Rear axle pivot bushings

[Jim2029]

So the rear axle bushings that it pivots on at the body of the car are completely wasted. Only way to get OEM is to buy an whole axle. Even though I can get it at cost, I'm not. I found some after-market ones. They are cased in a steel sleeve and need pressed in.

My question is, is there a steel sleeve that needs pressed out first or is the factory bushing just in the hole by itself? Can I just remove the rubber and press the new one in? If I have to remove an old steel sleeve first, then this will be tricky.

[Daox]

I can pretty much guarantee that you'll have to press out the old bushing. The reason being is that it is a weldment, and if you welded that thing with the rubber bushings in there things would melt. So, it has to be installed after its been welded up.

[petrified.rabbit]

If the old ones are toast, you can cut the old sleeve lengthwise and then peel it out.

[Jim2029]

Well, just an update. Since I work at a dealership in the parts department I get a nice discount on labor. So I had the shop do it. They had to air chisel the old bushing sleeves out and then press the new ones in. They didn't remove the rear axle due to not wanting to open the brake hydraulic system. The rear drums haven't been off since new (300,000 miles ago) and the bleeders would break. So pressing them in was tricky as a regular ball joint press doesn't open up enough. But they got it done. about 3 hours labor. my total with parts at cost was around $137 but again, I get a large discount on labor and parts at cost.

Its amazing how much different the rear of the car handles now too!

[northguest47]

I'm glad to have read this thread, one more thing to put on inspection list.. these bushings would be stock and likely worn.

[Jim2029]

FYI, For my 2006 the part number is K200642. That is a Moog Part Number. List price is $53.99. Two needed per car.