Help! Coachbuilder poly bushings stuck

I'm installing my CB +1 bushings.

Removing the old bushings was a PITA but I got it done without burning or cutting them off.

Then proceeded to slide in one side of the CB bushings, with grease as instructed. Then put in the other one.... dammit it won't go in! It went in most of the way but now it's stuck with about 1/8" extra sticking out! Just enough that I can't swivel the shackle into place.

The metal pipe on the inside is already in place. I cannot seem to pull the new bushings out either.

Any ideas? I'm going to hit them with a hair dryer next to see if they'll loosen up.

Already tried using a clamp to force it in, no luck. Not moving in or out. There should be no debris in the channel that I know of.

 

Can you use a bolt/nut with a washer stack on each side to pull it together?

 

Got it apart by pounding out the metal pipe in the middle. Today I'll make sure to spray some silicon lube into the 'eye' of the leaf spring, I'll bet there's some residual gumminess left over from the factory bushing. I've installed CB parts before and didn't have any trouble.

That's a good idea, I'll try that if I can't get things moving otherwise. But I'd think a metal clamp would exert the same force.

 

True! I think i used the balljoint press gently on mine

 

Were they that stiff? Will find out shortly

 

Wow - these will NOT go in!! Tried heating them up, tried lube. Tried my biggest C-clamp, these are worse than removing the factory metal bushing.

I watched the coachbuilder video but he only installs the shackle, not the new bushings.

Grrrrr.. Will try putting in the bushings first and then the pipe.

 

Maybe a heat gun to the leaf eye and bushings in the freezer? I like the grease and bolt/washers/nut as a press idea as well.

 

no they were not impossible, but by the time i beat the OE bushings out my hands were pretty sore

 

go to auto parts store and rent ball joint press.

 

Got it done! I was doing it wrong.

Steps:
1. Install the poly bushings
2. THEN push in the pipe

If you do them at the same time, an air bubble forms in the middle that won't pop. The assembly is very snug.

 

I already did, and returned it. I'm not pushing out the OEM bushings at the point, that's done.

 

it can be used to insert the new bushings as well.

sounds like u got it done