Rebushing a differential hanger

[schuetz1619]

I did this 32 years ago but have no memory of the project. I used urethane bushings, which have gone pretty crispy-crunchy over time. I'm replacing them with the original-style rubber. 

 

I'm confident I can get the old ones out easily, but I don't know about getting the new ones in. Are these installable with some lubricant and a rubber hammer, or is  proper press called for?

 

Thanks in advance for any input.

[beammmer]

I want to do the same refurb, can’t wait for the replies.

 

Don

[AceAndrew]

Installing new rubber diff hanger bushings is a PITA.  Two-piece urethane is so easy it’s almost cheating.
 

I would suggest a press, a correctly sized piece of aluminum round, and patience.  Little lube helps, but the press is the biggest help.

 

The metal ring the rubber is attached to will deform relatively easily.  It’s easy to start, but just make sure it’s squared up as it goes further in.  Asymmetrical entry will not go well.

 

Your results may vary.

[Mike Self]

The other option is to buy the hanger with the bushings already pressed in place.  Back in the day, that's the way I thought they came--bushings weren't available separately.  Apparently they are now.

 

I have successfully used thick wall plumbing pipe to remove and install suspension bushings; they're very strong in compression and used with 3/8" diameter bolts and thick washers work quite well.

 

mike  

[TobyB]

I'm with Andrew on this- without a press, the shell bends before it goes in.

Even WITH a press, the shell often doesn't hold up.

 

MAYBE a big ViSe and some of Mike's plumbing you could do it, but most viSes 

have coarse threads, and not enuf squeeze...

 

t

miami

[tech71]

18 hours ago, Mike Self said:

The other option is to buy the hanger with the bushings already pressed in place. 

Been investigating this with little success, anyone have a PN?

[Leucadian]

I used a hack saw to saw through the old bushings before pressing them out with a bench vise.  Used the same bench vise to press in the new ones.  

 

It's a pain though.  

[NYNick]

I bought the whole thing. Looks like it's NLA

 

BluntTech Industries • CROSS MEMBER

WWW.BLUNTTECH.COM

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THIS PART IS CURRENTLY ON BACK ORDER WITH NO ETA. For individual diff carrier bushings use 33-17-1-104-266

 

[tech71]

Darn, that Blunt price was quite attractive.

Now the few available on Ebay have had price stupid inflated.

Mercenaries I tell ya

 

OEM BMW 33173404100 Cross Member 2002 Tii 1600 Rear Differential Mount for sale online | eBay

WWW.EBAY.COM

---

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for OEM BMW 33173404100 Cross Member 2002 Tii 1600 Rear Differential Mount at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

 

[AceAndrew]

If I recall correctly, the last one through BMW sold four/five years ago.   The oem rubber bushings aren’t cheap either, but at least they’re available for now.

[Einspritz]

One thing to do with the shel is grind the leading edge at a 45 degree chamfer so that the bushing will locate and get started without much warping.

 

A BIG vise with a piece of pipe as above MIGHT just work but a press is definitely better.

 

You may have an auto parts store that does this type of work, like wheel bearings, so ask.

 

Or this might be the excuse to get that $100.00 12 ton press from HF..... Trust me you'll find other uses if only to crush multiple beer cans because you can.

[schuetz1619]

Sorry. Hit the wrong button.

Edited May 26, 2023 by schuetz1619

[Stevenc22]

Its a 10 minute job using poly bushings. Might not be worth the hassle doing the rubber.