Having hard time installing pilot bushing, anyone have any tips? Everytime I go to tap them in with a soft sided hammer, they go in at an angle and get stuck. I've ruined 2 autozone pieces of sh#t already, will buying one from a stealership be of better quality and easier to install? I never knew this would be such a hassle!

 

YOU have to use a piece of wood or something that will fit around the bushing then tap it

 

First off you may want to dress up the hole a little with a die grinder or dremel tool. If you've jammed two already you probably got a ridge or a rough spot. Second the right tool make a world of difference, get a bearing installation set or at least a long brass punch.

 

I bought a gm one, it looks different then the autozone ones, and I'll be tapping it with a wood piece between. I hope this works!

 

I didn't know they had a tool for that, do you know where I can find one?

 

you could try a seal install tool. its basically a handle with different sized disc ends. You place it on squarely and smack the handle w/a hammer. You should need one for a pilot bushing/bearing. Must have other issues. as mentioned, dress the edges with a file or something and try again. Can try lubing it

 

These guys have everything: http://www.snapon.com/ Oh, and these are arguably the BEST tools in the world.
Most other pro-tool companies do also, i.e. MATCO, Sears, etc.

 

Can I rent one from autozone or something? I remember how much of a pain it was to install last time, I used a socket.

How do I get the old one out? I know I fill the cavity behind it with grease. Do I use a socket small enough to fit inside and pound?

 

I've heard of people having trouble taking them out, their a pain, but putting one in? Take a socket of the same size, have it facing the bearing and hit it with a hammer.

 

The grease method was commonly used by us old timers. You hand fill the area behind the bushing with grease. As mush as possible with as little air as possible. You then find a punch, steel rod, dowl, or what ever that just barely fits though the bushing, and smack the bejesus out of it with a 3 or 5 lb. hammer.

 

Wet toilet paper worked great also. I could never get the grease method to work becasue I didn't have something the exact size of the hole. Wet toilet paper + socket extension = never fails

 

Got it, with a piece of wood and a sledge hammer, it worked fine. Last time I used a socket and it bent it, so I had to take it out and try again! Oh well, at least it's done

 

Don't ever break out a digrinder on a hole that a bushing goes in. Get a round file and get rid of any burs. Then get a socket and extension the right size. You should never have to beat a bearing in that hard and if you are something is wrong. Even with large bearing you never hit them that hard and if you are you are missing -heat-. Get a light and take a look at what is going on....put down the hammer it is only a piolet bearing. Good Luck!