Use a 3/8" drill bit and drill around the perimeter of the bushing into
the rubber clear through. It will eat the rubber away and then just push
through. I did mine that way and it took about 15-20 minutes per bushing.
    Those bushings are tough and pressing them out is a bitch.

                   Good luck.

                             Stacy

On Wed, Oct 7, 2015 at 5:53 PM, ronald ourada <ronourada@gmail.com> wrote:

> Since I need to repair the perch plates on the trailing arms of my 1985
> Vanagon, I thought I'd replace shocks and bushings also, since they are the
> originals. I did get the trailing arms off, and since a couple bolts of the
> bushings had to be sawed off, replacing the bushings seems  a necessity
> now.
> My plan was to use an hydraulic press which I have to press out the
> bushings. But the shape of the trailing arm does not lend itself to being
> set up in the press. Bentley shows a threaded bolt and various special VW
> tools to remove and replace the bushings. The photos shown make it look
> easy, but I don't have those tools and my van is 30 years old with lots of
> rust welds.
>
>
>
> I have read on this list about others replacing the bushings. How have you
> folks done the pressing out and pressing in. Any secrets or good tricks or
> alternative methods would sure be welcome. What ultimately worked?
>
>
>
> I also would be interested in any recommendations on which new bushings you
> would suggest.
>
>
>
> Thank you
>
> Ron O.
>

--
   1989 Swedish Tristar with Aluminum gates and Atiwe 16" Wheels.
    Oldest son is an Eagle scout.