When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hummer H3For the Hummer driver who wants the rugged look and off road capabilities of the Hummer, but in a smaller size and with a more fuel economy friendly engine.
Hi Guys!
Next on my list of things to do is replace the Front Diff bushings, especially the middle one which is totally shot and occasionally I hear pretty loud clunks when shifting -the ones on the side seem to be holding from the pics I took -see them below and let me know what you guys think of them.
I've seen a couple videos to replace the middle one by removing the bar and supporting the Front Diff while all gets done. I looked for these since two mechanics I asked about the job tell me they would need to remove the axle to do replace the bushings, but it seems there's no need for it if needing to replace the middle one, unless axle actually needs to be worked on, let me know if I'm on the right track.
Perhaps the most complicated thing would be getting original bushings -either the set of 3 or just the middle one, but I should leave that to the mechanic I'll assign the job to, but if any of you have any info where to get the original ones or which brands to avoid, it'll be greatly appreciated since I see many options and some look very sketchy.
So the answers I seek are:
1.- Is it necessary to remove the axles if I only need to replace the middle bushing?
2.- How about if needing to replace the side bushings?
3.- Where to get original bushings?
4.- Any brands to avoid?
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
--- MIDDLE FRONT DIFF BUSHING.
--- PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DIFF BUSHING.
--- DRIVER SIDE FRONT DIFF BUSHING.
Why pay people to do simple work? Old vehicles are not usually a good idea unless you can wrench yourself.
Mechanics are a dime a dozen, most of them are near inept, some are average parts slingers, and a handful actually take pride in their work and do thing right without selling you un-needed service or parts. Find the latter, skip the rest. I would never walk into the repair shop and say "what do you think". That is translated in Mechanic speak to: I have a wallet full of cabbage, would you like to peel out some pictures of dead Presidents or Uncle Bens to do a bunch of chit I got no idea whether I need or not... Their thought is: this guy is letting me write my own check so it'll be a big one.
The half shafts do not need to be removed to replace the center diff bushing. If the center is toast, the outside bushings are or have been taking a beating.
Why pay people to do simple work? Old vehicles are not usually a good idea unless you can wrench yourself.
Mechanics are a dime a dozen, most of them are near inept, some are average parts slingers, and a handful actually take pride in their work and do thing right without selling you un-needed service or parts. Find the latter, skip the rest. I would never walk into the repair shop and say "what do you think". That is translated in Mechanic speak to: I have a wallet full of cabbage, would you like to peel out some pictures of dead Presidents or Uncle Bens to do a bunch of chit I got no idea whether I need or not... Their thought is: this guy is letting me write my own check so it'll be a big one.
The half shafts do not need to be removed to replace the center diff bushing. If the center is toast, the outside bushings are or have been taking a beating.
Understood; what about brand of bushings to avoid or it don't actually matter -your point of view on that? Thanks.
The only thing you need to remove to replace the bushing is the skid plates and the diff support cross member - 4 bolts for the cross member. Support the front diff when the cross member is out. I did this in my garage without even having to jack the truck.
Removing the old bushing can be a chore but takes no special skills - I pounded mine out with a cold chisel and a 4 lb sledge. I used a ball joint press to press in the new one. Take a picture of the orientation of the old bushing before you remove it so you can put the new one in the same way. I stack some washers in the gap between the inner and outer bushing sleeves when I press it in so the bushing rubber doesn’t have take all the force of the press.
$17 for a bushing and a few hours of my time vs $$$? with a mechanic. How much is your time worth?
For the end bushings (which are discontinued by GM), most aftermarket vendors/mfgrs will say to remove the half shafts and/or the entire axle. I don't see why either is a necessity; this guy did it on the vehicle (but he has a suspension lift that might make it easier)
Happy to report that front center front Diff bushing has been replaced and situation resolved -WHAT A DIFFERENCE! no more thumping or clanking when shifting; did not replace the side bushings though, both seem to be holding up just fine.
After a week, I still hear an occasional clank when slowly turning or going over a bump, so will have to take a closer look at all other bushings, mounts, and overall suspension to determine where it may be coming from, but definitely a great difference after replacing that center diff bushing.
.:: The Front Diff Bushings Situation::..
