C-3 trailing arm bushings

[Tom Sarno]

Is there an easy way to remove the outer shells from the trailing arm bushings. I had planed on using poly bushings so I left them in and rebuilt the spindles and now that the trailing arms are complete I have decided to use the rubber bushings. The completed arms are both bulky and heavy so any tricks that would make it easier would be greatly appreciated.

Tom S

[Dan Tewell]

Re: C-3 trailing arm bushings

Tom, Why would you choose rubber over the urethane?

[Michael H.]

Re: C-3 trailing arm bushings

Hey Tom -

I found the easiest way to remove the bushings from the rear trailing arms is with an abrasive wheel saw. Use an air powered "zip saw" with a 2" abrasive wheel and cut the flange away, being careful not to damage the trailing arm itself. Since you're replacing the bushings, cut the middle of the bushing to ease removal by pressing. If you need clarification, shoot me an e-mail.

[Mike M.]

Re: C-3 trailing arm bushings

if you don't have an abrasive cut off wheel , set the trailing arm up in a drill press and drill thru the bushing. they come apart easily and litle danger of hurting the trailing arm with a cut off grinding wheel. go for it and goode luck, mike

[Tom Sarno]

Re: C-3 trailing arm bushings

Dan

The urathane set I have from Energy Suspention did not use the side plates with a flared tube. The tube's side wall was too thick and the side plates were held thight to the bushing by the alignment shims. This just seemed like a bad way to have it set up. Other parts that came with the Energy Suspentions Hyper Flex system also varied in size and shape from the stock parts and I don't trust them.

Tom S

[Dan Tewell]

Re: C-3 trailing arm bushings

Tom, Yes I've sent the Energy Suspension stuff back too. I've been using the Vette Brakes urethane kit for the front and rear control arms. Their kits can be gotten with or without outer sleves. It is MUCH easier to leave the outer sleves in the arm and install the bushings. They even give you a tool to flair the bushing. Yop can do the whole thing without completely removing the trailing arm from the car. I just disconnect the shock, spring end and the strut rod.
As for the front control arms, I burn the rubber out,clean (paint if you want) and your ready to install the urethane bushings. Very easy and you don't need any press to do any of it. Besides, you'll have a smile on your face the next time you drive your car and feel how much better it drives. Makes for a much smoother ride.