Brake bleeding/control arm bushings

[MRUKIR <MRUKIR@aol.com>]

Hello:
  I'm new to the list and have been browsing it for a few weeks.  I've seen a
couple of topics I think I can contribute to.
  1) Successful use of mightyvac pump to bleed brakes.- If bleeder valves are
removed entirely at start and the threads coated with antiseize compound, this
will stop air from leaking into the hose when you are drawing a vacuum.  When
the air leakage is stopped you can pump 10 or 20 times to draw a vacuum, and
while the fluid is slowly being drawn out(a minute or two to fill the
collection bottle),  observe and refill the reservoir while the bleeding is
taking place.  Its the same action as a pressure bleeder except you have
gotten your pressure differential by lowering the pressure at the back of the
system instead of increasing it at the front.
   2) I saw some very heavy handed techniques mentioned for removing and
installing control arm bushings.  About $10 spent at home depot will get you
the hardware necessary to make a puller and do the job with a lot less risk to
your body and your precious car.  Bring your replacement bushing with you when
you go shopping.  Get a 3 foot piece of threaded rod (max size that will fit
thru centre hole in bushing); Half a dozen flat washers and nuts to fit on
rod; a few pipe nipples to act as cups to fit over bushing and allow bushing
to be pulled out; 20 or so large flat washers that will allow you to select
and get a good fit with metal OD of bushing and not interfere with control arm
when pulling bushing out.
      Putting new bushings in with this hardware is very easy. Coat OD of
busings with antiseize compound, use flat washers to protect the bushing
surface you are pulling against, and a pipe nipple and flat washers on the
inside side surface of the control arm.  Insert threaded rod thru center of
your hardware and tighten down on nuts on each side to pull bushing into
position.  Use anti seize on the threaded rod since it isn't really made for
this kind of use.  Removing bushings the same way requires a little more brute
force and a very select fit at OD of bushing with flat washers, but I've
replaced 8 of them this way and its economical and effective.  NO cutting,
pounding, torches or freezing of hardware is required.
        I have also scaled up the size of this puller and removed wheel
bearings on a 4000 quattro with it.
                                              Regards
                                               Paul Balko