Steering Bush Removal (top - near steering wheel)

[CtrMint]

Hi,

I've been doing some last minute fettling before we leave for the UK mid-week.   One of the things I was never happy with from my build was the fitment of the top steering bush.  The install didn't go that well and after some effort I did succeed but there was always the sense of too much play.  When I got the 620, CC had done a sterling job on that car, with zero play, so I had a good comparison of what is possible.

I've got two new bushes on order, should be here Monday.  So today I decided to try and remove the bush.  I've got the white sleeve out with ease, but the bush is in there solid.  Having removed the steering column and sprayed with silicon lube I've tried knocking it down with a suitable socket, but its only producing small movement and seems a little brutal.  I guess I could drop an hacksaw blade through, and link back up, then cut metal sleeve etc.  

Thought I'd ask first.

Thanks

[SM25T]

It is a swine. Hacksaw blade is a good start. You have to be brutal.

[OldAndrewE]

I don't think you will get it out by hitting as the rubber absorbs the impact and springs back.  I got mine out with threaded rod and a combination of washers and socket of the right size (for the bush to move into).  Similar process in reverse to fit new

Edit: Thinking back I also had the steering lock tube (that also has the lower bush) out of the way so probably a bit too much dismantling for your situation - I was doing a complete chassis strip down

[aerobod - near CYYC]

I found it was surprisingly easy to remove with a pair of large long-nosed pliers inserted through the bush when I replaced mine last weekend. I held tension on the pliers against the inside of the bush by wedging the jaws open with an appropriate sized socket, then rotated backwards and forwards while pulling out. I didn't use any lubricant on the rubber, but a dribble of WD40 or similar on the outside of the rubber could help lubricate the bush during removal, avoiding any on the metal inside to maintain grip with the pliers:

For insertion of the new bush I used a slight smear of dielectric grease on the rubber (a rubber-safe grease used on spark plug boots to stop them sticking and electrical connections in general), then used the pliers in the same way to reinsert the bush while rotating slightly, until you can feel the pips drop into the locating holes.

[Wrightpayne]

I find brake cleaner aids the insert process so perhaps helps in reverse? Better than grease as it evaporates - grease stays slippy!

My top one came out of its own accord. Bottom one I was brutal with a bit of 1/2" dowel and hitting it at 12 o'clock, 3, 6 & 9.

To do a proper job you need an internal bearing puller / sliding hammer arrangement! Lots on ebay / amazon.

[CtrMint]

Well I've been arsing around with it all day.  While trying to remove the dam thing I've actually got a much better fit, so reinserted the white plastic collar, and hey presto, a dam good feel.  There's zero movement while seated, and only the smallest deflection if you stand out of the car and put pressure on top of the wheel, pushing straight down.  You can't see the movement, just slightly feel it.   So fair outcome.

I think I'll leave the new one until the car is off the road during the winter.

Thanks for the advice though, plenty of options to try.