Quote:
Originally Posted by theblue
good stuff, I do a lot of my own work also, but my rule is that if it costs more for me to buy the tools I'll probably never use again then I'm just going to pay. Especially if it's over something like $20.
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Well from what I read here, these thrust arm bushings don't last all that long.
But that's why I posted here. The Baum tool is $500+ and also requires a hydraulic pump (like a Porta-power). Too much for me. There were loads of not-too-expensive bushing tool options that I saw on eBay...I just have no idea which if any are good, and which will even do the job. And I'm sure there are a number of options that are not on eBay either. But I am talking about saving several hundred dollars on shop labor to change a number of front suspension components all at once. So I'd rather spend that same money on tools, since my labor is "free", and then I will have the tools for future jobs.
I guarantee I could do this without any special tools; I do have some big sockets, and I've got a large Snap-on bushing driver set. But it would be better to have the exact driver and "receiver" support (for the other side as you press), as that is always better and safer. A hydraulic press can be dangerous, and especially if you try to press something that's not 100% square, it can be a problem. Also, in the case of these bushings, you definately need something on the backside as you press, as they protrude from both sides of the arm. Even better would be if the tool has a threaded rod of some sort so you could change them on the car.