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Cool Tool for Bushings Removal

Time-saver for removing tough-to-budge bushings

Every floating rear end is attached to an automotive chassis by upper and lower control arms. On the venerable GM 10-bolt rear end, two ears have been cast into the top of the center housing, into which bushings are pressed for the upper control arms. Trying to remove these bushings with the rear end in the vehicle is the job for a very patient contortionist. This tool has been specifically designed for use with the rear end installed in the vehicle and requires only normal ratchet tools to operate. Though we purchased it at a car show, the tool can be duplicated by a clever do-it-yourselfer to make the bushing-removal chore a lot easier.

Since this rear end has been removed for restoration and repainting, it is the perfect time to demonstrate how this tool works in an easy-to-photograph environment. The illustration above shows the tool configured to install a new bushing by pulling it through the ear mounting.

Application

The U-section of the tool is installed over the top of the bushing and the course threaded 3/8 x 9-inch long rod inserted through the bolthole in the bushing. At the top of this bushing puller is a 7/8-inch nut, 1/8-inch washer, a flat Torrington bearing and another 1/8-inch flat washer. At the bottom is a 5/8-inch machined washer that is the same diameter as the bushing and the hole in the mounting ear, and another 7/8-inch nut at the very end of the assembly. The large 1/8-inch washer at the bottom is for installing new bushings. The tool is simplicity itself and easily performs the task it has been designed for.

Removal

As the 7/8-inch nut on the top is turned, the threaded bar starts pulling the 1/2-inch thick washer and bushing toward it. The Torrington bearing relieves the friction between the top washers and facilitates turning the nut and shaft. We treated the old bushing to a good bath of penetrating oil prior to beginning the removal. Once the bushing has broken free, it pulls out slowly as you turn the ratchet. The large 1/8-inch machined washer will also pull through the hole in the mounting ear. You must watch this washer to make sure it stays lined up with the hole so you don't damage the tool or the ear in the housing. It's really fool proof! Continue tightening the nut until the bushing is pulled completely out. To install new bushings simply reverse the process and pull the new piece into the ear using the 1/8-inch circular washer and 1/2-inch machined washer, this time at the top of the bushing to pull it into place (see the photo at the top of the story).