how to remove front suspension inner bushings?

[ahealey1004]

hi- I enjoy reading this forum but haven't posted much. I'm rebuilding the front suspension on my bn6 and can't figure out how to remove the lower link inner bushings. They are held in by a bolt which has a slotted head on one side and a nut/ cotter pin on the other. I've undone the nut, tried the usual beating on it and attempting to pry the slotted head washer. Is there a trick to getting these out? There are 4 total (2 on each side). If they weren't so close to the frame i might be able to press them out, but as is don't think a tool will fit in there. I tried the search function but couldn't find anything.
Thanks for your help in advance!
Austin
Mesa, AZ

 

[GregW]

Hi Austin,
Man, it has been like 83 years since I did that last on my Healey. I'm assuming you've used a fair amount of penetrating oil. For the first one on each side, I may have resorted to a claw hammer, keeping the nut on the bolt. But I honestly don't remember that part. The second bolts, I used the holes in the shock tower. You can put a long rod through the first A arm bush hole all the way to the other bolt. That gives you more room to use a hammer in a productive direction.

 

[BUNDYRUM]

Hello ahealey1004,

Much the same as what GregW says without the 83 years (GregW are you really sure it is that long ago).

Lots of penetrating oil as this area is not serviced with engine oil on a more regular basis.

With the spring removed I have been able to jack up the front suspension and get a steel bar 1" X 1/2" between the end of the bolt and the shock tower. Yes you need a big hammer at this point.

If you are installing new bolts then it's alright to hit on the end of the old bolt. Otherwise back the nut off (which is about a couple of turns) till it is flush with the thread of the bolt so you hit the bolt and nut at the same time.

The washer under the bolt head is welded to the bolt if you didn't know.

There are other ways to do this of course as everyone has their favorite.

Best regards to all,

bundyrum.

 

[andybj8]

Hi Austin

As Greg says it easy to remove the rear one, thru the holes left by removing the front one, unfortunately the front one can be the problem. If the usual penetrating fluid and pry bar dont work, there are 2 other tricks.

First being to burn the rubber out, second being to find a short bolt and nut, then with a piece of metal plate fit the bolt end to end with the front bolt and sandwich the plate against the chassis upright (the plate over the hole that Greg shows in his pic) what you are trying to do is use the short bolt to expand between the upright/plate and the suspension bolt so that as you undo the nut on the short bolt it pushes the suspension bolt out. You may find that if you put as much pressure on it by undoing it as much as you can, you will find the next morning it has popped out on its own.

One of mine came out using this method, but to be honest the easiest, quickest and cheapest method is to get a reciprocating saw in and cut the bolt.

cheers Andy

 

[Johnny]

Yes Andy, I can remember burning them out too. With just a bare chassis and lots of penetrating oil I just used a propane torch and set them on fire. My wife came into the garage thinking I set it on fire, (I couldn't decide if she was angry or happy I did it). Anyway, it stunk to high heaven, but afterwards the bolts just kind of fell out. BTW, took two days to get the smell out of the garage.

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

hi- I enjoy reading this forum but haven't posted much. I'm rebuilding the front suspension on my bn6 and can't figure out how to remove the lower link inner bushings. They are held in by a bolt which has a slotted head on one side and a nut/ cotter pin on the other. I've undone the nut, tried the usual beating on it and attempting to pry the slotted head washer. Is there a trick to getting these out? There are 4 total (2 on each side). If they weren't so close to the frame i might be able to press them out, but as is don't think a tool will fit in there. I tried the search function but couldn't find anything.
Thanks for your help in advance!
Austin
Mesa, AZ

A lot of people use penetrating fluid and heat. I use the penetrating fluid, PB Blaster, and dry ice. I like the ice because it's less messy, no "tire burning smell" and I don't have a torch. I tried a propane back in the mid seventies and didn't work very well. Dry Ice is still nothing to play around with and use gloves for it. Place it on the bolts and then squirt some penetrating oil in the area after the bolts have shrunk. They shrink with ice and not expand like they do with heat.

When reinstalling the bushings it's a good idea to coat the bolt shafts with wheel bearing grease. I just removed them again and this time they "slid right out".
Patrick

 

[ahealey1004]

Thanks everyone for all the advice. Andy- I like the short bolt idea working as a press. I may also resort to the dry ice idea. I'm going to try a combination of things. The car itself doesn't look like it's ever had them out since the rubber bushings are just about non-existent.
GregW- your memory is better than mine if it's been 83 years- I last removed these bushings on my bn4 18 years ago when I was 20, and at 38 I can't remember how I did it. I guess you're living proof tinkering with Healeys is good for your health!
Okay- off to the Healey in the back-yard to try out everyone's advice.
thanks again!
Austin