Removing Micarta bushings from the front beam

[jbannon]

I was hoping someone could provide some sage advice (including tools) on removing the inner and outer micarta bushings from my front beam. The old bushings will be replaced, so there is no need to save them given how worn out they are. Thanks!
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59 Beetle - Diamond Grey
58 Beetle ragtop - Glacier Blue
58 Beetle ragtop - Black
56 Beetle - Stratos Silver
62 Beetle - Turkis
67 Beetle - Savannah Beige

[jbannon]

No takers?
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59 Beetle - Diamond Grey
58 Beetle ragtop - Glacier Blue
58 Beetle ragtop - Black
56 Beetle - Stratos Silver
62 Beetle - Turkis
67 Beetle - Savannah Beige

[mkhanshaw]

I have never done it myself but if they are hardened, could you air-chisel them out?

There are a few videos on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=remove+bushings+from+front+beam+vw+bug
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54 Oval

[splitjunkie]

Of those videos, only this series of three shows the process for removal. Pretty easy to make the puller from some bar steel and althread.


Link



This one shows how to ream the bushings, but doesn't give much detail about the reamer itself.




Link

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Chris

You know, a lot of these scratches will buff right out... Jerry Seinfeld

[jbannon]

Thanks for the feedback and comments. All very useful.
_________________
59 Beetle - Diamond Grey
58 Beetle ragtop - Glacier Blue
58 Beetle ragtop - Black
56 Beetle - Stratos Silver
62 Beetle - Turkis
67 Beetle - Savannah Beige

[hsosa1]

you can buy the smaller bearing puller tool from amazon . I think its 20bucks
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Just Cruzin Sur Califas VW Car Club est♤1998

[jbannon]

Can you provide the link for the smaller bearing puller? Thanks.
_________________
59 Beetle - Diamond Grey
58 Beetle ragtop - Glacier Blue
58 Beetle ragtop - Black
56 Beetle - Stratos Silver
62 Beetle - Turkis
67 Beetle - Savannah Beige

[VW_Jimbo]

You need a slide hammer and a large washer from Home Depot. You grind the sides off of the washer, around 1/4” each side, directly opposite of one another. Assemble the washer loose on the end of the slide hammer. Catch the washer on the back edge of the bushing and get it to lay flat against the back of the bushing. Then slide the hammer a few times. It pops out with very little force!
Not hard to do and not expensive. The slide hammer kits are around $60 off of Amazon. The washer is about a buck at HD.
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Jimbo

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

[Zwitterkafer]

Also remove the grease fittings first since the bushings can catch on them.
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"Criticism comes easier than Craftsmanship"
- Zeuxius, 400 BC

[jbannon]

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated!
_________________
59 Beetle - Diamond Grey
58 Beetle ragtop - Glacier Blue
58 Beetle ragtop - Black
56 Beetle - Stratos Silver
62 Beetle - Turkis
67 Beetle - Savannah Beige

[heimlich]

Are you referring to these?

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[jbannon]

Yes. That’s what I am referring too.
_________________
59 Beetle - Diamond Grey
58 Beetle ragtop - Glacier Blue
58 Beetle ragtop - Black
56 Beetle - Stratos Silver
62 Beetle - Turkis
67 Beetle - Savannah Beige

[heimlich]

They should break very easily. I've seen people use taps in other places to get right inside the bushing then pull the tap out. That would be an expensive tap. I like the above post about a bearing puller. I've used something similar on pulling the bushing out from a pedal assembly. I think it's called a blind hole bearing puller.
_________________
www.vwnos.com [email protected]
Classic Brands. Classic Quality.
Not all parts are made the same. NOS OE/OEM parts made mainly in West Germany, Early Germany, and Early Brazil are where VW produced the best quality parts and best fitting products.
5% Off your order with coupon code: 5%OFF
Restored Distributors Available (<--Click here)

[jbannon]

For those that are interested, the company Cagero based in Switzerland sells a tool for removing the bushings. CSP in Germany sells it as well. It’s pricey but may be easier for some folks to use.

https://www.csp-shop.com/en/tools/pulling-tool-nee...2025e.html

https://www.csp-shop.com/en/tools/tools/suspension-wheels-brakes/
_________________
59 Beetle - Diamond Grey
58 Beetle ragtop - Glacier Blue
58 Beetle ragtop - Black
56 Beetle - Stratos Silver
62 Beetle - Turkis
67 Beetle - Savannah Beige

[jason]

You can do what jimbo says. I've done that way a few times. I use a socket over the end and a long bolt. Cheaper than a slide hammer. You can also use one of the torsion springs to tap it out from the other side.

[Robert Chambers]

I made my own puller using a long threaded rod, nuts and appropriate size washers. Simply push the washers in on an angle past the bushing and they will flatten to the bushing. Tap it out using pliers and hammer or use a slide hammer puller. Pull one at a time.
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