How to safely change crank bushes
Posted: Sun May 30, 2010 7:44 pm
After some shocking and horrific stories of crank bushes being cut-out, hacked, chipped and what not I am going to reveal what seems to be the secret to removing/replacing these (and other similarly fitted) bushes.
1. make sure you have suffient access to where the bush is located.
2. make sure the area in front of the bush is clean.
3. fill the area behind the bush and 2/3 of the bush with grease. (preferably a nice thick one like CV joint grease and obviously the backend has to be closed off.)
4. Find a shaft that slips nicely into the bushing (as little clearance as possible is a must)
5. Gently tap the back of the shaft with a rubber mallet/hammer.
6. the pneumatic force of the grease behind the bush will gently push out the bush from where it sits.
7. Once removed clean the inside of the crank (or other) and fit the new bush. REMEMBER these bushes are made of oilite which should be oil/grease filled. This is done as follows:
1. make sure you have suffient access to where the bush is located.
2. make sure the area in front of the bush is clean.
3. fill the area behind the bush and 2/3 of the bush with grease. (preferably a nice thick one like CV joint grease and obviously the backend has to be closed off.)
4. Find a shaft that slips nicely into the bushing (as little clearance as possible is a must)
5. Gently tap the back of the shaft with a rubber mallet/hammer.
6. the pneumatic force of the grease behind the bush will gently push out the bush from where it sits.
7. Once removed clean the inside of the crank (or other) and fit the new bush. REMEMBER these bushes are made of oilite which should be oil/grease filled. This is done as follows: