OEM RTA bushings won't go in...Too Soft

[citizen_insane]

I'm trying to install a set of OEM RTABs that I believe are official BMW parts and I can't for the life of me get them in. They are very soft and when I press them in with a vice they just spring back. You can see the rubber bunching up around the lead in chamfer in the picture below. Any ideas how to get these things to go in? I already tried heat and that didn't work. I wish I could fit the whole thing in my freezer, maybe then the rubber would be stiff enough not to deform.

[jeffnhiscars]

2 thoughts are that your bushing looks to be dry so you are fighting a ton of rubber to steel,friction and that a C clamp will not apply pressure square to the TA.

this is what I've done a few times and it's 60 seconds once you have it set up.

[citizen_insane]

I'm afraid to use any kind of lubrication because I don't want the bushing to rotate in the housing. The advice I saw online was typically that they should be installed dry.

[TimeMachinE30]

Just needs to be the right lubricant. Something that will dissipate.. not a jelly substance that would remain. Maybe some soap and water mix is advisable? That combo above I have seen many times before. My noted way to perform the job when my time comes.

[goarmy]

I'm afraid to use any kind of lubrication because I don't want the bushing to rotate in the housing. The advice I saw online was typically that they should be installed dry.

Actually I was recommended only water and soap as it will dry quickly and it worked for me.

[citizen_insane]

My fear was trapping water inside the tube and causing corrosion with anything water based. I thought maybe if I could get pure alcohol or something else that wouldn't react with either the metal or the rubber that would work.

[estoguy]

Use the soapy water, it'll be fine. You're being paranoid.

If you ever have to take them out, use the tool shown in the picture above. Just apply some heat using a blowtorch to the housing, then use the homemade tool. Should come out in seconds.

[luismpr]

^ what he said. Soapy water is fine. Lubricates enough and dries quickly.

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

[redlightpete]

I use WD-40. It becomes slightly tacky when it dries. Works well for bicycle grips too.

[xxlbimmer]

hair spray for both the bushings and bike grips. FTW!

[jeffnhiscars]

Actually Cable Pulling Lube is what I use'for all bushings (perfect for CABs). It dries completely, is cheap, water based no no oil or residue and is what the power company uses to pull 2/0 wires through conduit to run power. If it's safe there it should be ok for your bushings :)

I would avoid anything with an oil or solvent base.

[IRON-E]

Weird, mine went in easily, although initially I attempted to put them in already assembled (bushing).
The second attempt, was rubber pieces in first and lastly the metal center, well lubricated with the provided solution.

[Coupelx]

Actually Cable Pulling Lube is what I use'for all bushings (perfect for CABs). It dries completely, is cheap, water based no no oil or residue and is what the power company uses to pull 2/0 wires through conduit to run power. If it's safe there it should be ok for your bushings :)

I would avoid anything with an oil or solvent base.

For those who dont know what this is, it is basically industrial sized KY Jelly.

[Todd Black 88]

I use astroglide. If its safe on my girls bits, it's safe on the car

[jeffnhiscars]

I use astroglide. If its safe on my girls bits, it's safe on the car

AKA cable pulling lube :)