Anyone here use a Bushing Splitter before?

I’m swapping out my differential mounts on the Gen Coupe. Apparently the mod itself is pretty easy but the hardest part is getting the old mounts out. In my research, I found a tool call a Bushing Splitter, which is an attachment for an air hammer. I couldn’t find any information on how to use it. I was wondering if you guys had any experience with this tool or any other tool that might get the job done.

I just don’t want to be underneath the car beating/burning/swearing/crying like I did when I redid the bushing on the RX7

Bushing Splitter:

Old Mounts :(

Looks like how you normally take those style out without a press, cut the outer metal sleeve and tension is released and they slide out. Looks like a nifty attachment that should make it a pretty easy job

Air tool bit shown is normally used to cut muffler off a pipe or used to cut sheet metal while making a crap load of noise.

How are you getting the replacement ones in? There's probably a factory service tool that installs and removes those, just like every bushing on a BMW.

Edit: Like this one.

ive used one, there a thicker version of the bit that cuts sheetmetal. most recently used one on leaf spring bushings on a 95 f150.

Too bad the fuel tank is so close to those bushings, otherwise I'd just say to kill them with fire!

If it's not a hard steel the tool dulls almost instantly and quits working. It's also got to be sharp to actually cut instead of just beating things to death.

Beware of bending what the bushing is in when using one of these. Especially if it gets dull and you start pushing hard.

Are you going to be cutting the center out of this bushing? If so, a reciprocating saw with a short blade might be a better option. So too might even be a regular drill.

Looks like fun for getting the new bushing installed. If you don't cry and swear when cutting the old bushings out, I think you will when you're installing the new ones.

In reply to foxtrapper:

I think i sawzalled mine like you mentioned now i think of it. And if op is using poly they pop right in unlike the factory press fit. At least all the ones that style ive dealt with have.

I've had good luck with a Bi-metal hole saw roughly the diameter of the rubber bushing. Stick hole saw in you're favorite high torque wrist breaker, and cut the center out of the bushing. If it's a clevite style with a metal outer sleeve, break out a chisel or sawzall to remove the remainder.

Make a tool to uninstall and install with a piece of threaded rod and some tubing and washers.

BrokenYugo wrote: Make a tool to uninstall and install with a piece of threaded rod and some tubing and washers.

Never had much luck with that method uninstalling, hence the more destructive hole saw method, however that is how I typically reinstall. Pipe flanges work pretty good for the pressing ends.

Invest in some quality all-thread or long bolts, I've ruined the threads on the cheap Home Depot all-thread a few times on the bushings that need a little more persuasion. Lube helps too, but doesn't it always?