How to Replace Suspension Bushings
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By Anna Finger
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This job requires a tube of lube, a vice or clamps, jack stands, a floor jack, a torque wrench, a flat head screwdriver, open end wrenches, something to
catch gas, and a receptacle for brake fluid.
In order to reach the suspension bushings, you must drop the entire suspension assembly. Jack up the vehicle, placing it securely on adequate jack stands.
Place a floor jack in the middle of the beam under the suspension and jack it up to help support the weight. Once the vehicle is suspended, you can safely
disconnect the shock absorbers near the bottom. Then, remove any related bolts so that the suspension can drop. Lower the suspension assembly and the jack slowly.
The suspension bushing assembly will be on each side of the suspension ensemble. Fit an open wrench on the inside and a socket on the outside of the center bolt.
Loosen this bolt completely and pull it out. The suspension assembly will now be free of the total ensemble.
Take the suspension assembly inside the garage or work area. Hold the assembly in a vice, keeping it tightly constrained to your table or workbench. Hold the
assembly in this way while you are pressing the bushing out. The old bushing will be very snug, so you will need to use a clamp to free it. Place the clamp on
the outer edge. Place the clamp at a slight angle so that the clamp's end is just over the bushing. Turn the screw, pressing the worn suspension bushing out.
Coat every part of the new bushing kit with lube. There is no such thing as too much lube in this type of repair job. Place the new bushing where the old bushing
was removed by using the clamps. Reassemble the washers and nuts in the exact order as they were removed. Put the new suspension bushing assembly back into the
ensemble exactly as it was removed. Make sure to follow the correct order when replacing the washers. Make sure that everything is together and prepared for
tightening, then use the torque wrench to tighten the main bolt to the exact specs for your vehicle make or model. Reassemble everything else in the reverse order
as it was removed, and the job is complete.
