Lolliop and RTAB Bush Removal

[Ed Doe]

Hi all,

I'm planning on fitting powerflex black series RTAB Bushes and front control arm rear bushes (lollipops).

For this I need to press out the old bushes and press in the new ones.

Can anyone recommend a tool to do each bush, or even better a single tool to both!

Also if anyone knows the outer diameter of both bushes it would also be very helpful

Ideally I'm after something that's cheap but will do the jobs.

Cheers in advance!

Ed

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Can anyone recommend a tool to do each bush, or even better a single tool to both!

You'll need a hydraulic press to install the lollipop insert into the bush housing.

Ideally the same to remove the old rubber or you can get some tired/scrap ones and cut/burn them out, but it's tedious.

 

[john-e89]

I’ve got this kit, works well enough.

 

[Ed Doe]

I’ve got this kit, works well enough.

Does that work for both bushes? Rtab and lollipops? If so that's ideal - you able to share a link so I can get on and buy it?

Cheers!

 

[john-e89]

I’ve got this kit, works well enough.

Does that work for both bushes? Rtab and lollipops? If so that's ideal - you able to share a link so I can get on and buy it?

Cheers!

There’s a few on eBay Ed at slightly varying prices, just type in Bush removal tool and they’re on the first page.

 

[Ed Doe]

Thabks

There’s a few on eBay Ed at slightly varying prices, just type in Bush removal tool and they’re on the first page.

Thanks John I'd only wanted to find your one as I didn't want to end up with a universal set without the right size for both the lollipops and the rtabs!

 

[Jembo]

Am gobsmacked you need to change the ///M lollypops, they are super meaty compared to standard E85/6's

At 60k mine were still rock solid when tested with a pry bar

 

[Ed Doe]

Am gobsmacked you need to change the ///M lollypops, they are super meaty compared to standard E85/6's

At 60k mine were still rock solid when tested with a pry bar

Honestly the thought process went as follows:

1. Having some stability/predictability issues with the car so wanted to eliminate the most likely causes of dynamic changes in alignment - rtab bushes.
2. Went on powerflex website - figured 'whilst I'm there...'
3. Priced up rtab bushes front control arm rear bushes, and front and rear arb bushes
4. Figured 'I can probably do this myself'
5. Asked for help finding a tool

:lol:

How often was your car tracked in its life? Mines lived quite a hard life having been tracked from prettymuch new, so I'd certainly expect a degree more 'tiredness' from things - but I'm happy to listen to advice if the general consensus is that the lollipops are unlikely at fault and to try rtabs first - I just want to avoid ending up having to do multiple alignments that's all!

 

[BMWZ4MC]

Mine's not feeling as tight as it once was either after 16 years of track use and 80k miles in my ownership. There is a barely perceptible wobble through the steering wheel at around 70mph which is more evident under hard braking that I know is not a wheel balance issue or related to a disc not running true. Bushes are next on list - I have RTABs, but they're were fitted a very long time ago, and I've never replaced any suspension bushes. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to attempt this myself.
Out of curiosity, I did google "bush removal" and now I'm being spammed with depilatory products :lol:

 

[maupineda]

Check FCA bushes, if needed replace with OE items. Poly won’t last as the heat from the exhaust, and there is nothing wrong with the original rubber ones

For the rear use a proper monoball bushing, not poly or limiter bs.

 

[Jembo]

Am gobsmacked you need to change the ///M lollypops, they are super meaty compared to standard E85/6's

At 60k mine were still rock solid when tested with a pry bar

Honestly the thought process went as follows:

1. Having some stability/predictability issues with the car so wanted to eliminate the most likely causes of dynamic changes in alignment - rtab bushes.
2. Went on powerflex website - figured 'whilst I'm there...'
3. Priced up rtab bushes front control arm rear bushes, and front and rear arb bushes
4. Figured 'I can probably do this myself'
5. Asked for help finding a tool

:lol:

How often was your car tracked in its life? Mines lived quite a hard life having been tracked from prettymuch new, so I'd certainly expect a degree more 'tiredness' from things - but I'm happy to listen to advice if the general consensus is that the lollipops are unlikely at fault and to try rtabs first - I just want to avoid ending up having to do multiple alignments that's all!

Good point Ed... zero track days in my ownership

It's a sticky suspension bush slope, as despite this & deciding not to fit myself had replaced
- the RTAB's with Rogue Engineering (RE) poly RTAB's & RTAL's (very tight squeeze)
- RE poly gearbox mounts
- The 3 Poly LSD mounts
- Vibratech engine mounts & RE top mounts were on the car when I bought it
- All the drop links & tie rod ends with OEM
- RE short shift kit

IMO of all the things that made the biggest difference were changing the RTAB's together with RTAL's (together with a Billy kit & tyres)

Can sometimes sound a bit like a Touring Car at full chaff, but I like that

 

[MrPT]

I used an almost identical kit off eBay to the one John posted and it was fine.

Remember to trace the outline of bush carrier (with a sharpie) on the chassis before you remove it and to preload the bushes. If you can find a way to secure the arm in place while it's hanging freely, that would be sensible as well, I reckon. I didn't and both the bush removal and the re-torquing afterwards felt a bit sketchy.

 

[john-e89]

Hi all,

I'm planning on fitting powerflex black series RTAB Bushes and front control arm rear bushes (lollipops).

For this I need to press out the old bushes and press in the new ones.

Can anyone recommend a tool to do each bush, or even better a single tool to both!

Also if anyone knows the outer diameter of both bushes it would also be very helpful

Ideally I'm after something that's cheap but will do the jobs.

Cheers in advance!

Ed

Ed I didn’t twig you’re in Ashbourne, my workshop is in Tansley so if you want to borrow my set you’re more than welcome rather than buying one.

 

[Ed Doe]

Ed I didn’t twig you’re in Ashbourne, my workshop is in Tansley so if you want to borrow my set you’re more than welcome rather than buying one.

You're an absolute gent Jobn, thank you! I was in Matlock bath on Saturday in the M with my little boy, making the most of the nice weather! I'll drop you a pm once I've got an idea when I'll next be up your way. What's your favourite tipple? I'd like to get you something in return!

 

[john-e89]

Ed I didn’t twig you’re in Ashbourne, my workshop is in Tansley so if you want to borrow my set you’re more than welcome rather than buying one.

You're an absolute gent Jobn, thank you! I was in Matlock bath on Saturday in the M with my little boy, making the most of the nice weather! I'll drop you a pm once I've got an idea when I'll next be up your way. What's your favourite tipple? I'd like to get you something in return!

Kits here whenever you’re ready Ed.

Put any beer money in your son’s bank account instead, but many thanks for the offer.