94 Q Difficulty Removing Rear Upper Bushings

[sdkhalsa]

I am in the process of replacing the rear link upper bushings which sit in the axle knuckle. Using a home made tool consisting of a socket, long bolt, washers, and nuts(resembling the factory tool), nothing would budge even though this put a huge amount of pressure on the old bushings. Does anyone have a good strategy short of removing entire knuckle and taking it to a machine shop. Many articles on the web suggest torching the rubber center, pulling out the inner sleeve, and then cutting the outter bushing case. One further question? Should bushing on upper rear be able to rotate so as to enable camber adjustment?

[maxnix]

Here's one way!

[sdkhalsa]

Maxnix:

Thanks for your response. Beautiful picture. Trying to leave the knuckle on vehicle as car came from Ohio with its salted roads and every single nut and bolt is a bear to deal with. What do think of this idea of torching the inner part part of the bushing and then cutting the outer sleeve? Also, do recommended replacing the bolts on the suspension links even though they do not show that much surface wear?

[maxnix]

Trying to leave the knuckle on vehicle as car came from Ohio with its salted roads and every single nut and bolt is a bear to deal with.

1.) What do think of this idea of torching the inner part part of the bushing and then cutting the outer sleeve?

2.) Also, do recommended replacing the bolts on the suspension links even though they do not show that much surface wear?

The picture is from Forum Moderator Daedalus (drop the CAPS, Rob!).

1.) Not on the car, but I am neither an expert on cutting nor torching. Others will tell you their thoughts and experience.

2.) Stainless steel has a lot to recommend it, and if the bolts don't clean well, I would upgrade, being aware of bolt specifications in the manual.