simon2781

Evening, classic story, bought a lemon! Ive been a fiesta owner for 4 years, then it died, engine started knocking really loudly, so bought another fiesta, didnt realise it only had 3 weeks MOT left, I'm an idiot, anyway, needs new rear pivot joints (bushes), my question is.... Is it worth doing yourself? What kind of problems can I run in to? Apparently, you jack up the rear, axel stand it, then take off rear wheels and then lower/raise the rear axel with a jack until its easy to pop out the rear bushes, but that seems way too easy!!

So I'm after any advice that can be offered etc.
Many thanks in advance.

STeve

iTrader: (11)

these are ultra common but as real pig to do, my mate who owns a large mechanical workshop did mine and said it was a terrible job to do even with the correct bush pulling tool and one side even broke his snap on tool which he was crying about, can be done DIY but dont expect it to be easy as a club hammer and a chissel will be needed big time

simon2781

Thank you for the reply, I used the cold chisel and hammer to prize it out! Oh my goodness it took near on 2 1/2 hours to get both sides out, then I tried to put in the new bushes!! That's even harder than getting them out!! I had to give up today, arms are hurting so much from all the hammering! I am trying to borrow a tool to put the new bushes in, but I'm not holding much hope.

daisydad

Gotta do these on mine too I see the poly bushes come in 2halfs I know cost more but hoping there easier to fit.

simon2781

I can only wish you luck!! So with hammer and chisel it took 4 1/2 hours to remove both sides, and then after asking around loads I was able to borrow a bush removing and inserting tool which took me an hour to get in both sides, still hard work, had to use the 2 spanner trick for extra leverage! Still, after all the hassle, I've saved at least £200 in garage labour costs

STeve

iTrader: (11)

told you they were a bad job, but when refitting with poly bushes the installation is a doddle which is the only plus side to this job

simon2781

Dude I didnt realize how hard it would be! im sure with an air impact gun it wouldve been easier hehe.

Just the welding to get done now and it should sail thru MOT I do love being able to save on garage fees.

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

I did the bushes on my puma over a year ago and the nsr bush is worn and knocking. I did it on a ramp at work and only took me a few hours.

STeve

iTrader: (11)

its a frustrating job as it should takes minutes but ends up taking hours

simon2781

I can imagine that with an air impact gun it could be as little as 20mins a side with little effort. Its a job I'm not looking forward to ever again tho haha.

Its a really enjoyable feeling fixing your own car. Might think about other things like swapping to a performance air filter etc, but better check insurance first as I can imagine it ramping up the price.

STeve

iTrader: (11)

better off with a decent panel filter as most cones offer no improovements and if anything make your car burn more fuel for no gain and then you dont need to inform insurance

simon2781

oh is that right? so people normally fit a performance air filter for cosmetic enhancement? glad you said that, thanks!

STeve

iTrader: (11)

noise and cosmetics mate, 80% of them draw in heat which makes car run worse too, on performance cars like cosworths and turbos etc look where the filter is mounted right at front of engine bay far away from engine for maximum cold air intake, these silly little ducting pipes without vent holes etc do sod all

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

I fitted a cone filter to my puma and it feels more responsive. I made sure I had a good cold air feed going to it.

Wardy ZS

Easiest way to remove the bushes is burn them out.

Then use a hacksaw to cut the sleeves. 10 min job once the beam is off.