that you're (hopefully) dealing with uncorroded componentry that's fully accessible.
A press makes the thing a doddle, of course, you may well crack a vice though (especially if you use an extension handle). A vice loading with a tap from a metallic hammer on the bush housing will help.

'Not terribly difficult' is a relative term, it's relevance here is utilised as a comparison to leaf sprung Land Rovers where the metalastic bushes of interest are the ones through the chassis. 57 Years of corrosion.... burn out the rubber, remove the centre section, hacksaw down the length of the bush as far as you can, apply sockets, studding and pneumatic hammer....

steve m - 6/8/19 at 05:34 PM

Two sockets and a vice works fine, but I have to ask why fit metalastic bushes ?

Poly bushes are the way to go, simple to work with easy to put in and take out, re grease etc

steve

MikeRJ - 7/8/19 at 07:28 PM

quote:
Originally posted by steve m
Two sockets and a vice works fine, but I have to ask why fit metalastic bushes ?

Poly bushes are the way to go, simple to work with easy to put in and take out, re grease etc

steve


Longer lasting, don't squeak, don't seize up and cause wishbones to snap.

MikeR - 7/8/19 at 09:24 PM

I used some lubricant to help push them in.

Firstly I tried on a Sunday to find some rubber based lube.... Yep I ended up at Sainsbury's buying something that really didn't work. I then went to Halfords and got some rubber and nylon lubricant. Worked a treat.