Rear suspension bushing question

[ahlem]

I’m refreshing the rear suspension on my 2001 X5. I ordered bushings and related parts. I removed the lower “control arms” and am in the process of changing the two bushings. Some fun getting them out. I used a 12 ton hydraulic puller and was successful. Now I’m pondering the best way to get the new ones back in. There is quite a gap in the steel sleeve that makes the OD just big enough to be an issue. Do I squeeze it with a muffler clamp or two and start pressing it in an take them off when I’m making progress? Do I clean the bores and grease them to facilitate pressing them in?
Any suggestions on the outer bushings held in with the clips? I have a tool to do those.

[80stech]

I think hose clamps should work better than muffler clamps.

[Clavurion]

Two boost hose clamps (T-bolt clamp).

[ahlem]

Good idea. The regular hose clamps don’t like the torque.

[ahlem]

I managed to get the bushings out and new ones pressed in. One required a 1.75" hole saw to cut out the inner rubber parts and then it would press out fairly easily.

Next question... After I re-inflate the rear air springs, can I lower the back end onto ramps to put the vehicle weight back on and then torque the bolts to the final spec?