Hydraulic Press advice

[gunman]

I am considering buying a hydraulic press as I am about to undertake a full refurb of all bushes on the S2. I also have a kit car, a cabby and a Galaxy so it shouldn't be a one time use item.

My query really is if anyone can advise just what size of a one is realistically needed to press out bushings and bearings from 15 -20 year old cars? Options are 6, 10, 12 and 20 ton really. My dealings with bushings to date has involved a 3lb hammer, some sockets, threaded rod and the odd time an air chisel (which last time involved me buying a replacement subframe ).

I'd quite like to make life easier if I could but dont want to spend a couple of hundred quid on a small cheap press that is neither use nor ornament.

Cheers

[mcandmar]

Any will do for bushings as i always done them using large sockets in the vice. Wheel bearings will need the full 20ton, had one of them at its limit before trying to press an old bearing out.

[caterpillar]

have to press about 10,5 tonn to take out the beareings in the rear end of a audi 200...! 20 tonn will do the job...( have a old 25tonner in my garage)

[Mikes2]

I've got a 12 ton press and it does get borderline on wheel bearings some times.

I've not used it for bushes - I use the 10mm threaded bolt through the middle with washers / nuts and spacers.

I'd recommend a floor standing press rather than the bench mounted type

[Boghopper]

I have a 20 ton at work and its great. Always done the job, however like others have said, been close on a few wheel bearings.

IMO don't get an upturned bottle jack version, spend a bit more and get a proper ram.


Pete

[gunman]

I have a 20 ton at work and its great. Always done the job, however like others have said, been close on a few wheel bearings.

IMO don't get an upturned bottle jack version, spend a bit more and get a proper ram.


Pete

Is that because of how well they perform?

This could be the usual case where I start looking at a cheapish bit of kit and then 'sure, spend a bit more' a few times and end up with an expensive, professional bit of kit that wont get used often enough to justify ita existance. I'm looking around the £200 mark, if ones at that price wont do the job I'll stick with my 3lb hammer.

[denniselbows]

Well I bought a clarke 10 ton bench press from machine mart it cost a little over £200 and it has replaced all my wish bone bushes and 2 front wheel bearings . One wheel bearing pushed out with ease the other one I ended up having to put 2 runs of weld to shrink the outer race of the bearing so I could press it out . For bushes it does just fine, wheel bearings might be pot luck but chances is you could have a 30 ton press and still struggle with a solid wheel bearing .

[TimE-J]

I've got a 10 ton floor standing press and it handles wheel bearings quite well. My press was a reconditioned unit and was about £120 posted in the end. Keep an eye out on ebay for them as they do pop up from time to time!

[TimE-J]

Link.... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200678195656#ht_2457wt_1270

[gunman]

Thanks guys, problem with ebay is posting to n Ireland. There's a 12 ton one for sale local to me for 200 (cost 380 a few months ago) its not the jack type or I can get a 10 ton new for 160.