cooking the bushings, reply

["AlfaBill LLC /alfabill.com" <mail@domain.elided>]

>I can see it now, as the CA Air Quality Management Department truck
>pulls up to my doorstep..  ;-)
>
>
>Yikes, the old brute force approach!   Now does this tend to loosen the
>(possibly rusty and bound) sleeve?  And can this "heat treatment" affect
>the strength of the steel part by changing the temper?
>
>
>I'd hate to reduce the strength of a suspension member..  though it
>might need more heat then just to cook out the rubber to do that.
>
>
>Jon

Jon,

I am spoiled to live in Florida, where there are a few freedoms left, no 
helmet laws, no emissions testing, (we had it and it didn't improve air 
quality, so Jeb killed it).

In my experience, installing bushings for my own cars, the propane torch is 
effective but painfully slow. The BBQ method was faster, more effective and 
less time was spent on clean up. Of course, use common sense and have a 
fire extinguisher handy. Do this at your own risk etc.

On the 164 front arms we did, the rear cooked out beautifully, and the 
front did as well, afterwards, the sleeve came out with a bit of help from 
an air chisel, but would have come out equally with a hammer and punch. It 
did seem to relieve the adhesion.

If you look at the pieces, they are not exotic. I also doubt you are 
creating any more heat than when they were welded up together in the first 
place. Even the bushing makers recommend burning them out.

Anyone have any constructive comments? I'm curious. I'm not endorsing the 
method, just stating that it works for me.

Bill Harkell
AlfaBill LLC
PowerFlex polyurethane suspension parts for Alfa
Tampa Florida USA
http://alfabill.com
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