Thrust Rod Bushing Replacement

[Snyperx]

Ok so I got my car back after getting some scheduled maintenance done and had some items that were found during the maintenance. One of items was the thrust rod bushings. They quoted me $501 to replace. I know for a fact I should be able to do this for less. I priced the parts which are actually called hydrobushings and can get a pair for about $75. My only concern is pressing the old ones out and the new ones in. Would anyone on here be able to provide some advice on doing this? Do I only need a bushing press kit from Advance Auto? I could not find the process in my Bentley manual. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!!!

[tsweers89]

Its a pain with the Autozone press. Didn't really work that well. I have a hydraulic press i use. Also make sure the ball joint on the other end of the control arm is ok otherwise you will be replacing just the thrust arm bushings for nothing.

[Snyperx]

tsweers89,

Zimbrick didn't say anything about the ball-joints, just the thrust rod bushings. As for a press, would one of the 6 ton presses from Harbor Freight do the trick?

Like this:

[tsweers89]

Yea i guess. But then you would need to removed the entire thrust arm first. Then go press them out. You have a chance of damaging the ball joint boot as you will need a ball joint splitter to get it off the knuckle. Then you need some adapters the correct size for the bushing. I use a portable press that i can replace the bushing in the vehicle without having to remove the entire arm.

[Snyperx]

What would you recommend then if you are trying to DIY it? When I had my 2005 Tacoma I replaced the upper A arms and pushed in new ball-joints myself. This should be easier than that job.

[Snyperx]

Well I ended up replacing both the arms for $206. Started at like 6 and finished at 10 last night. So far looks like everything is good. Wheels didn't fall off on the way to work this morning.

[tsweers89]

Sis you load the new arms correctly before tightening everything down? If you didn't id recommend loosing them up and doing it or the bushings will fail in a very short time.

[Snyperx]

When following the Bentley manual the ball joint was to be tightened to spec and the connection to the frame under load. That is what I did.

Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk