Written by: Dave McFarlane
Removing the flanged bushings from the torque link forging can be difficult without a good surface to press against or grab onto. To easily remove them, thread them with a tap, screw a bolt in the thread, and then drive or press against the bolt. The thread does not have to be full depth to hold securely in the bushing. The bushing material is somewhat hard, but a standard hardware store tap will work. Use cutting oil on the tap to prevent tap damage. Normally the bushing will come out easily. For stubborn bushings, soak the link assembly in boiling water before pressing the bushing. The heat will expand the aluminum forging more than the steel bushing. This helps loosen the press fit while limiting the temperature, which prevents overheating and harming the heat treat of the aluminum forging. A controlled oven can be substituted for boiling water, but do not exceed 350° F. Do not use flame or other non-controlled heat sources. For an alternate method, put dry ice in the bushing before driving or pressing on the bolt that you threaded into the bushing. Do not over-press or hammer as the aluminum can gall to the bushing and leave a damaged bushing bore. If the bushing does not come out with light to moderate force, use heat or cold to help.