Micarta beam bushing press fit

[trilogymac]

I bought new Micarta beam bushings from CIP1. They measure 1.785/.790 od. Thats .015 to .020 over my beam ID of 1.770/.771. Seems like an awful lot of press..

Seems to me .005 would be more in line. Thoughts? Input?

Thanks,
Bill

[VW_Jimbo]

They are not rigid. The material has a lot to give. They will press in with no issues. You definitely want them tight! Highly recommend just pressing them in, as is.

FWIW. I completed this exact task a year ago or so. You would need to read the date on the page 79.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...start=1560

Not to bad of a job!
_________________
Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[trilogymac]

VW jimbo,
That is exactly the information I was looking for. I have access to a lathe and if I knew the crush ratio, I'd bore the bushing to the correct size (oversize) before installation. I've read 65% of the OD press is what the ID will move but thats a crap shoot. You didn't take any before and after measurements on the ID's and OD's did you? Fingers crossed.

The read on page 79 was great!

Thanks
Bill

[VW_Jimbo]

[trilogymac]

An update VW Jimbo!
Bushings from CIP1
I only needed to replace the outer bushings.

Beam ID's. 1.770/.771
Micarta bushings OD 1.785 .005 out of round. Consistent size and egg
Micarta bushing ID 1.741 (would need opening up).
trailing arm OD 1.455/457

So, there was .015 press fit into the beam. I built an installation tool from allthread and hardware. I didn't want to buy a reamer but I had access to a lathe. Bored the 1st bushing.010 over my trailing arm diameter to compensate for the ID shrinkage, I didnt want to overbore. I took your advice and pressed the bushings in with the full .015 press. Almost a perfect SWAG. Installed the first bushing and it was spot on, same size as the trailing arm. I honed .003 out with a 3 stone hone and brake cleaner. Fit perfect. Bored the final 3 bushings out to 1.470, a couple of swipes with the hone and all 4 trailing arms will stand/hold in position and move with light pressure using 2 fingers. I'm thrilled with the outcome.

Thanks for the help and I hope this helps someone else.

[VW_Jimbo]

Glad that you got it! Glad my journey was of value and helped you out. That is a huge compliment! So, from me to you, THANK YOU!

Nice job man!
_________________
Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!