Apex Ski Bolt Bushings

[02ViperMody44]

Any suggestions as to how to easily change the bushings for the ski bolts on an Apex. There are two bushings per spindle and I can't get anything on them(screwdriver, punch or a socket) to knock them out of the hole as they are so thin. Just looking for a little advice in this area or real world experience. Just shy of 8000 miles and noticed quite a bit of slop in there. Was thinking of maybe trying to nick them with a jig saw/sawz-all blade in a vice grip to hopefully be able to bend them up and out.
Soooo, OK hit me with what you got.
Thanks again
Rick

 

[Macheater]

I just changed mine a few weeks ago. Used a old tapered socket that the small part of the taper fits inside the bushing and the large part of the taper was about the same size as the bore of the spindle. Also used an old socket extension as something to hit the hammer against. Use a steel hammer to get that initial "shock" to break the bushing loose. Then they come out fairly easily. Used a rubber mallet to install the new bushings. The biggest challenge is finding just the right socket size. Once you do the rest is easy.

 

[Winderallday!]

I just replaced mine, and used a square ended punch/drift from the back side (through the hole to strike the inside of the bushing).
My new ones I then noticed were split bushings, so you should be able to pry underneath the split to peel the old ones out with a chisel or sharp screwdriver.

 

[RTX]

You can normally knock them out with almost anything with a sharp/square edge on it.
I have used a punch or even a screwdriver to remove them.
I had one stuck once and used an easyout to turn it and break it free then just tapped it out with a hammer and screwdriver.
It is a split bushing.
If you can find the split/seam tap a thin screw driver under 1 edge and it will pop right out.
You have to destroy them to remove them so just do what it takes

 

[02ViperMody44]

Ok, thanks I will get a different punch and have at it again.
Thanks for the replies....
Rick