This there i am just trying to find out if anyone has changed their shock lower bushes. If so did you have to take the shocks off the car to use press or vice or did you do the age old method of large bolt and sockets or c clamp. Just wanting to find out as have serious play in front bush and would like to change myself without having to take wishbone off the car. My Lexus the bushes needed some force but came off with a decent clamp and 2 sockets one over sized. Just want the DIY method as saves dealers prices as want to charge 7 times more than the bush to fit.

 

One of the biggest problems with this front shock job is removing the securing bolt, which can seize up and then its really difficult to remove. |Removing the bush is relatively easy in comparison and doesn't need a press as far as I know. It helps to pour a kettle of boiling water over the wishbone before attempting removal of the old bush, and you may have to remove the shock totally, rather than just unbolt it at the bottom. I say this as one who has not done the job ! Remember that the extraction mandrel needs to fit closely and not damage the aluminium wishbone. The bushes are very cheap as you know.

Jaguar X350 Parts | Jaguar X350 Bushes, Bearings & Mountings | JustJagsUK.com

 

Well for the bolt I have an electric 550nm impact gun so hopefully that won't be to bad and won't strip the head. I need to remove one shock as have upper control arm to replace, but on the other I was thinking about releasing the air pressure to compress enough to lift it out the way. I have done this job before but a simple Lexus and Honda double wishbone setup they slid out with very little effort with a small g clamp. Thank you helping me out hate to ask questions all the time but as the all alli suspension I don't want to damage anything unlike other cars that are built like the titanic.

 

Well, I'm not sure if I would want a car built like the Titanic, as we all know what happened to her !

From what I can see, all car makers are using aluminium for suspension parts these days, it is steel that is becoming rarer. I suppose its easier to cast, forge, and machine, and the tools last longer.

 

I guess your right about the titanic sounded ok when it was in my head. Car is at wreckes to riches( used to be on discovery with Dom littlewood repairing cat c cars and selling them on) having her wheels refurbed. But when I get her back will order 4 bushes and get old g clamp out and have a go. I did see the balljoint c clamp press style tools on eBay but don't want to spend anymore buying any more tools. Just brought a house so have to hide new parts and tools from wife otherwise slapped wrist.