Can Someone Explain To Me How To Replace The A-arm Bushings?

[user3657]

just one of the a-arm bushings is bad. so i am going to try and replace it myself. too me, it looks like u just remove the bolt, and stick the new bushings in place then stick the bolt back in. nothing is that easy........so....how do i replace it? am i going to have to take the whole a-arm off?? etc. etc.........



p.s....its ok to still ride right? you can move the arm back and forth a tony bit(im guessing here but you couldnt even stick a finger nail in it).....

[rpyfz450]

Usually you replace them in sets because they get worn together. I've replaced bushings on Yamahas and Suzukis and it looks like they're the same on the Predator. Pull out the old ones and install the new ones.

Bushings can be a little tough to get in and out, so don't be surprised if you need a hammer and a flat punch to remove them. When you install new bushings, lube them up a little bit and carefully press them in with a C-clamp. Don't hammer on your new bushings unless you're lightly tapping them. If they're real difficult to install, put them in the freezer so they contract a little bit.

A diagram of the Predator doesn't show any seals, so all you'll have to replace are the bushings. There's also little sleeves in there, but you won't have to replace them.

Look for an aftermarket company like "Pivotworks" to sell all 16 bushings significantly cheaper than OEM.

Some companies offer bearings to replace the bushings. I suspect bearings will need a lot more maintenance to prevent them from rusting and I would just use bushings.

[user3657]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rpyfz450 @ Aug 4 2006, 02:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Usually you replace them in sets because they get worn together. I've replaced bushings on Yamahas and Suzukis and it looks like they're the same on the Predator. Pull out the old ones and install the new ones.

Bushings can be a little tough to get in and out, so don't be surprised if you need a hammer and a flat punch to remove them. When you install new bushings, lube them up a little bit and carefully press them in with a C-clamp. Don't hammer on your new bushings unless you're lightly tapping them. If they're real difficult to install, put them in the freezer so they contract a little bit.

A diagram of the Predator doesn't show any seals, so all you'll have to replace are the bushings. There's also little sleeves in there, but you won't have to replace them.

Look for an aftermarket company like "Pivotworks" to sell all 16 bushings significantly cheaper than OEM.

Some companies offer bearings to replace the bushings. I suspect bearings will need a lot more maintenance to prevent them from rusting and I would just use bushings.[/b]

thanks, i know it makes sense to replace all of them, but really this is the only one that has any kind of play in it. it is only a year old. should i still replace all of them?

[superchicken]

well,if it were me,I would at least replace the two on the arm that is know to be bad...your gonna have it off anyway,and most likely the second one is starting to go south also..

[user3657]

thx.....i will replace the pair then...........

[ridnwarrior]

Just a question for you to ponder...........why would only one go bad?
Usually it is a set that wears. Maybe it wasn't done right at the factory or it is a bad design.
Just wondering............