Ok so today I was :attempting to install my super pro bushings and I actually ended up damaging one bushing. Whats your opinion: is it damaged so bad its not worth installing, or is it mostly cosmetic damage? Im pissed right now

 

How'd you fudge it up? It may not be a big deal. It doesnt look too jacked up but I'm no expert

 

Well I damaged it because the bushing wasnt going in straight. The pictures are horrible, well the end of it is kinda ripped, but to me it looks like its not really gonna affect the ride once its installed. Only the very end on ONE side of one bushing is slightly damaged. I just wanna make sure its still ok to use. Im thinking of having a local shop press them in, I will have to call around

 

I have another question, does it matter which way these bushings are installed, do they only go in one way?

 

Google poly urethane repair. I remember seeing some stuff for that.

 

I researched it just now, and it looks like polyurethane repair is only for cracked polyurethane, or to reattach 2 pieces together. Mine doesnt have any cracks and is not broken, but at the very end on 1 side as you can see in the picture, it kinda peeled off. So on that note I would assume in my situation, either this part works, or it doesnt.

 

Looks fine. I wouldn't sweat it.

 

Looks like the trailing link bushing, correct? if that's the case, i'd HIGHLY recommend you have a shop press in the toe link bushings for you. They're almost impossible, I was able to get them in after some serious effort, to include using bathroom implements for assistance

 

I found a shop that said they could do it, and they charge $80 an hour. He said it might take about a half hour to an hour for all 6.
I have already removed all 6 bushings, and burned out all the excess rubber with fire so all 6 holes are clean, and ready for installation. Does this price sound fair?

 

$40 vs. the possibility of screwing up 6 bushings?

One lesson I learned when I was much younger:

Trying to save a few bucks nearly always bites me in the butt.

Pay the $40-80 and you won't have to worry about messing up any bushings.

 

If you're cheap, you can look on craigslist for someone who offers press services. I know a couple friends with machine presses in their garage that just charge a very minimal fee. $40 isn't bad though.

 

Pay that guy that quoted you 1/2 hour to do your bushings.

Pay him for 1 hour.

Anybody that has the ability to press bushings is your friend...

Because it's a bitch to do yourself.

 

If he hasn't seen the toe link bushings and what's involved, then he hasn't given you an accurate quote. They're a real nightmare, now that I know how to press them in it wouldnt be so bad but I'd still want at least 1 hour just to do those 4......

 

A 20 to 30 ton press with all the proper bushings, pushers and implements are needed to work these busings right. They are nothing like putting in pillowballs - they are easy


later

 

I called another local shop, and they charge by the bushing. He said it costs $20 to remove and reinstall each bushing. Then I told him that I had already removed all 6 bushings (Toe links x4,Trailing arms x2) and asked if it would be cheaper since all they have to do is install them. He said it should be about $10-15 each. So thats what im gonna do

 

Ok, this is done now. They charged $120 ($20 per bushing) All I have left to do is install the Trailing arms, and toe links back on the car

 

what happened to the $10 -15 that they mentioned?

 

its a bad economy out there man

 

As I mentioned above, once they had a chance to see what a tremendous PITA the four toe link bushings are, they said 'he's gonna pay' or some variant of that. I feel that the price he paid is more than fair.

 

well he said $10-15 only if the old bushings were already removed. Unfortunatley, it looks like there was still some metal sleeves left over from 3 or 4 of the bushings, so thats why it was $20 each. I cant complain about $120 though, because I know that to get this done at a shop it'll cost $600-$1,200