I run a small powder coating shop in Pittsburgh (MAKCoatings.com) and as a personal project I wanted to start powdercoating some of my suspensions parts (control arms, track bar, tie rod). I was wondering how hard it is to remove the bushings and reinstall them after I coat the parts. My control arms, tie rod, and springs are all stock but my track bar is the teraflex monster track bar. Anyone have experience removing any of these bushings and reinstalling/replacing the bushings? Thanks in advance!

 

I have only done a MC bushing but the process is probably similar.

https://vimeo.com/104458681

 

They are just pressed in.

 

I find it easiest to lay a board on the ground and then lay the end with the bushing in it so it is off the ground. Set a socket on top of the bushing, and pound it out with a hammer. There are different kinds of bushings, so each may be a little different, and some are easier to re-use than others. If I were you, I would probably just spend the $10 on new bushings so after the powder coat you can be sure that you will have good ones to throw back in there.

 

How hard are they to put back in? Any good tricks to make the process easier?

 

freeze them. You night get lucky and see some shrinkage that would help. Otherwise, buy a press.

 

I've had good luck spraying a little bit of Windex on them and then a little loving with a rubber mallet.

 

...and a large socket.