Axle Pivot Bushing: Service and Repair

Fig. 2 Rear Axle Bushing Removal:

REMOVAL

1. Remove rear axle assembly as previously described.
2. Remove torsion bars from axle, refer to Steering and Suspension/Suspension/Torsion Bar/Service and Repair.
3. Install component (A) from T.Ar.1056 bushing remover set, and a two jaw extractor (B) on axle.
4. Drive support bracket and bushing from rear axle.
5. To remove bushing from support bracket, weld a 1.02 inch nut to inside of bushing. This nut is used as a backup to drive bushing from support bracket.
6. Using a suitable hydraulic press and bearing splitter tool, drive bushing from support bracket with a suitable socket. Do not reuse bushing after removal.

Fig. 3 Axle Support Bracket:

INSTALLATION

1. Position new bushing into rear axle.
2. Using driver tool and bushing receiving cup from T.Ar.1056 draw bushing into axle until flush with outside edge of axle.
3. Position support bracket to axle for proper bushing preload. Before pressing support bracket (A) to axle bushing, it must be properly positioned. Adjust support bracket so that dimension "X" measures 27/32-29/32 inch.
4. Position straightedge along top of support bracket where it attaches to body at points (D).
5. After support bracket is positioned to axle, press support bracket to rear axle using T.Ar.1056.
6. Press support bracket until left and right support brackets are at a distance of 51.87-51.98 inch. This measurement is taken between left and right support bracket bolt holes.
7. Install torsion bars to axle, refer to STEERING SUSPENSION CHASSIS AND BODY COMPONENTS/REAR SUSPENSION/COMPONENT R&R PROCEDURES/TORSION BAR.
8. Install rear axle assembly into vehicle as previously described.