Rear Shock Mounting Bushings Removal

[Meat]

I bought a Pivot Works bushing kit for my rear shock. It replaces the upper and lower bushings in the shock...... where the shock mounts to the linkage and the frame. The kit comes with new upper and lower bearings, seals and spacers.

 

Im having a problem removing the stock bushings from the shock. They are held in place with retaining rings, similar to piston pin clips. Bitch is, I can't get those retaining rings out of thier grooves. I tried awls, small screwdrivers, snap ring pliers dont work either. These bastards do not want come out of thier grooves.

 

I was just wondering if anyone has removed these clips and how the hell did you get em out. Any suggestions\ideas ???

 

I'll post a picture later...

 

 

thanks...

[BdBanshee]

I've done it, I think I used one of those awls that come in the Craftsman screwdriver sets. Then the spherical bearing presses right out.

[MILO]

if i remember correctly, i gently tapped a very small screwdriver behind it and popped them out. i don't recall them being that difficult. not saying you are at fault in any way, just that it wasn't too bad on mine. my 1st time removing the axle to replace bearings was a BITCH though. i remember that one vividly.

[DUNEDEMON]

I used some brake cleaner to remove all the crap, followed by some compressed air to clean the area, then applied some penetrating oil (those snap rings tend to seize in the grooves) After all of that they came right out with snap-ring pliers, used an arbor press for the bearings.