Bushing Removal Tips And Tricks

[oldgeek]

In my conversion of a 50cc ATV engine to a 90cc+ scooter engine, I have found how hard it can be to remove the rubber bushings that are usually installed on an ATV engine from their mounts. I don't know if being new, and unused makes a difference, but they were really hard for me to remove.



I found that a 1 1/4 hole saw fit the ID of the bushing very well.



I drilled pressing fairly hard for a bit, then let it cool off for a moment. I also found using a bit of oil helped reduce heating and made things go smoother, and quicker.




After drilling the centers out, I thought I had it made, but turns out that was the easy part for me. I could not get the metal sleeves out using a hammer and chisel. I was being careful not to damage the case flanges or anything else, and I just couldn't budge them. I came up with an idea to weld a washer inside, and to use a slide hammer to push it out.




While it did work, it was still quite a job. I ended up setting the very edge of the mount on the vice and then hammering the yell out of it with the slide hammer. Once I got the sleeve moving just a bit, it became a little easier, but I was still surprised at the force required to get them both out. Now, if I can just find the bearings I have that go back in place of the rubber mounts, I am 1 step closer!

[190mech]

What about drilling (2) 1/8" holes 180 degrees apart thru the outer flange so a 1/8 punch could be slid thru to walk the bushing out??Kinda like this...

[Sitticuss]

I just used a hack saw and cut the bushing down the middle and pealed it right out.

[scooterpimp]

Yup , did basicly same as Sitticuss , vert slices then collasped it in on itself, used homade attachment on ball joint press to press them in. Cold bushing , heated case went in fast.

[FrankenMech]

Regular bushings on cars etc are not much of a problem with a few tricks.

The same tricks can be used on a scoot case. Use a propane torch to heat the metal on the outside or the center sleeve depending on where you want to release the rubber bond first. Melting the rubber bond will release the part and they will slide out like a greased pig. Let the parts cool. It really does not take a lot of heat. The rubber melts easily.

Put a bolt and long washer through the center of the bushing. Or as the case may be apply heat with the torch to the outside of the bushing housing and the rubber will slide out, or use a nasty screwdriver to pry it out.

Use a hacksaw to cut the outer sleeve on the side towards the case where the thick metal is. Use a center punch and collapse the sleeve inward on itself. Clean up any mess and corrosion.

Use anti-seize on the new bushing inside and out and also on the case. A bolt and a few washers can be used to pull the new bushing into place. Wipe off the excess anti-seize.

Solid bushings or bearings can cause a lot of vibration to be transmitted into the frame.