mickeyswing52

I did a search and someone else had that question in 2014 and did not get an answer. I have a 2011 LT automatic. I have everything on the front suspension replaced with Moog parts. New shocks. Rear control doughnut bushing, ball joints. I took out the front horizontal bushings the one will the 2 bolts to the frame. I cut the top edge of the rubber off then hit the steel shaft with a hammer and it came out. Now how do you get the new bushing in . If you push on the shaft the rubber swells up and wont go in. if you push on the rubber the same thing happens . Can you cut off the outer lip on one end and then push the bushing in. Once it is bolted in place it really can`t go anywhere. Help with suggestion please. Thanks Lynn

donbrew

Lubricant.

RJ_RS_SS_350

Yep, dish soap might do the trick. Oil may degrade the rubber.

mickeyswing52

I tried soap and grease made for rubber from NAPA. Still can not get it in.

whopper

What are you using to reassemble it other than grease/soap? ie: are you using a press, or a vice?

donbrew

They got it in at the factory. Lube and a press.

mickeyswing52

Thank you LORD. Press and soap or grease did not work.I asked the LORD for some help. Like he has done in the past gave me a thought that worked perfect. I took a threaded eye hook a hook it into the bushing bolt hole and then through the aluminum housing from the back side put a piece of pipe on the front side, put on some washers and tightened the eye bolt. It pulled the bushing right in. By pulling it stretched the bushing rubber smaller and it went through. By trying to press it you make it bigger. Piece of cake. Hope this helps some one in the future.
Make sure before you take the old bushings out that you mark the orientation of the bolt flanges so you can install them the same way because I don`t know if you will be able to turn them when they are installed. Thanks Lynn

donbrew

That is called a homebrew bushing press.