So, how does one remove and then reinstall the rubber bushing from the supporting mount? I have a press, but I'm scratching my head about how best to tackle this. Can't seem to find any relevant threads on this topic...

Well, my teenage daughter figured out that the new bushings split apart. So that's at least a clue. But need to figger' out best way to get old out.

Press. Made short work out of the original bushing. Pressed down from the top and it eventually shot out of there. The original bushing is one solid piece of rubber.

Geez, where is everybody. Must be an event going on somewhere... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Good morning BeatNavy, Yup your press did the job....I cut the top rubber off then popped it out. And you daughter is correct, new ones come in two parts. Congrats. Best, Mark

Any pics?

Why yes, I'm glad you asked. Allow me to share: Arrived in package from some very reputable vendor.


Comparison of old and new. The new one does not have the cup for (or formed from) the strut lock washer:


After pressing out the old, the new ones were easily installed as they are actually two pieces and fit very nicely. A press helps, but removal and installation could probably be done with a vice.
After cleaning up the mounts a bit, they look like so:


These came off my project car. I have not installed yet on my daily driver, as I am pretty sure the suspension geometry is going to change as a result of installing these.
Last weekend I installed turbo tie rods, and so an alignment is in order anyway. May be a good time to road test these then. I did fit them over my old struts, and they do fit like a glove (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

Hi...are those from 914 Rubber?
I don't see them on the website.
Thanks.

I believe these are in pre-production. The yellow ones you see here are a prototype, but they will be black.

Before I let cat out of proverbial bag any further or say something that's not correct, I'll defer to Mark when he has a chance.

Yes these are our pre production ones. Matt fitted on his car, but because they were yellow didn't leave on. These are polygraphite and the only material i could get to do a trial run quickly was yellow. Decided to sent the other set out to solicit some response. And double check part.
These are a part that many people need and we will be able to provide to the market at a very reasonable price. Most cars do need these, but they can be a pain to replace, until now.

As far as design, we basically split the bushing and made a very tight tolerance for between the parts. It will function as one once assembled.

The polygraphite was another way for us to up the density of the part while maintaining the qualities desired form the rubber. These should produce a notable improvement over the old ones.

OK thanks!! I'll stand by until they are ready to go...

I'm ready to buy em!
Please post a note when they are ready for shipment?
David

Oh, and for those who don't have a press (and I'm going Dr. Evil here), burn em out?

Go to someone who has one. Takes 2 minutes.

A vice MIGHT work, but you'd probably need a cheater bar. With the press it was out PDQ and with some velocity, too.

Mark, I actually like the yellow. Kind of makes the suspension, you know, "pop." (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Large bench vide and a socket can work, if you are really ghetto you can drill the rubber out around the center sleeve and tap it through with a hammer, it will pop out....not that I ever had to do it once this way .... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sunglasses.gif)

Torch does the trick, just make sure you do it when your neighbors are out back grilling - burned rubber always trumps a grilling steak (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Another way of getting them out is using soap and a big screw driver. The screw driver is pushed in between the rubber and the metal and used to lever the rubber out. The press is a much better idea, and for those without a press the assembly will fit in a vise in lieu of the press.

I’m ready to buy the kit. Front and back. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Actually will need a couple kits. Thanks!

I bought the polygraphite upper strut mounts from another vendor last week before I knew 914 rubber was offering them.

Inner half seems to seat completely; outer (top) half doesn't completely seat up against the steel cup. I wonder if it's supposed to be this way? There is about 3-4mm of space between the mount and the steel cup.

are you getting complete seating of this mount from 914 rubber?