Astra H rear axle swivel bushes replace

Astra H MOT failed on rear swivel bushes

[@robbiem1961]

At 62 years old, and having NEVER enjoyed mechanic-king of any any description, whether it have been on my motorcycles or car, your video demonstrated exactly why I’m more than willing to pay these days, not a huge job, but so much easier when you have the proper tools and facilities; well done to you guys for getting it done👍

[@jabberwockytdi8901]

If you are doing this on drive . No need to remove brakes etc. Loosen 2x bolts in bushings 1st , take the hand brake cables out of all clips, remove the 2 x M6 bolts that hold the 2 x brackets for brake hose and WSS, Then remove 2x lower shock bolts from axle and lower the axle till springs can be removed. Next jack the axle back up untill the shocks can be screwed back on to the axle. Next remove 6 bolts that hold the 2 axle brackets on , with axle supported on jack. That way you can lower the front pivots of the axle to a height you can work on to remove the brackets and then tackle the bushes them selves. If you pack the axle down with timber between spare wheel well and petrol tank over axle and jack up against slightly, that helps hold the axle steady while you get the bushes out. For the bushes themselves I used a sharp knive to trim the wedge part of the rubber (assuming the metal part already fell out which they usually do ) then use cutting disc in an angle grinder to remove the ally flange of the bush. ( Mind the fuel tank etc. !!!) Then you can push the bush out using a cheap e-bay bush removing kit. To refit I made up a spacer from bent ally bar to level out the stepped face of the new bush and used a flat disc from a bearing removal kit to push the bush in with a sleeve from the bush kit on the other side to make room for the part of the new bush that protrudes through the axle.

[@R1CH130]

I’m just in the process of doing this on my Twintop. I didn’t disconnect the brake lines though. I just unbolted the calipers and left the pipes attached. Just a note for anyone doing this on a Twintop, be aware that it has extra bracing beams, which also have to be unbolted, to allow the beam to drop out from under the car. These have 3 bolts each at the front and 4 each at the rear, which are internal Torx. I removed the rear one completely but just loosened the front ones enough to allow the brace beams to drop to the floor.

[@johntaylor6741]

Changed my original bushes a good few years ago , starting to knock on one side just recently . This time I have opted for powerfex bushes . A bit more expensive but we’ll worth the money

[@TheDrivewayExperiment]

That's definitely a good idea, I went cheap with OEM but if your keeping the car worth upgrading for sure

[@bobmarleystoe]

and a harder ride unfortunatly

[@Hdjdownana]

Tried the powerflex bushes as they don't need a kit to install, but took them off as they are squeeky, and required regular greasing. Removing the bushes was hard with an SDS Hammer Chisel, the magic tool in the end was a 'chisel flathead screwdriver (hex shaft)' and a 1.5kg lump hammer, had bushing out in 10 hits. Now bought the install kit off ebay for £50 and put oem bushes in (pair was only £17)

[@tonysoprano9370]

Had mine done last year. Mobile mechanic. All I heard was bang bang bang and an hour later he was done on both sides.

[@barryburton7755]

Hi send me his number or email I have to have mine done before next mot......please

[@Jonbuildz]

Did this resolve the issue me old mucka??? I've got a similar knocking noise from the rear of my Vauxhall Combo ... replaced the shockers but didn't fix it...

[@TheDrivewayExperiment]

Yeah solid as a rock on the back now

[@Jonbuildz]

@@TheDrivewayExperiment did it sound like a clunking rocking noise before you did it? Mine are deffos knackered they look wrecked

[@TheDrivewayExperiment]

@@Jonbuildz yeah it sounded like a clunking noise it the boot

[@matthomer1224]

Doing this job at the moment. Tried to leave the axle under the car, but it's not working. Going to have to bite the bullet and pull the axle out. It's a ball ache of a job.

[@TheDrivewayExperiment]

Total ballache mate, good luck with it let me know how it goes!

[@jowastra5404]

Hello there ! How can i get a set of tools like the ones you showed in this video ?

[@TheDrivewayExperiment]

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275170090335?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=Ds5K48dERmW&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=0PI8nZ1uQjG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=WHATS_APP

[@TheDrivewayExperiment]

This is the one I used mate

[@bobmarleystoe]

remember tho you must loosen the bush as much as you can first if you dont youl put so much pressure tightening the bolts you will strip the threads on the centre bar going thru the bush.

[@MiracleMitch]

​@@bobmarleystoe I wouldn't bother using the tool for extraction, the bush comes out easily with a hammer, WD40 and a suitable screwdriver. If you're careful with the angle of the screwdriver, you'll hardly mark the hole in the beam. Better still an air hammer and chisel bit gets them out in about 2 minutes.

[@brendonelton]

The lads who did the MOT on my Astra H TT last year decided to fail it only on the rear axle bushes, usually I would do the work my self but to teach them a lesson, it cost me £200 for them to get one of their undesirables to sort it for me! bargain!

[@TheDrivewayExperiment]

Nice 😀

[@giorkar2116]

Hello sir! Can you please inform me about the dimensions ( inner diameter and total height ) for the big tool with the two screws you use at first for the extraction of the old bush and fall inside to the tool? I can't find here in Greece soon this tool and in a few days I must remove and install 2 bushes to my client car and I must make one similar tool myself. To install it I have the tools and I prefer not remove them with air hammer. Best Regards!!!

[@TheDrivewayExperiment]

Email me (in my channel decription) and I will send you everything

[@bobmarleystoe]

air chisel 2 minute job

[@Rehbraun]

Are the buddies at the car garage professionals (in your disclaimer) 😂

[@taffy789]

Good video, I'd have just removed the calipers from the axle to avoid having to bleed the brakes though

[@TheDrivewayExperiment]

That's a good shout mate would save some time afterwards

[@vonfersen2021]

The car is rusting pretty badly

[@bobmarleystoe]

air chisel 2mins put the centre bolts in backwards then u dont need to do all that next time just swivel it on its shocks simples.and theyr called trailing arm bushes.done countless of them.

[@mitchellbrown8398]

It’s not a trailing arm it’s a rear axle. Trialing arms are the thin arms on Both sides on the rear of other vehicles with the hubs connected. (Correct me if wrong I’ve know it called this)

[@koffshane1895]

How long did it take you please to replace start to finish? My mechanic charged me £250 for parts on fitting and said he priced me for 4 hours? Thank you

[@TheDrivewayExperiment]

Prob about 4hrs ish, there could be ways to trim it down, and if it can be done in situe but it is a ballache of a job getting the bushes out but could also vary from car to car