How to Grease a Seized Spring Bushing

Most likely you can release a seized bushing using grease.

It’s the inaccessibility of most spring bushings that make the job of greasing them difficult; once you get access, it’s often possible to get grease into a seized bushing and therefore release it. However, there is a chance that the bushing has been damaged, due to it seizing, and although you can grease it, once it’s released you may find that it needs to be replaced. It is nonetheless best to give greasing a go first.

Things You'll Need

• Wire brush
• Cloth
• Grease gun

Instructions

1. Remove the accumulated dirt from around the seized spring bushing, using a wire brush. Wipe the bushing with a cloth.

2. Put the end of a grease gun on the seized spring bushing and squeeze the trigger, so that it forces grease out of the nozzle and into the bushing. If the bushing has grease nipples, remove the cover, using your hands, and put the grease gun nozzle onto the nipple and squeeze the trigger.

3. Repeat the process around different parts of the bushing. This ensures the best chance for the grease to penetrate the bushing.

4. Drive the vehicle around for a while. This gives the grease the opportunity to get inside the bushing and lubricate it. After a while, the grease will do its job, and the spring bushing will release. If you hear a knocking noise, it means that the seized bushing has been released; unfortunately, it will need to be replaced.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t give up if the seized bushing doesn’t release after the first attempt at the process. Repeat the process, as sometimes it can take a couple of attempts to get the job done.

• You may need to access the underneath of the vehicle to grease the bushing, so ensure that the vehicle is properly supported on jack stands.

References

• The Midget and Sprite Club: Components
• Oily Hands: Suspension Bush Repairs