Rear Axle Bushes

The rear axle refers to the drive axle which connects the rear wheels with a central differential, which is used to create proper distribution between both axle sides. Some rear axles connect with a crossbeam which just works to support the rear end of your vehicle, but this is only necessary for vehicles with front wheel drive. The rear axle bushes are an important part of your vehicle’s rear axle set up and should be in working order in order for you to drive your vehicle safely.

Importance of the Rear Axle Bushes
Everything joins together within the rear axle for it to work properly. If any component of the set up isn’t working as it should, it can lead to steering issues with your vehicle. Misalignment or part malfunction can cause your vehicle to tend to slide to a certain direction. While the rear axle bushes may seem like a minor piece, they can play a major role in how efficient your vehicle’s steering is. You have to make sure everything within your vehicle’s driving axle’s works properly so you don’t have any issues that could put you in danger while driving.

Since the rear axle bushes are an important part within the rear axle, you’ll have to replace them if they ever get damaged. While there may not be any obvious signs that your rear axle bushes are damaged, it’s easy to spot issues with your vehicle’s rear axle. If you notice any driving problems in regards to your vehicle’s steering, you’ll want to inspect the rear axle. If you discover that your rear axle bushes are damaged, you will need to replace them.

Removing the Rear Axle
Removing the rear axle to access the rear axle bushes can be a stressful task, but if you know how, it will make the job easier. In order to remove the rear axle, you will need the proper equipment. You will need to jack your car up, remove the wheels, and make sure the jack stands are put in place.

After everything is easy to access you will need to disconnect the shocks, brake lines, and e-brake cables. You can leave the shocks hanging off the top mounts if you wish. After everything is disconnected you will have to rotate the axle down then place the rotors down on the ground. Once this is done the coil springs will be loose enough to be removed with minimal effort.

Removing other parts such as the callipers and stub axles can make the process easier but is not necessary when you only need to replace the rear axle bushes. Once the axle is removed from the vehicle you’ll have to drill a few holes in the rear axle bushes for the oil to get out. Make sure all the oil is drained out before working with your hammer.

Handling the Rear Axle Bushes
You will need a heavy duty hammer and chisel in order to handle the rear axle bushes properly. First, you’ll have to use the chisel to push the lip section of the bushing off. Just use the chisel, and don’t use a torch as it would just cause a big mess. Once the lip is removed you will need to remove the metal sleeve which covers the rear axle bush. Use a hacksaw to cut a slot in the metal sleeve. This is much easier to do when the axle is positioned standing up. Be careful when cutting through the metal sleeve as you don’t want to damage the housing.

You are cutting a slot in the metal sleeve so there is less pressure on the sleeve. Only one slot is necessary, and once it’s done you can remove the sleeve with the chisel. Use the same method to remove the metal sleeve on the other side of the rear axle and then you’re done. You may also want to sandblast the axle to make it less of an eye sore if it’s heavily worn.

Installing the New Rear Axle Bushes
It’s a bit more difficult to install the new rear axle bushes than it is to remove the old ones. If you follow the steps then you shouldn’t have any difficulties but it will be time consuming. You will want to put the new rear axle bushes in your freezer before installing them. This should make it easier to get a snug fit in the housing unit.

Take out the pivot bolt and nut that are in the rear axle bushes. You will also need to get the inner fender liner out of the way in order to put in the new rear axle bushes. Instead of removing it, you can just bend it, and then bend it back in place when done. It’s also suggested that you have the axle supported with a jack so it doesn’t fall down when the second pivot bolt is removed.

The main difficulty you will have is installing the new rear axle bushes as they are a very tight fit in the housing unit. You will probably have to resort to using your heavy duty hammer and possibly finding alternative methods to force it into place. Even though there are some minor inconveniences in regards to replacing your rear axle bushes, it’s still beneficial to do the job yourself instead of taking your vehicle to an auto shop.

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