Lower control arm bushings question

[SD Blue]

I have been trying to get together what tools I will need to replace the lower control arm bushings on a '84 300SD. I have searched numerous times but have not found out what type of tool, if any, was used to remove the old ones.

Most have mentioned "PITA" and some, "just beat them out". Is there a special tool for this? Cost? Time and frustration is also a factor in the cost.

I am looking for "tricks of the trade" wisdom or home-built solutions to make this an easier proposition.

Thanks!

[boneheaddoctor]

I don't know how different the 126 is but on my 116 I knocked them out with a hammer. Real easy. Put the new ones is with the aid of a touch of silicone grease (used on polyuerothane suspension bushings) allthread and a couple big washers. was easy for me. Front subframe however was a different ballgame.

Don't use a cheap spring compressor, those coils are under tremenous pressure and compressed almost 4" with wheels off the ground.

[bodyart27]

Though this is now a subscription based site:

http://www.pindelski.com/

He has an excellent write up with about 80 photos on how to do the front end on a 126....

the site is worth the price

[bodyart27]

I have energy suspension bushings on my nissan and they look like they are going to last forever:

http://www.se-r.net/suspension/energy_susp.html

Looking at energysuspension.com, there is not an application for our cars.... thoughts?

If I do the front end of my 126 - I want something that will last...

[boneheaddoctor]

Originally Posted by bodyart27

I have energy suspension bushings on my nissan and they look like they are going to last forever:

http://www.se-r.net/suspension/energy_susp.html

Looking at energysuspension.com, there is not an application for our cars.... thoughts?

If I do the front end of my 126 - I want something that will last...

They don't last forever....they do wonderfull while they do last. Common knowledge amoung the honda tuner community they start wearing out at about 2-3 years, They are not as long lived as stock rubber.

[SD Blue]

Doctor,

That was the reason I asked. I recently changed the front subframe bearing mount bushings and believe me they can be a bear.

I tried all kinds of lever and hydraulic maneuvering and here I was thinking I should clean up my language. Of course, I managed two in one hour and took about 3+ on the others.

I had planned on renting the proper spring compressor but did not want to go through another bushing ordeal.

Thanks

[psfred]

That allthread rod and a piece of pipe will also work as a puller if you use a washer smaller than the hole!

You can also do what we did -- heat the control arm gently with a torch to soften up the bushing. They DO stick something horrible with age! No not heat beyond the temp the rubber starts to melt!

Worst case use an air chisel to cut them out, or some piano wire.

Peter

[boneheaddoctor]

my 1979 control arm bushings popped right out in less than 30 seconds per bushing.

The front subfram bushings were the bear. I heated the center sleave with a propane torch with Mapp gas until the rubber caught fire and let it burn itself out.just as it stopped I pushed the metal sleaves out and cleaned it up.