Axle Pivot Bushings

[FMExplorer]

Hey guys,
I am in the middle of replacing the axle-pivot bushings. Got all the rubber out, but the sleeve is in there pretty tight - any thoughts on getting it out?

J

 

[SteveVB]

I removed the sleeves using the slice and pound method- slice the sleeve along its length with a cut off wheel, hack saw, sawsall etc. Cutting just through the sleeve. Then using a chisel pound the sleeve in to reduce its diameter , while you pound it out. A spray with some PB blaster as you go will help it along.

Have fun

 

[FMExplorer]

Thanks Steve!

I'll finish it up in the morning. Hacksaw blade is a great idea - then whack it with a BFH....

J

 

[Rod Bivens]

I can't seem to get my flange out either. I will try those tactics tomorrow morning.

One question: When you look at the back side of the flange, is there a lip that you could pound on? Mine doesn't have any kind of lip as I was expecting.

You do have to pound it out from the back side, don't you?

Rodney

 

[FMExplorer]

Rod,
My plans are to collapse the front of the bushing then push out from the front. There is much more roon that way (at least for me)

Jon

 

[Rod Bivens]

Finally Done

Thanks for the help. It's all done, but what a pain in the butt. It's a simple fix if you are not replacing the metal sleeve, but that sleeve is the worst. It took me about 1.5 hours to get one sleeve out and press the new bushing and sleeve in. I used an air hammer and hack saw to get it out, then a three prong puller with a 1/4 inch steel plate over the bushing to press it back in.

I'm not trying to discourage others from performing this fix, but I would recommend just replacing the bushing and not the metal sleeve.