QUICK
AND EASY ENGINE BUSHING REPLACEMENT
by Jay Fichialos
This is one of those jobs where having the right tool makes all
the difference. So if you don't have a pivot bushing replacement
tool get one from a friend or, for members of LCUSA, borrow one
from the club exchange.

First things first, how do you know your engine bushings need replacement?
Two factors generally lead to replacement, first dry rot cracking
in the rubber, as the rubber ages it becomes brittle and provides
less and less shock absorption. The second factor the leads to the
bushing needing to be replaced is when the rubber is pinched or
fails at the top allowing the engine to pitch abnormally to one
side. Both of these problems are the result of age and its effect
on the exposed rubber. Luckily the remedy is an easy 45-60 minute
job.
If
the engine is still in the bike you'll need to remove the rear floorboards
(although the job could probably be done with the floorboards on,
I think it opens up a bit more room to work). Next remove the engine
pivot bolt allowing
the engine to swing down, it's a tight fit but the work can be done
from this point. If the engine is out of the frame your all set,
in either case at this point your ready to begin removing the old
bushings, first attach the outer sleeve over the bushing, run the
bolt through the center and on the inside attach the smaller cylinder
drift that matches the inner diameter of the bushing. With a wrench
and/or ratchet on both sides draw the old bushing out.
Your
a quarter of the way done and probably 10 minutes into the job.
Now take your new bushing and align it to the engine bracket. You
want to make sure the first hole in the rubber of the bushing is
at three o'clock or just below and the other holes follow counter
clockwise, this is very important if you want the engine to ride
correctly and avoid transmitting vibration to the frame. When you
have the holes lined up correctly
you want to press the bushing in the hole straight so that as you
begin to pull the bushing into place it's not at a angle straining
the pivot arm and potentially damaging it. Once everything is in
place and lined up, attach the large drift to the outside of the
bushing and the dished drift to the inside, thread with the bolt
and draw the new bushing into place.
Repeat
the procedure on the other side and the job is done. Reattach the
engine to the frame and your ready to go. The new bushings should
last another 20-30 years of use. Many thanks to MB Developments
for the tools. ◊◊◊ |
|