Well, after two months on/off spending a few hours here and there on the car, the S13 suspension bush install is finally completed!!!
Together with new rear shocks this has turned my sx into what feels like a brand new car!!
It's firm, without being hard. I'm really happy with it after all the effort, it's actually paying off.
I'd recommend the bushes to everyone - but I won't recommend the DIY installation unless you like punishment!
hmmm...
should i say it...
should...
ok i will...
I TOLD YOU SO!!!
hahahahahaha! 😂 😂 😂 8)
Great!
2 months though 😕 thats putting me even more off getting the bushes, i want them...but definately not looking forward to putting them in
no man dan...
you can do it chop chop cos you have a buddy with all the necessary tools!
dr g did it the hard way - but big ups and respect for that. i did mine the hard way too, and i swore i would never do it again.
and i've now done 4 cars!!! and i have more people begging me to help them, although i am quite expensive now.
get yourself a hydraulic press, and some big half-inch drive (minimum) sockets and you're set!
speaking of a hydraulic press - go check the classifieds. i'm selling the one i bought to do everyone's bushes!
Well my kit was missing 4 sleeves so I had a delay before reassembly. Also I stufffed up two ball joints so that needed replacement. I also worked very slowly and only a day or so on the odd week end. So it wont' always take this long 😉
What I would recommend to anyone doing the job themselves is this:
Remove all the required suspension components. The hard part is the d@mn ball joints which sit like they've been in there for 15 years!! (oh wait, they have been!!!)
Anyways, try not to damage them like I did. Cause it cost me antoher R800 to get two matched up ones installed.
The rear also has ball joints. Not much space to work. But two 4-pound hammers hitting simultaniously from each side of the spindle where the ball joint sits in works like a charm.
Next, buy a blow torch and burn out all the OEM rubber bushings.
Then, and this is the beautifull part - take all the control arms and spindles to Suspension Solutions in Randburg. Explain to them which bushes needs to be removed, and let them hacksaw and press the fcukers out. Trust me on this - it's not something you wanna do yourself.
Then use a press or a vice (as in my case) and press in the new ES bushes & sleeves. Reassemble everything and bobs your uncle.
Another hint, you dont' have to remove the rear brake drum assembly or the rear hubs. The hand brake cable will be a bit tricky to unhook and re-attach, but it's do-able.
It's a hard but satisfying mod.
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