Strut Rod Bushings - Again
Hey Folks - I've read several of the many previous posts regarding replacement bushings for the rear strut rods, but I still have questions. I have a 69 with original strut rods (<61K miles). I've removed all of original rubber from the "bore" of the rods and I've received what is apparently the common replacement bushing - metal outer shell, rubber and metal sleeve. My problem is trying to find a satisfactory "tool" to place against the bushing shell to press it into the bore of the rod.
I've tried using a socket of approximately the same diameter as the outer shell, but this slips off the shell causing it to distort as pressure is applied. Similar result when trying to use a piece of 1" thin-wall emt conduit. Using a 20 ton floor press.
The new bushings are approximately 1.203" in outside diameter. The best I can measure the inside bore of the strut rod yields from 1.180 to 1.171". Would anyone speculate that bushings from all vendors will be about the same outside diameter? Vendor descriptions I've seen don't provide actual dimensions of their offerings.
Other than the larger diameter of the bushings, my problem might be the scores inside the bores. Although the original rubber bushing were extremely deteriorated, there wasn't any metal on metal. Why are there so many scores around the circumference of the bore? Nothing is turning around in the bore.
The included photo shows the worst of what I have, but all bores have some degree of scoring. While there are obvious grooves, there doesn't appear to be ridges that might cause the shell to jam (because it's already over-sized). Can I use a brake/cylinder hone to slightly smooth out and enlarge the bore?
I've seen the thread to which Richard Geier posted some photos of his bushing experiences. A couple of the photos appear to show some sort of tool he used to press the bushings. I haven't sent a pm to Richard, thinking that other readers might have suggestions for a low cost or fabricated tool.
Suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks, Mike
I've tried using a socket of approximately the same diameter as the outer shell, but this slips off the shell causing it to distort as pressure is applied. Similar result when trying to use a piece of 1" thin-wall emt conduit. Using a 20 ton floor press.
The new bushings are approximately 1.203" in outside diameter. The best I can measure the inside bore of the strut rod yields from 1.180 to 1.171". Would anyone speculate that bushings from all vendors will be about the same outside diameter? Vendor descriptions I've seen don't provide actual dimensions of their offerings.
Other than the larger diameter of the bushings, my problem might be the scores inside the bores. Although the original rubber bushing were extremely deteriorated, there wasn't any metal on metal. Why are there so many scores around the circumference of the bore? Nothing is turning around in the bore.
The included photo shows the worst of what I have, but all bores have some degree of scoring. While there are obvious grooves, there doesn't appear to be ridges that might cause the shell to jam (because it's already over-sized). Can I use a brake/cylinder hone to slightly smooth out and enlarge the bore?
I've seen the thread to which Richard Geier posted some photos of his bushing experiences. A couple of the photos appear to show some sort of tool he used to press the bushings. I haven't sent a pm to Richard, thinking that other readers might have suggestions for a low cost or fabricated tool.
Suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks, Mike
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