John wrote:
> "jim beam" <nospam@example.net> wrote in message
> news:1113361672.f2ce046083ecde08a4316bb19dedaf90@t eranews...
>
>>John wrote:
>>
>>>"WaterWatcher" <replytogroup@donotmail.com> wrote in message
>>>news:6LCdnfkS2fFjrsbfRVn-rg@comcast.com...
>>>
>>>
>>>>Hi. I have a '90 Civic and the trailing arm bushings are toast. Local
>>>>dealer wants $60 plus change plus tax each. Anyone know of a less
>>>
>>>expensive
>>>
>>>
>>>>source for these?
>>>>
>>>>Thanks,
>>>>WW
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> > I'm curious as well. Also, how do you replace them? What tools would
>>come in
>> > handy?
>> >
>> > Thanks!
>> >
>> > John
>>
>>just take them to someone with a bearing press. if they're any good,
>>it's an easy job. i use a motorcycle machine shop - much more picky &
>>precision oriented.
>>
>
>
>
> Can I do it myself without a bearing press? I'm sure I can cut the
old ones
> out somehow with a knife or partially cut them to make one side
weaker so I
> can take out the old bushing. Can I put the new one without a bearing
> presss? Maybe put some grease on it, and somehow push it in? Would a vise
> work and have some kind of rod in there that pushes on the bushing?
>
> Never replaced a bushing in my life and my control arm ones are going
out...
> will have to get it done soon.
>
> Thanks!
>
> John
>
no, you need the tool. and the last thing you want is grease. the
bushings are only held in by friction - if you reduce that, you're in
trouble. similarly, grease rots rubber...

trust me, i'm a big d.i.y. guy. if you could reasonably do this job
without the tools, i'd be there but this is not one of those occasions.
last time i had it done, it cost me $60. quick & cheap. just be
grateful you're not paying to replace the whole arms like it says in the
manual or what the dealer would do for you.