Advice Removing Diff. Bushing

#1

Tonight was warm and I’m frustrated, so I thought I’d change my differential bushing. I think the Bentley said you can cut it out, so the Dremel was my friend. Here’s a picture of what I ended up with (a stinky, melted rubber mess). Do I need to remove the thin metal ring as well? Does that come out from the front or the back, or does it matter? I’ve banged on the ring with a hammer and screwdriver with no success. So, I’ve hit it with some PB Blaster and left the differential drooping unsupported for the night. Any hints?

Thanks,
Sasha

#2
  • you are doing pretty much doing it…put a lot of penetrating lubricant and have a go at it. additionally you might want to try to crumple part of the outer bushing sleeve (metal ring) as this will make it easier to ‘punch out’. If you are brave you might try using dremil to cut weaken the sleeve from the inside. [b]Whatever you do , don’t significantly scratch or mar housing surface on the diff cover [b].

here is what I suggest you do (and what I did) - take the diff cover off, and take it to repair shop. just about any shop (including tire changing ones) have a press. Have them press out old bushing (and press in new one if you want). It should only cost few bucks ( $10 for me iirc). Saves a lot of time, aggravation and worrying if you will damage the part.

#3

I typically take a sawzaw to the ring and just cut it out. After you make the cut it will shrik and you can push it out. You can do this with a hack saw as well if need be. As mentioned above, try to avoid cutting through the metal into the aluminum housing. BUT if you do it is not the end of the world if you just nick it. Smooth it out and no problem.

Good Luck

Michael

#4

Yep, like Michael, I used a sawzall. Just be careful beating on the bushing in the housing as the metal is not very strong and can break. Then you’ll have to upgrade to a finned diff cover. :wink:

#5

Agree with the sawzall, or a hacksaw by reversing the blade (run through the hole then mount to the handle). If you take the diff out you can use a propane torch and all of the rubber will burn off leaving the ring to cut.
Ed

#6

Thanks for the advice. The sawzall was the ticket! Then I had to beat the crap out of the new bushing to get it in place. I thought I might accidentally whack my whole car off the lift!

Sasha