I plan to change front lower bushing on my 3,0L Aerostar, and my question is: Do I need to use a spacer to prevent deformation when using hydraulic press or a manual tool?

 

Hi Pinceau:

Welcome to our FTE forum

 

Not if you do One side at a time, supporting that side as you press bushing's out or in.

But if you're worried, take accurate measurements before operation, as a baseline & check against that measurement after you have replaced the bushings. If it's not what it was before, correct it by reforming Error to correct Dimensions.

Bear in mind close is good enough since front end suspensions are adjustable and not "Micro Science".

FBp

 

Thank you for your advice, I've seen that most of people here use a manual tool which is no more than a C-clamp, and, as a cabinet-maker I have several of them, and big one, with square thread !!! I think it's a good idea to change the bushings one by one.

 

I just used a bench vise, and some cast iron pipe ends to press the bushings in. That way, it presses on the metal outer part, and not on the rubber.

I don't know if you will get enough pressure with a C clamp.

 

It's done!! and sure, with a C clamp it's a nightmare, even a big one (8"x4"1/4) and steel tubes; bushings were 18 years old, and rusted; it's really a nightmare, like horror movies with blues and purples lizards in the bathroom or an alien beast hiden in the cellar!!!!!!
I worked up a good sweat.