Leaf Spring Bushings
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Wisconsin
Leaf Spring Bushings
I just finished replacing my radius arm bushings and now I looking at my next project. I was looking at my leaf spring bushings and they need to be replaced, they are cracked bad and falling apart. I did a search and couldn't find anything on replacing the bushings, so I have some questions. Can you just unbolt one end of the leaf spring at a time and replace the bushing or do you have to remove the whole spring? Do the new bushings need to pressed in by a shop like the Hayens manual says, or can you push the new bushings in with a c-clamp? Do the bushings need to be greased in any way before they are installed? Thanks in advance, any other tips that would make this go easier would be helpful. O yea, I would be installing polyuerathane (sp?) bushings.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Central Va.
The bushings are very hard to remove, as the outer metal sleeve always stays in the leaf spring eye hole and the rubber pushes out when pressing them out.Bushing has metal outer case, rubber then metal tube sleeve in center for bolt to go through- and what is really bad is the bolt is usually siezed up in this sleeve. Have had to cut head of bolt and nut off to even remove spring from shackles and front hanger. After finaly getting bushings out use urethane bushing(2 piece with metal center sleeve - each end of spring).Try Rancho, NAPA, etc. Done this about 10 times-Broncos, F150s,older Mustangs-Never been an easy job!!! GOOD LUCK!!! PS I use torch,cutoff wheels, grinder, and wheel cylinder hone (to smooth and clean where new bushing go) and alot of swearing!!!
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i asked this question in the ranger forum b/c my bushings need to be replaced too. 2 different people said to take the whole spring out to make the job easier since the bushings are sooo hard to get out. but i was wondering if the bushings could just be burnt out with a torch?
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Senior User
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From: Wisconsin
Thanks for the help Trublufords. I just have a couple more questions for anyone that can answer. Can the new urethane bushings be pressed in with a c-clamp? Does the leaf pack need to be clamped down with a c-clamp before the bolts to the shackle can be removed? I also had the same question as el conquistador as to if the old bushings could be burnt out.
Posting Legend
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I use a torch to heat up the center bolt with ends cut off or the sleve. When the plastic softens a little just push it out. I then heat the outside of the spring and push the urethane or rubber insert out when it softens a bit. It is not necessary nor do you want to heat anything up red hot or even close. I use an impact gun with chisel to remove the outer steel bushing. Clean the inside surface with sandpaper.
I use several long bolts or all-thread rods and some flat washers, pipe couplings, etc, with greased up nuts to press the new bushings in. I have never had much luck with a C-clamp.
It is not necessary to remove the spring pack from the axle.
I use several long bolts or all-thread rods and some flat washers, pipe couplings, etc, with greased up nuts to press the new bushings in. I have never had much luck with a C-clamp.
It is not necessary to remove the spring pack from the axle.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
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The urethane bushings slide right in, no pressing. Just take the through bolt out you dont need any clamps. The only thing I burn out is the steel sleeve that is left after pressing the center & rubber out in the press. The rubber doesn't burn well & it realy stinks when its burning.
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From: Central Va.
I agree with last two responses- have burnt bushings out before and then I zip the outer sleeve with my cutting tip- make sure you are good with a torch first- you can put your hacksaw blade through hole and then reattach to handle and saw two slits in sleeve- not much on heating leaf with torch , try heat gun-( sure sounds like a contradiction, doe'snt) but I love my torch- I run a full time custom exhaust shop in house at our Ford dealership, so I use it daily.And it will stink up your shop when burning them out- my eyes are burning just thinking about it!!
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Posting Legend
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It does not take much heat to make those rubber or plastic bushings "slimy" so they push out. A heat gun would do it without as much of a fire or smoke problem. Keep a spray bottle with water in it also whenever you are heating anything up.
