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General TR Pressing in the lower/inner control arm bushings

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KVH

KVH

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I'm ready to squeeze in the new lower/inner control arm bushings. I recall actually sanding off some of the rubber, then greasing them up before I was able to press them in last time I did this using a hand held screw press. Any advice? I now have a Harbor Freight press so maybe there's a better way?
 
I have to start by saying that I've never done this on a TR, but I have on many other kinds of cars and so far it's largely been variations on a common theme.

First, you really shouldn't use grease. Soapy water is much better--lots of soap in a little water. Liquid hand soap is good. You can also use glycerine if you have it.

Second, I wouldn't sand the bushing, unless it's absolutely clear that there is no other way. If the bushing is hard to insert, you usually can improvise something. A piece of tubing, for example--split it lengthwise, slide in the bushing, and use some kind of clamp, maybe even a couple hose clamps, to close the gap and compress the bushing. Then press it out of the tube and into the arm. Use lots of soap, of course.

Suspension bushings inevitably are hard to insert, because they have to be held firmly in position. They work by flexing as the arm moves, not sliding. In some cars (like my TD; maybe the TR too) they are not too hard to install and are compressed and tightened when you tighten the bolt that holds them all together. In others (like some in my Porsche) they are simply a really tight fit.
 
As an alternative to dish soap, you can look for a Wurth product called Rubber Care. Spray liberally on the bushing and the control arm. I use this stuff at work any time a piece of rubber needs to go into a tight spot. With enough rubber care, you can get a basketball through a piece of 1/4" vacuum hose.:cool:
 
What type of bushing are you using?

On my TR4A I recently replaced all the front suspension bushings with polyurethane (using the TRF magic kit). I was able to assembly everything either by hand, or with a vice and appropriate sockets. No trimming was necessary. The area where I had a bit of trouble was putting the bolt through the bushings on the lower outer link, where the trunnion attaches. The bolt would not easily go into the bushing. A wee bit of force resolved the matter.

I lubricated everything with waterproof green grease prior to assembly.
 
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