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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.
Was able to successfully press the bushing in and take it for a test drive. All feels well and I'm not getting a clunk when shifting. Mine wasn't completely shot just yet but after getting the cross member off, I'm glad I replaced it. @Justinh I got an OEM bushing from Amazon for $17 back in September.
It was definitely a pain not having a press and I would for sure recommend getting it pressed in at a shop if I had the choice. Having said that, I was able to press it in using the ball joint press so just saying it's possible to do without a press AND by yourself. I spent 20 minutes trying to figure out exactly which combination of attachments to use and this is what worked best for me:
ball joint press attachments and setup
There came a point though where I was not able to continue pressing the bushing in using my hands to crank the breaker bar. I even had my wife stand on the end of the cross member but it wasn't enough to keep it from moving. This is what worked for me **do this at your own risk!**
Ridiculous, I know. But I felt like there was still some left to go in so I used my foot to push the breaker bar and press it in the rest of the way. Most definitely would not suggest going this route but I didn't have much of a choice at that point. Legs are already sore, too. It was a 3/8" ratcheting breaker bar from Harbor Freight and I ended up snapping the piece around the left/right adjuster on the last push. Here's the final result before getting everything installed again:
Thanks to all who made suggestions and good luck to the next guy that goes at it without a press. Just don't forget to grease it well before you start and get the ball joint press from the beginning. Would have saved a ton of time.
KU1525 - congrats on getting it sorted, I know having a 1/2 done job lying around is frustrating. After seeing the photo of your balancing act, I'm glad I found a press!
Justinh - I too found on Amazon a $17 replacement bushing GM p/n GM 15773961 / 25872770 seller was 3mirrors, package had no marking or mfg info, but I had no issues with it.
Just curious what kind of grease you used. If it was silicone base great.....if it was petroleum base I don't think that plays well with rubber.
Luckily had a small tube of silicone grease left over from a previous project. Thanks for bringing that up, though! Also curious to hear if anyone has experience or recommends poly bushings instead of the OEM rubber. Saw the Badland Industries video where he installed his poly bushing in the cross member and it looked much easier. He's selling his set for $135 currently.
I bought the Badlands, (I think it was Badlands ),crossmember with the poly bushing installed 6 years ago and it's been problem free. It was trade in where I sent them my crossmember in exchange for a new crossmember with the bushing already installed.
Edit: Just checked...it was 'Scorpworks' not Badlands.
Last edited by Broken Halo; Mar 14, 2023 at 09:40 AM.
NMH3 So you used a ball joint press like shown above?
Did ya'll get your bushing off of e-bay or Amazon for the typical result for 25872770? Prices are all over the place.
yeah, standard ball joint press with a 1/2” breaker bar. Held the cross member in my bench vice. No name bushing off Amazon. No balancing act required. :-)
There came a point though where I was not able to continue pressing the bushing in using my hands to crank the breaker bar. I even had my wife stand on the end of the cross member but it wasn't enough to keep it from moving. This is what worked for me **do this at your own risk!**
Someone needs to buy a WILTON.
$ is worth not having an ER visit. Luck this time is not luck next time.
Yeah, I need a Wilton also. But then I'd have to buy a real workbench. But then there wouldn't be room for a vehicle.
@KU1525 You said OEM bushing, and that is why I asked, because AFAIK, GM/AC-Delco doesn't sell just the bushing. Maybe you are saying OEM-style bushing? And great job - you are always an inspiration!
Since the bushing outer shell is metal, petroleum grease should be okay.
I'm considering the Badlands Industries or the Outfitter Designs (out-of-stock with no ETA) kit. OD says it is important (when using their kit) to replace all three axle bushings at the same time because all the mounting points need the same material characteristics.
Indeed, this is a good thread, and I appreciate all the info shared.
NO OEM BUSHINGS! Remove/Install with bj press & 1/2" long breaker bar/pipe extension on the handle, or to make it easy (no vise/balancing act needed) use a high torque 1/2" impact wrench!
),crossmember with the poly bushing installed 6 years ago and it's been problem free. It was trade in where I sent them my crossmember in exchange for a new crossmember with the bushing already installed.
