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derekf
06-19-2005, 11:24 AM
I'm trying to press in a set of UCA bushings, and it looks like the press is just too small for the job.

It's one of the 100 dollar Harbor Freight presses. I was able to install the first bushing for each UCA without any problems, but as soon as I put the shaft in and got ready to do the second bushing the problem became apparent:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/06/05190601-1.jpg

Now, it seems to me that I could rotate the whole UCA so that the ball joint was towards me while I was pressing, but to do that I'd need to be able to get the UCA out of the press when I was done.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/06/05190606-1.jpg

The thought that I had was to cut the (whatever the name of the part the arbors ride on) so I could take part of it off: (I'd cut at the blue line on both sides)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/06/05190602-1.jpg

and of course I'd need to replace the pins with 1/2" bolts:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/06/05190603-1.jpg

The alternatives are to go ahead and press the second bushings in and just make the cuts after I'm done (destroying the press) to get the shaft out; or to go ahead and pay someone else to press the bushings.

If I go ahead and cut the shelf-thing ahead of time and replace the pins with bolts, am I ruining the press - will it be doomed to never press straight?

Matt@RFR
06-19-2005, 11:52 AM
Can you drop the bed down far enough to get the entire A-arm in the press vertically? If so, do that, and put some heavy steel as a kind of spreader bar to keep the A-arm from collapsing.

astroracer
06-20-2005, 08:48 AM
Get a piece of round stock that will set inside the current angle iron brace. Drill two holes --O>-- through both pieces (one on either side of your "cut") so you can bolt the round stock in to hold the lower platen together after you cut the current brace. A couple of 3/8" bolts should do the trick.
Mark