This was my second attempt changing out the bushings in our 1999 Monaco Dynasty. I should have learned my lesson the first time. Maybe I’m being a little dramatic, but nothing is more frustrating than spending all day on a project only to end up worse off.
I took the RV to a semi-truck suspension shop and they are having an extremely hard time. I feel a little better knowing that it was a difficult job for a reason, but I’m not looking forward to the extra hours on the bill.
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Removing the bolt is usually the easy part. If you are going to change the bushing you will likely need to completely remove the link and use a hydraulic shop press to push the bushing out. They can be VERY stubborn and require 10-20 Tons of pressure, heat and lubrication. Pressing the new bushings in can also be a challenge and also requires the shop press. My experience is that these types of suspension parts are overly difficult to work with due to being exposed to the elements. This is definitely something I would have a shop do unless you have the correct tools and a lot of time and patience.
+1 on the lubrication, this is where a heavy dose of WD-40 can work, It has to soak in, and that process can actually take a day or so for the capillarity action so to speak to draw it into the bolts. Still, at the end of a day you’ll need the press. Same goes for wheel bearings.
Yea, I only let it sit for about 2 hours. I should have thought to let it soak overnight, thanks for the tip!
Thanks for the comment. I actually had access to a 20 ton press, the problem was getting the bolts out. Or maybe, the bushings would have been the problem, I never got that far!
Mike,
You’re young and you’re learning your diy limits. I don’t think it was a day wasted from that perspective, but clearly bushings on a larger older RV is a shop job for a shop with the right tools… and a big press. Thanks for sharing the “fails” as well as the wins.
I so feel your pain! I will take on just about any project and sometimes have to admit defeat to the amusement of my mechanic at times. Sometimes they just shake their head at my attempts, but always get a chuckle. Still, I’ve saved so much money and have been able to do so much on my own I will continue to tackle most jobs. The satisfaction of doing it yourself is so worth it.
I admire any young person who will take on these projects as it’s a great learning experience. You can learn more from your fails than your successes!
BTW – there are clamps available that can either help pull or push those bolts out – once they are lubed somewhat. And you may still have to use some brute force and heat.
Good luck!
Thanks for the tips and encouragement. I agree, even with the occasional “failure” you still save much more over the long run.