Diff bushing install
 

Hey guys what is your take on this method for installing diff bushings. Doing it this way Almost looks easy.

Energy suspension differential bushing install..with diff still IN vehicle.

Looks worth a shot. You still run a chance of not getting the bushings out cleanly, in which case you still might have to drop it all the way out to clean up the bores, but that looks like a simple solution to the job.

Thanks. Yeah when I saw this I was like hey I might be able to do this ;)

Man, mine were in the diff like a mother. I had to FIGHT to get them out.

Well I ordered the bushing so we will see how this goes

He partially got lucky if the air hammer was sufficient enough to get the bushing out. It's very risky using the air hammer around all of that soft aluminum, as it will tear up the inside of the circular housing if the air hammer slips. I've put some scrapes and scratches in the aluminum just with a hamer and chisel.

I've done at least 8 diff bushing installs and there is always alot of rust from the metal sleeve around the factory diff bushing. PB blaster and patience must be on your side.

I personally haven't even considered this method, because working under the car like this is very tiring, especially with hefty tools.

well I don't have air tools so I was planning on using a normal hammer. If I cant get it out I will just cry and bring it some where :loser:

Remember when the fire tuck came by when taking out my diff rubbers? lol

oh yeah, lol. i'm not sure why energy suspension makes you start a fire just to install the diff bushings. Damn cavemen.

I can tell you right now, you have about a 0.001% chance of getting it out with a normal hammer. Even with an air hammer, your chances are probably pretty slim. Every bushing I have ever messed with has been STUCK!!! in the bore. Even little suspension bushings required impressive amounts of force to push out with a specialty tool. A hammer would never stand a chance, I tried with a 10lb sledge and it did nothing to bounce back and the bushings laughed at me.

hmmm well that sucks to hear. I guess I will drop the diff if I have to.

So I ordered the bushings from flyin miata and to my surprise there is no grease. I was told by a few of there techs the grease is not needed. Normally I would not questions FM but I see that 949racing gives you the grease and is 17 bucks cheaper. I gave 949racing a call and he told me you need the grease. If that wasn't enough the energy suspension instructions don't mention anything about the grease. So who's right does it even matter can I get away with using dishwasher soap/water or just any old grease for my installation. Thanks :confused:

All you need is white lithium grease in a spray can.

Good luck! Curious to see how this comes out.

I think all it took the last time I did one was a good solid effort with a blowtorch, and then a few minutes with an air hammer on each side. I think it took us an hour.

The grease is to help you get the bushings in without swearing your ass off.

You can do it the easy way or the hard way,which one do you prefer?

Started last night so far I am not able to get out the bushing. So I either need air tools or I have to pull the diff. For me to pull the diff I have to remove the axels and the driveshaft correct ?

Just to clarify that... You blowtorched it while on the car? I'm sure that would make it a lot easier to get out.

The air hammer was no help. What's involved in removing the axel in a 02

Well The diff is out of the car now but I think I fucked something up. Can you guys tell me what you think of the damage and what needs to be done going forward. Thanks

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