Clutch release lever bushing

[drooartz]

First off, thanks to y'all for all the helpful answers to my questions over the last little while. I'm in deep right now, and the responses are all very helpful. Okay, on to the next question.

When I was buying the bits I needed for my clutch, I also bought one of the little bushings that go in the clutch release lever (#7 in the photo below). I think that the bushing in the lever I'm using might be a bit worn -- seems like I can wiggle the arm more than with just the new bushing around the new release fork bolt.

So do I drift out the old bushing and drift in the new one? Is this something I can do without a press?

 

[DrEntropy]

Probably do-able with a good bench vise, a socket and some patience. You may find you'll need to ream it to size after fitting, tho.

 

[drooartz]

Good to know, Doc. Hmmmm, maybe I'll have to have that done by someone else then. Don't have the tools to ream out anything if required.

 

[John Moore]

Does the bolt go through the bushing, right now or is it very snug? If it fits you should be able to drift it in like Doc says. Maybe a little clean up with a rat tail file afterwards.

 

[scubabatdan]

I would say, take the new bushing stack it on top of the old bushing and use a hydraulic press to push the old one out while pressing in the new one. One step and you’re done. I have a 12 ton press and have done this technique on other things. Of course it helps to have the press
Just an idea.
Dan

 

[drooartz]

Bolt goes through the new bushing fine right now. Snug but not tight at all.

Do I just drive the old bushing out with a hammer and drift or screwdriver?

 

[John Moore]

Drew,

What I do to get out old bushes is similar to what Doc suggested. Get a socket the same size as the bush. Put it in a vice and let that socket push out the bushing. You'll need a larger size socket on the other end to push the bushing into. Does that make sense!?

 

[drooartz]

It does now -- I was trying to imagine how this would work, since the bushing would have nowhere to go with the vice jaw on the back side. Your mention of the larger socket on the other side answered the question.

I'm a little slow today!

 

[John Moore]

Good! Good luck! Sounds like you're finally making good progress!

 

[drooartz]

I'm motivated now, for the first time in a long time. Hopefully just a few weeks away from getting that engine installed!

 

[John Moore]

Good for you! Keep going! I'm trying to find time for my LBC's too. I bought a Moss Supercharger Kit for my MGB. Once I get that installed, I plan on diving into all the rust repair on my bugeye. I've bought all the panels, I need to find the time and motivation.

 

[DrEntropy]

It does now -- I was trying to imagine how this would work, since the bushing would have nowhere to go with the vice jaw on the back side. Your mention of the larger socket on the other side answered the question.

I'm a little slow today!

I wasn't verbose enuff (rare, ain't it?).
Nothin' to do wif you bein' "slow".

John told th' tale. :thumbsup:

 

[drooartz]

The bushing pressed out just like y'all said it would. New one went in just as easy, and as Doc said it might it needed a bit of reaming out. I wound up just pressing the old bolt through it a couple of times back and forth, and that was enough to open it up that tiny fraction it needed.

All is reinstalled and definitely tighter than it was when I removed it. Thanks again for the advice!