Bushings Don't Fit

[barlowchiro]

In the process of replacing the leaf spring bushings. The bushings in the front part of the leaf spring and the rear part of the leaf spring went in pretty easy.

The upper back bushings don't fit. The hole seems to small. I tried to force them in there and they just seem to cut and split my bushings.

Anyone run into this problem?

[Mooncarter]

Yes. I have taken a file to get the old mess out. Then take a wire brush that fits on a drill to clean the rest out. If you force the bushing too much it may deform and the bolt won't go through.

[Mooncarter]

Is this a DS?

[barlowchiro]

Originally Posted by Mooncarter

Is this a DS?

Yes, it's a DS.

I cleaned out the old bushing. When I put the new bushing up to the hole, it's obvious the hole is too small for this bushing.

[barlowchiro]

I will probably have to cut/remove some of the bushing to make it fit

[jkenprice1]

Or get the correct bushings

[barlowchiro]

Originally Posted by jkenprice1

Or get the correct bushings

Got bushings from 2 different sources. Should be the same bushing as the front and the lower rear bushings. Unless you know something I don’t. According the the factory they are the same part number.

[Mooncarter]

Originally Posted by barlowchiro

Got bushings from 2 different sources. Should be the same bushing as the front and the lower rear bushings. Unless you know something I don’t. According the the factory they are the same part number.

They should be the same, but it still sounds like you have the wrong bushings.

[barlowchiro]

Originally Posted by Mooncarter

They should be the same, but it still sounds like you have the wrong bushings.

From two totally separate vendors? Chances aren’t good that they both sent me the wrong part.

Since I am replacing all six bushing sets, the bushings will fit the leaf springs themselves, but will not fit into the frame where the upper leaf spring hanger attaches.


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[Fairtax4me]

The holes in the leaf springs usually end up larger because they rust, wear out because the spring moves, etc.
The ones in the frame are almost always a tight fit. Add to that the aftermarket bushings are usually a softer rubber compound and are often sized larger than original bushings, which can make them harder to push into place. Original club car bushings are a harder compound and you can usually line them up and hammer them in if needed.

Spray the bushing and the hole with silicone lubricant or use some chassis grease to help them slide in. Slide the bushings in first before putting the center sleeve in.