re: Audi tools for the poor...

[Scott=John=Mockry%Mktg%TM@banyan.bv.tek.com]

Steve,

If you don't have access to a hydraulic press, assuming you can get an 
air compressor, you can use an air chisel to drive the bushings out. An 
air chisel with a socket driver attachment can be used to drive the new 
bushings in. You can also use a "LARGE" hammer and socket to drive the 
new bushing in with the control arm mounted in a vice.  

CAUTION:!!!!

You need to be very "CAREFUL" when you use this brute force method so 
you don't impale parts of your body. Protective eye wear, face 
shield, gloves,  flack jacket etc (just kidding on the flack jacket) 
should be used. 
Scott 

"steve powers" <spowers@spdg.COM> Wrote:
| 
| 
| I'm now well into the suspension upgrade process. I have 
| removed
| all of the struts, control arms and tie rod ends. I will be
| replacing not only all of the above, but the ball joints 
| and
| wheel bearings as well.
| 
| I am looking for suggestions to a visit to the auto 
| machine shop.
| The one I've used in the past has quoted:
| 
|     control arm bushing R&R - hourly rate (8 bushings)
|     wheel bearing R&R - $36 per wheel
|     strut R&R - $28 per strut
| 
| I'm going to rent a spring compressor (~$10 per day), but 
| I'm
| somewhat reluctant to munge a control arm trying to get a 
| rusted
| in bushing removed. Likewise with the wheel bearings.
| 
| Any tried and _proven_ suggestions? I thought a piece of 
| pipe
| with a grade 8 bolt and assorted flat washers might pull 
| the
| control arm bushings. I tried a _lower_ control arm 
| bushing tool,
| but it was going to destroy the arm before the bushing 
| gave up -
| and that's after soaking overnite with penetrating oil!!!
| 
| thanks for any suggestions... :)
| 
| - steve
|