Do I need any special tools to replace suspension bushings?

Now that I finally have non-flooding car (touch wood) moving to the next item... replacing as many of the rubber bushings in the suspension as I can. Have gone through the Haynes manual and the FSM and looks like I can do it with regular tools, but don't want to find out the hard way that I need a small shaped explosive charge to remove one of the bushings and that I am stuck with a car in pieces. I borrow a lift and need to be in and out in one day. Here is what I am replacing, with their Energy Suspension part numbers. Not touching the steering or suspension arms at this time. Avoiding the rubber v poly rabbit hole, but drag me into it if important.

Front sway bar end links 9.8123_front
Front sway bar bushings 11.5101
Front strut rod bushings 11.7101
Rear Watts link set 11.7102
Rear sway bar end links 9.8123_rear
Rear sway bar bushings 11.5106

Existing components are all original to the car (81 FB base model) with no modifications. Street car, gentle driving, no racing.


Thanks!

 

Did you consider replacement of watts link(s), bracket and upper and lower links with all new Mazda OEM?

I didn't want to get into the job of trying to press/burn/explode the old bushings out of the hardware so went to dealership and got all new OEM assemblies.

Also if downtime is an issue be careful with all of the fasteners! If you can, get under there and spray everything you will touch with a penetrant. I see you're from California and assume everything isn't all rusted, but some of these fasteners can still be seized on.

Edit: I would look at also replacing the link bushings on the rear lower control arms. I believe you will have to remove the lower control arms anyway to gain access to the watts.

!! And make sure you final torque all the fasteners with the suspension at its 'operating ride height'. This is very important apparently. And don't forget to get an alignment once you replace the tension rod bushings.

Its funny, the Mighty Car Mods guys have a good segment on exactly wht you're planning too. Check out the 15min mark. They make bushing removal look easy! With a press...

 

Yup, California car but will still pre-soak bolts just in case. Thanks for the tip. Good video link, always reassuring to see someone actually doing the task you are researching... although I need to avoid the ‘while we are here’ hole they fell into with the rust and paint as don’t have the extended lift time.

For now going to hit the bushings that can be done without removing too much other stuff. Once I have gained confidence will pick the more involved bushings that require tools or significant disassembly, and hit them one by one.